This grant scheme supports theory-based impact evaluation (TBIE) projects that examine whether equity initiatives work, how and why they work, and for whom and under what circumstances they work. TBIE goes beyond assessing whether outcomes were achieved by exploring the processes, mechanisms and contextual conditions that contribute to impact. The findings provide practical insights that can be used to strengthen program design, support continuous improvement and inform decisions about replication and scale.
Through funding TBIE projects, the TBIE program aims to:
- Understand what works by determining whether equity initiatives achieve their intended outcomes and make a meaningful difference.
- Understand how and why programs work by identifying the processes, mechanisms, and activities that contribute to observed outcomes.
- Identify what works for whom and in what circumstances by recognising that effectiveness may differ across contexts, settings, and equity groups.
- Strengthen program design and delivery by using evaluation findings to refine and improve existing and future equity initiatives.
- Build evaluation capability by strengthening the capacity of universities, researchers, and practitioners to undertake rigorous, theory-informed, and practically useful evaluation.
- Generate actionable evidence that can inform future investment decisions, policy development, and practice across the higher education sector.
Apply for funding
Maximum funding available per project is $75,000.
The project must be led by a Table A institution, as listed in the Higher Education Support Act 2003.
Submissions of Proposals are being received until Friday, 30 October 2026 – 4.00pm (AWST).
The Equity Frontiers Program: Theory-Based Impact Evaluation Projects Guidelines are available for download below in either PDF or Word format, the Proposal Template is available in Word format only.
