Program Info

To apply, you’ll need to share a brief outline of your initiative, a proposed timeline, costs involved and how will you measure success.

Check your eligibility

TIP is open to all educators who are currently working in a Victorian preschool, primary school or secondary school. The school or preschool named on the application form will be the recipient of the funds.

Getting ready to apply

Before applying, it’s important to have a specific idea of where TIP funding will be allocated and what other support you are receiving, both financial and in-kind for your project.

Our judges look for initiatives that are innovative, collaborative and bold.

A great application:

• Shows that you are meeting a need that requires additional effort within your school.

• Articulates the benefits for your students and school community.

• Includes outside the box thinking – the creativity of TIP applicants is what brings this program to life.

If you’re not sure where to start, consider:

• Asking school leaders (councillors, ambassadors, art, environment, sport) for their ideas to improve the school.

• Letting your students pitch their project.

• Collaborating with colleagues from other schools.

A simple budget template

Before applying, it's important to have a clear idea of where TIP funding will be allocated. You'll also need to share any other support you are receiving for this initiative, both financial and in-kind.

Below is an example of what we're looking for:

Materials:

Co-contributions:

In-kind contributions:

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 will fall under one of the following categories:

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.

A share of $50,000 in funding for education-related initiatives. The amount granted depends on the requirements of each initiative.

In 2026, Bank First Members will be eligible to apply for up to $4,000 per project. Non-Bank First Members will be eligible to apply for up to $2,000 per project.

The People’s Choice Award is an extra funding boost for a TIP project that the public votes for.

In 2026, TIP applications who did not initially receive a grant will be put forward for the People’s Choice Award with the opportunity to receive $2,000 in funding.

The project with the most People’s Choice votes will receive $2,000 for their TIP project.

All voting will be via the Bank First 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 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.

Applications close at 11.59pm AEST on 28 May 2026.

All applicants, whether successful or not, will be notified via email 15 June 2026 .

Successful applicants will also be posted on our website and on social media.

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.

All winning entries will be published on the Bank First website and may appear on our social media channels and other Bank First publications such as our Annual Report.

Educators and schools are invited to submit an entry even if they have been successful in previous years. If your entry is innovative, original and benefits students, we’d love to receive it.