Funding equity in practice: a mixed-methods study investigating a non-competitive government grant scheme

Background Non-competitive models grant funds equally to prevent the exacerbation of disadvantage observed with competitive funding models. However, their design and delivery are not well understood. This study (2023–2025) explored the processes undertaken by a state government non-competitive grant scheme, ‘Lift Local’ ($20,000), delivered to all 29 Tasmanian local councils to support community health and wellbeing.Methods Using a developmental evaluation and mixed-methods approach, data sources included semi-structured interviews (grant deliverers, n = 15: applicants, n = 13), two surveys (n = 10, n = 13), workshop observations (n = 9) and administrative documents (n = 52). Data analysis included descriptive statistics and inductive and deductive thematic analysis.Results Most councils (n = 19) developed a health and wellbeing plan, and the remaining gathered data (n = 4), delivered events (n = 2) or conducted other activities (n = 4). Three principles guided the design and delivery of the grants: ‘evidence-based and collaborative ways of working’, ‘sharing power and fostering trust’ and ‘building sustainable, supportive and skilled environments’. Processes that enabled these principles included establishing formalised networks, using evidence, capacity building and permitting flexible outcomes. Outcomes of the grant scheme included greater trust and adaption to evolving needs.Conclusions These findings can inform future non-competitive grant schemes by providing real-world examples of grant processes that can achieve benefits to stakeholders beyond the receipt of money.