Grant Program Approach:
Our approach is to fund innovative ideas that can be scaled across the sector, prioritising a human-centered design (HCD) process, which puts real people at the centre of the development process.
This approach involves:
- Inspiration: Gathering insights and understanding the needs of the people.
- Ideation: Generating and refining ideas to address these needs.
- Implementation: Testing and applying solutions in real-world settings.
We welcome projects at various stages of the HCD process, from literature reviews and needs assessment, to pilot projects and community-led initiatives.
Our focus is to develop solutions that improve health and safety outcomes in the coal mining industry, rather than supporting product development for commercial profit.
For more on Human-Centred Design, click here.
The Health and Safety Trust Grant Streams
Grant Selection:
I am a researcher interested in improving the industry.
Research and Development (R&D) grant.
R&D grants are designed to support projects that aim to advance research into practical knowledge, develop new technologies, or enhance existing processes.
I work in the industry and would like to make a change.
Front Line Innovation (FLI) grant.
For those at the grass roots of industry, our small FLI grants may help you get your idea off the ground and give you the support you need to see if it will work.
Choose the ‘grant stream’ that aligns with the nature of your project.
- If your initiative focuses on innovative, grass-roots solutions at the start-up or ideation stage, our FLI grant may be suitable.
- Alternatively, if your project aims to advance knowledge, create new technologies, or improve existing processes, then our R&D grant may be appropriate.
Please review the specific guidelines and eligibility criteria for each grant stream. Understanding these details is crucial to ensure a successful application.
Grant Pathways
Research and Development (R&D) Grants
We welcome applications from a diverse range of individuals and organisations who are committed to improving health and safety in the coal mining industry.
The Trust seeks applications for single or multi-year projects, ideal for applicants in the Ideation or Implementation phases of Human Centered Design.
While the funding opportunity is open, in some cases the Trust may target organisations to deliver a project related to a critical need or issue emerging in the coal industry.
What funding is available?
There is no set dollar ($) limit for projects. The Trust is a charitable one that draws upon investment funds. There are set restrictions on how much can be granted each year. Each application is assessed individually and dependent on its potential impact on the improvement of health and safety within the NSW and Australian Coal Industry.
Who can apply?
The Trust aims to foster a multidisciplinary approach that integrates varied experiences and insights to create a safer coal mining industry.
We invite a diverse range of individuals and entities passionate about advancing health and safety in the coal sector—from non-profits, academic institutions, researchers, coal mining companies to mining community advocacy groups.
For further information and the Research and Development Grants please refer to the Research and Development Grant Program Guidelines and FAQ’s.
2026 applications – Further information will be available later in 2026.
All EOIs and applications are to be submitted via SmartyGrants.
Note: No direct applications will be accepted.
Front Line Innovation grants (FLI grants)
Our Front Line Innovation grants (FLI grants) are designed for those who work at the coalface, whose role is involved with the daily operations of mine sites or working within adjacent industries.
Focusing on wellbeing, safety, and innovation, our FLI grant program offers small, short-term grants to help you test whether your idea will work for your team, site, or company.
We encourage applications from those who have firsthand experience of the challenges of the coal mining sector and who can understand and identify how to address an issue.
Through our FLI grants, we aim to help support you to transform your ideas into reality to see if you can improve safety and efficiency, locally or in the wider industry or community.
FLI grants are for short-term (3–12-month) projects.
What funding is available?
We allocate $100,000 for use across all FLI Grants annually. Each application, together with the funding you request is assessed individually. Successful grants are those considered to have the potential to impact and improve health and safety within the NSW and Australian Coal Industry. The Health & Safety Trust is unlikely to allocate all the available funding to a single project.
Who can apply?
Our focus is on helping you achieve an improvement in your world in the coal industry. Whether you’re an individual with an innovative safety solution or a group with a promising concept, we support a variety of perspectives in driving progress in workplace safety.
We welcome applications from those who are dedicated to enhancing health and safety in the coal mining sector. Whether you are a miner, crew leader, contractor, supplier or community advocate.
For further information on the Front-Line Innovation Grants please refer to the Grant Program guidelines and FAQ’s.
Note: Front-Line Innovation applications coming soon.
All applications are to be submitted via SmartyGrants.
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