What is a teaching initiative?
To be eligible for a TIP grant, your initiative must be a new idea, program and/or method of teaching that supports enhanced student learning outcomes.
Your initiative must fall under one of the following categories:
 | General curriculum | |
 | Diversity | |
 | Sustainability | |
 | Indigenous and Torres Strait Island cultures |
For the purposes of TIP, a teaching initiative is not:
- The purchase of computers and software - however, the development of software to be used by students and/or staff will be considered.
- Payment of wages for personnel.
- The introduction of a program that is in place at another school or institution.
New ideas and methods of teaching are initiatives.
Who is eligible to apply?
The program is open to all teachers and educators who are working in Victorian schools and preschools. The school or preschool named on the application form will be the recipient of the funds.
What do successful TIP projects receive?
A share of $50,000 in funding for education-related initiatives. The amount granted depends on the requirements of each initiative.
In 2025, Bank First Members will be eligible to apply for up to $4000 per project. Non-Bank First Members will be eligible to apply for up to $2000 per project.
What is the People's Choice Award?
The People’s Choice Award is an extra funding boost for a TIP project that the public votes for.
In 2025, all unsuccessful TIP applications will be put forward for the People’s Choice Award with the opportunity to receive $2000 in funding.
If you have been notified that your TIP application was unsuccessful, you will receive a Media Kit to use within your school, and wider community, to generate People’s Choice votes.
The project with the most People’s Choice votes will receive $2000 for their TIP project.
All voting will be via Bank First social media channels and our website. Anyone can vote for your project – they don’t have to be a Bank First Member.
We encourage you to think about how you can promote voting for your project using your usual communication channels.
- School newsletter
- Social media – post and encourage your followers to share
- Email communication to parents/carers
- Local media
The school project with the most votes will be our 2025 People’s Choice winner.
People’s Choice voting opens on Wednesday 18 June 2025 and closes on Tuesday 1 July 2025 at 11.59pm AEST.
All People’s Choice voting will be online.
Bank First will provide all eligible 2025 TIP applicants with a People’s Choice voting link prior to voting opening to the public.
How are the applications judged?
The TIP judging panel reviews all applications and selects successful applications based on their level of innovation, student welfare benefits and support of student learning outcomes.
When will TIP winners be notified?
Applications close at 11.59pm AEST on Friday 30 May 2025 .
All applicants, whether successful or not, will be notified via email on Friday 13 June 2025 .
Successful applicants will also be posted on our website and on social media.
* Unsuccessful applicants will be notified on Friday 13 June 2025 and provided with information and assets to participate in People’s Choice.
Keep an eye on our website and social media accounts for program updates.
If my application is successful, when will my school receive our grant?
Your grant will be transferred to your school bank account shortly after recipients are announced.
Your local Relationship Officer will arrange a visit to your school/preschool to present your TIP certificate in Term 3. A presentation to all staff will also be conducted, either at a staff meeting or during the school day.
This is a great opportunity to promote your innovative project and Bank First will discuss with you how we can share your TIP success and the benefits to your school community more broadly.
Grant recipients are responsible for ensuring funds are spent as described in the application form.