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 Your project will supplement existing educational programs. | |||
| Diversity Your project clearly demonstrates an outcome promoting diversity within your school community. | |||
| Sustainability Your project will contribute to the education of, or implementation of, a cleaner, greener and more sustainable environment. | |||
| Indigenous and Torres Strait Island cultures Your project has a clear focus on Indigenous and/or 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 Members of Bank First 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 $30,000 in funding for education-related initiatives. The amount granted depends on the requirements of each initiative.
Grants have previously ranged from $200 -
$2,000.
What is the People's Choice Award?
Once judging is completed, successful schools and their projects will be automatically included in the People's Choice section of the program.
Not only will you receive your TIP grant, but your school will also be in the running for an additional $500 towards your project and promotion of your school and project in a range of Bank First publications and events.
Once you receive news of your successful grant application, it's then up to your school to share your news and encourage your school community to vote for your project in the People's Choice Award.
Anyone can vote for your project. They don't have to be a Bank First Member to vote.
We encourage you to think about how you can promote voting for your project using your usual communication channels.
- School newsletter
- Email communications to parents/carers
- Local media
- Social media channels
If you're sharing on social media, encourage your followers to share on their personal social media channels. It's a great way to involve students' family members - parents/carers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, family friends etc.
The school project with the most votes will be our 2023 People's Choice winner.
People's Choice voting opens on Monday 24 June 2024 and closes on Wednesday 10 July 2024 at 11.59pm AEST.
All People's Choice voting will be online.
Bank First will provide all 2024 TIP recipients with a People's Choice voting link prior to the opening of voting.
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 Sunday 9 June 2024.
All applicants, whether successful or not, will be notified via email on Friday 21 June 2024.
Successful applicants will also be posted on our website and on social media.
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.