Meshpoints - Innovative Society Fund
Funding Guidelines
What is Meshpoints?
Meshpoints, powered by Spacecubed and supported by Lotterywest, exists to build a stronger culture of innovation in Western Australia. Our goal is to create a thriving, resilient ecosystem where any innovator or idea can succeed, regardless of sector, stage or postcode.
Meshpoints impact outcomes focus on 5 primary areas:
- Improving Ecosystem Connection and CollaborationWe connect individuals, organisations and stakeholders across the ecosystem with our Meshpoints Partner Network, a statewide alliance of innovation leaders, and our Community of Interest Groups that foster peer-led learning around shared themes.
- Increasing Accessibility, Belonging, and Ecosystem DiversityWe amplify diverse voices, support underserved communities and enable participation through Inspire Grants, leading to a more welcoming ecosystem.
- Developing Innovative Skills, Capabilities, and MindsetsWe cultivate entrepreneurial thinking and creative problem-solving through Catalyst Grants, helping innovators test and evolve early ideas.
- Improving Availability and Access to ResourcesMeshpoints actively identifies and addresses resource gaps, particularly in regional areas, making tools and information more visible and accessible to all.
- Sharing Knowledge for the Benefit of Our EcosystemWe share stories, case studies, and insights to ensure learnings are accessible and used to strengthen the broader innovation community.
Grants Summary
The below table provides a summary of the Innovative Society fund. Please consult the remainder of this document to ensure you have thoroughly reviewed eligibility information, eligible expenditure and application conditions.
What can I apply for? | Who can apply? | How much can I apply for? | How do I apply? | Emphasis for applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Catalyst GrantsEvents and programs that encourage new people or organisations to participate in the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in WA. Initiatives to strengthen, progress or grow the innovation ecosystem in WA. Funding will be targeted through specific challenges focused on identified areas of need in the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in WA. Initiatives need to align with Lotterywest’s Good Practice Requirements | Applicant must be an eligible NFP organisation | Up to $20,000 (excl GST) in total from this grant program for organisations that are registered for GST or up to $15,000 in total for organisations that are not registered for GST or unincorporated organisations. Applicants must match at least 20% of the funding required in cash (not in-kind) Co-funding requirement is waived for initiatives supporting the following underrepresented groups including: CaLD communities Women Regional communities First Nations people | Complete online EOI form Consult with the Meshpoints team Assessed in scheduled assessment rounds held approximately every three months | Number of people impacted ($ per person) and the depth of engagement Prioritises access, inclusion and diversity in meaningful ways Clear plan for lasting change or knowledge-sharing Thoughtful or unexpected collaboration Clear benefit to WA innovation ecosystem and alignment to one or more Meshpoints focus areas |
Lotterywest IdeaStarter Provides existing Incubator or Accelerator programs with funding to support founders/teams to test early-stage ideas. Funding can be used for direct expenses such as prototyping, product testing or marketing. | Existing Incubator or Accelerator programs. Applicant must be an eligible NFP organisation | Provides up to $5,000 per founder / participant. Up to $20,000 (excl GST) in total from this grant program for organisations that are registered for GST or up to $15,000 in total for organisations that are not registered for GST or unincorporated organisations. | Complete online EOI form Consult with the Meshpoints team Assessed in scheduled assessment rounds held biannually. | The accelerator/incubator program has an established track record of success The model is well thought out Clear benefit to WA innovation ecosystem and alignment to one or more Meshpoints focus areas |
Funding Streams
Catalyst Grants
What can I apply for?
You may apply for an Innovative Society grant to cover part or whole funding required to establish or deliver initiatives, programs or events that:
- Attract new people to participate in the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem through inspiring events, programs and activation activities
- Build the skills, capabilities and mindsets of entrepreneurs and WA innovation ecosystem members
- Create and share new knowledge, research or best practice for the benefit of the innovation ecosystem
- Improve access or availability of resources that support innovation
- Increasing accessibility, belonging, and ecosystem diversity, with a particular focus on CaLD, First Nations, female entrepreneurs, and regional innovation communities
Good Practice Requirements
Lotterywest is committed to maximising the positive impact of its grants for the WA community and their Good Practice Requirements apply to all grant requests funded through the Innovative Society program.
Lotterywest Good Practice Requirements
How much can I apply for?
- An organisation registered for GST may apply for a grant up to $20,000. An organisation not registered for GST may apply for a grant up to $15,000
- A single organisation may apply for more than one Catalyst grant but in total these grants cannot exceed the amounts specified above annually.
- At least 20% of the required grant amount must be co-funded by another source outside of the Innovative Society Fund.
- This co-funding requirement is waived for initiatives supporting the following underrepresented groups:
- CaLD communities
- Women
- Regional communities
- First Nations people
- Applicants must nominate their own initiative start date and duration. All granted activities must be completed within 6 months of funding being approved.
- Organisations can re-apply for funding if they have properly acquitted a previous grant and have complied with all Grant Conditions.
- Organisations may apply for a second phase of an initiative once the first grant has been successfully completed and acquitted. The new application must clearly demonstrate added value, showing how the initiative has evolved, grown, or entered a distinct new phase beyond the original grant.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants to the Fund must be a Western Australian not-for-profit organisation of one of the following types:
- charities registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
- incorporated associations registered with the WA Department of Local Government Industry, Regulation and Safety,
- not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee,
- non-distributing co-operatives (where not-for-profit status has been confirmed),
- not-for profit Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisations (or registered community services that are governed and operated by a Western Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community), and
- not-for-profit organisations incorporated under statute or charter e.g. universities
- local government authorities
Eligible organisations cannot apply for funding on behalf of (auspice) an individual or ineligible organisation.
As part of your application you are required to be a registered Meshpoints Partner. Registration is free of charge and is formalised through a non-binding partner agreement.
Eligible expenditure
The following items are eligible for grant funding:
- Costs associated with the development and delivery of content and/or programs aligned with the program purpose
- Operating costs, such venue hire, catering and other logistics
- Accessibility costs such as interpreters, accessible formats or travel subsidies for underrepresented participants
- Cost for facilitation or consultation
- Marketing and promotion costs
- Appropriate expert advice including independent evaluation, certifications
- Necessary travel/accommodation related to the above
It is preferable for the funds to be spent in Western Australia, but this is not always possible. If items interstate or overseas are required, applicants must add an explanation in the Budget.
Ineligible expenditure
The following items are not eligible for grant funding:
- Costs incurred prior to date of grant approval
- Costs already funded through other sources
- Costs associated with managing or administering the grant
- Salaries or payment to employees or contractors of the applicant organisation for ‘business-as-usual’ activity
- Operating rent or co-working space costs
- Costs associated with Meshpoints Communities of Interest
- Costs to attend or take part in education, training or conferences
- Projects taking place interstate or internationally
- Statutory charges, registration fees, licence fees or banking fees
- Payments to any person or entity for, or relating to, any “in-kind” services they are providing to the initiative (as that means they aren’t “in-kind”)
- Payments on rewards or returns to other funders or investors
- Conducting fundraising or seeking investors other than through the results of the development
- Payments where there is a conflict of interest in awarding the contract or amounts to auspice to an individual or another ineligible organisation.
Assessment criteria
Innovative Society grant applications are evaluated against four primary criteria, weighted to reflect program priorities:
- Impact & Ecosystem Benefit (40%)
- Program Design & Delivery (30%)
- Access, Inclusion & Diversity (20%)
- Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing (10%)
Total Possible Score: 100 points
Criterion 1: Impact & Ecosystem Benefit (40 points)
What we're looking for:
Clear demonstration of how the initiative will create measurable, lasting benefit for WA's innovation ecosystem
Assessment Questions:
- Does the initiative address a validated ecosystem need or opportunity?
- Who specifically benefits and how?
- What evidence supports the claimed impact?
- Is there potential for outcomes beyond the initial funding period?
- Does the value justify the investment (cost per participant/outcome)?
- Does the initiative have strong alignment to the Meshpoints Impact Outcomes?
Scoring Rubric:
Score | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
35-40 | Exceptional | Initiative addresses critical, well-validated ecosystem gap with clear evidence. Multiple stakeholder groups benefit meaningfully. Strong potential for lasting systemic change. Excellent value for money with detailed impact projections. |
28-34 | Strong | Addresses important ecosystem need with good supporting evidence. Clear beneficiaries with measurable outcomes. Good potential for ongoing impact. Reasonable value proposition. |
21-27 | Adequate | Addresses relevant ecosystem opportunity. Some evidence of need/benefit. Limited but positive potential for lasting outcomes. Fair value for investment. |
14-20 | Weak | Unclear ecosystem benefit or poorly validated need. Vague beneficiary identification. Little evidence of lasting impact. Questionable value for money. |
0-13 | Inadequate | No clear ecosystem benefit. Unvalidated assumptions. No evidence of meaningful impact or sustainability. Poor value proposition. |
Criterion 2: Program Design & Delivery (30 points)
What we're looking for:
Well-planned, feasible initiative with capable delivery team and realistic timeline/budget
Assessment Questions:
- Is the delivery plan clear, logical and achievable?
- Does the team have relevant experience and capability?
- Is the budget realistic and well-justified?
- Are risks identified and mitigation strategies outlined?
- How does co-funding/in-kind support enhance the initiative?
- Does the initiative align with Lotterywest’s Good Practice Requirements?
Scoring Rubric:
Score | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
26-30 | Exceptional | Comprehensive, detailed delivery plan with clear milestones. Team has strong, relevant track record. Budget is realistic and well-justified. Risks thoroughly assessed with mitigation plans. Excellent use of co-funding/in-kind resources. |
21-25 | Strong | Clear delivery plan with most details covered. Team has good relevant experience. Budget is reasonable with minor gaps. Some risk consideration. Good leverage of additional resources. |
16-20 | Adequate | Basic delivery plan covers key elements. Team has adequate experience. Budget is mostly realistic. Limited risk assessment. Some co-funding or support identified. |
11-15 | Weak | Vague delivery plan missing key details. Limited relevant experience. Budget concerns or poor justification. Little risk consideration. Minimal additional resource leverage. |
0-10 | Inadequate | No clear delivery plan. Inadequate team capability. Unrealistic or poorly justified budget. No risk assessment. No evidence of resource efficiency. The proposal does not reflect, or is contrary to, the Lotterywest Good Practice Requirements |
Criterion 3: Access, Inclusion & Diversity (20 points)
What we're looking for:
Meaningful efforts to improve ecosystem accessibility and include underrepresented groups
Assessment Questions:
- How does the initiative actively promote inclusion and diversity?
- Are there specific strategies to engage underrepresented groups (CaLD, women, regional, First Nations)?
- What barriers to participation are being addressed?
- How accessible is the initiative to people with different needs/circumstances?
- Does this create more welcoming ecosystem entry points?
Scoring Rubric:
Score | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
18-20 | Exceptional | Initiative specifically designed to serve underrepresented groups with culturally appropriate, barrier-removing strategies. Multiple accessibility measures included. Clear pathways for ongoing ecosystem participation created. |
14-17 | Strong | Good focus on inclusion with specific strategies for engaging underrepresented groups. Some accessibility measures. Creates welcoming entry points to ecosystem. |
11-13 | Adequate | Some attention to diversity and inclusion. Basic accessibility considerations. Opens ecosystem to broader participation. |
7-10 | Weak | Limited inclusion focus. Few specific strategies for underrepresented groups. Minimal accessibility planning. |
0-6 | Inadequate | No clear inclusion/diversity strategy. May inadvertently exclude groups. No accessibility considerations. |
Criterion 4: Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing (10 points)
What we're looking for:
Thoughtful partnerships that enhance delivery and commitment to sharing learnings with the broader ecosystem
Assessment Questions:
- Are there meaningful collaborations that extend reach or enhance delivery?
- How will learnings and outcomes be shared with the ecosystem?
- Does the initiative connect different parts of the ecosystem?
- Are there opportunities for peer learning or community building?
- How does this align with Meshpoints' focus areas and partner network?
Scoring Rubric:
Score | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
9-10 | Exceptional | Multiple strategic partnerships that significantly enhance delivery and reach. Comprehensive knowledge sharing plan. Strong ecosystem connections. Clear alignment with Meshpoints focus areas. |
7-8 | Strong | Good collaborations that add value. Solid plan for sharing learnings. Some ecosystem connections. Good Meshpoints alignment. |
5-6 | Adequate | Basic partnerships or knowledge sharing. Limited ecosystem connections. Adequate Meshpoints alignment. |
3-4 | Weak | Minimal collaboration or knowledge sharing. Little ecosystem connection. Unclear Meshpoints alignment. |
0-2 | Inadequate | No meaningful collaboration. No knowledge sharing plan. Poor ecosystem integration. |
Lotterywest IdeaStarter
What can I apply for?
Ideastarter is designed to support early-stage innovative ideas in Western Australia to build a thriving innovation ecosystem in WA. By providing this support, founders and teams will build entrepreneurial skills, tools, and mindsets. You can apply for a Lotterywest IdeaStarter grant to fund founders or teams participating in an existing Incubator or Accelerator program to develop their early-stage ideas. Funding can be used for direct expenses such as prototyping, product testing or marketing.
Good Practice Requirements
Lotterywest is committed to maximising the positive impact of its grants for the WA community and their Good Practice Requirements apply to all grant requests funded through the Innovative Society program.
Lotterywest Good Practice Requirements
How much can I apply for?
- Up to $5,000 per participant idea from the Accelerator or Incubator
- An organisation registered for GST may apply for a grant up to $20,000.
- An organisation not registered for GST may apply for a grant up to $15,000
- Applicants must nominate their own initiative start date and duration. All granted activities must be completed within 6 months of the nominated and agreed start date.
- Organisations can re-apply for funding if they have properly acquitted a previous grant and have complied with all Grant Conditions. A single organisation may apply for more than one Ideastarter grant but in total these grants cannot exceed the amounts specified above annually.
Who Can Apply?
- Organisations that deliver existing innovation incubator or accelerator programs are eligible to apply.
- An existing program means you have successfully delivered at least one previous cohort of participants through the same program prior to applying. The program must support participants to develop and progress early-stage innovative ideas.
- Applicants must be a Western Australian not-for-profit organisation of one of the following types:
- charities registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
- incorporated associations registered with the WA Department of Local Government Industry, Regulation and Safety,
- not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee,
- non-distributing co-operatives (where not-for-profit status has been confirmed),
- not-for profit Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisations (or registered community services that are governed and operated by a Western Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community), and
- not-for-profit organisations incorporated under statute or charter e.g. universities
- local government authorities
Eligible Expenditure
Expenditure must be solely for costs incurred by the accelerator or incubator to support participants to test, validate or progress early-stage innovative ideas. The following items are eligible for grant funding:
- Prototype development, including sourcing materials
- Expert advice and support (e.g. mentoring, financial modelling, testing or certification)
- Market and user research (to understand customer needs or market demand)
- Marketing to test or validate an idea
- General research and development activities that utilise the services or products of 3rd parties
- Specialised equipment purchase or hire
The following items are not eligible for grant funding:
- Costs incurred before the grant is approved
- Costs already funded through other sources, including previous Lotterywest IdeaStarter grants
- Costs incurred directly by program participants
- Payments to the participant or for any “in-kind” services provided by any entity
- Participant rent, access or coworking space costs
- Incubator/accelerator program or service costs
- Education, training courses or conference attendance
- Statutory charges, registration fees, licence fees or banking fees
- General business costs not directly required to progress the idea (e.g. standard website, software, marketing, plant or equipment, or materials)
- Repayments, rewards or returns to funders or investors
- Activities focused solely on fundraising or investor engagement
- Payments to related parties of the grant recipient or program participant (all funded services must be delivered by independent third parties)
- Salaries or payment to employees or contractors of the applicant organisation for ‘business-as-usual’ activity
- Overheads or other costs (administration) in excess of 15% of the total funding awarded
It is preferable for the funds to be spent in Western Australia, but this is not always possible. If items interstate or overseas are required, applicants must add an explanation in the application.
Funds Management Process
If your application for Lotterywest IdeaStarter funding is successful, your organisation is responsible for managing the funds to support selected participants and their ideas in accordance with the approved grant application and the requirements set out below.
Each funded participant is limited to a maximum of 1 supplier across both reimbursement and direct payment approaches.
Grant funds must be used as described in your application. You can manage funds for your selected IdeaStarter participants in one of two ways:
Option 1: Reimbursement
Participants pay for eligible expenses upfront and submit a summary invoice with receipts for reimbursement. This summary should include:
- A breakdown of expenditure and payees
- Copies of all related receipts and invoice
Option 2: Direct payment to supplier.
Participants submit invoice(s) for eligible expenses, and your organisation pays the suppliers directly using the grant funds.
It is your responsibility to determine which approach you will use and to clearly communicate said process to your selected IdeaStarter participants.
All invoices and receipts must be collected from participants and submitted as part of the grant acquittal.
As part of the acquittal and impact reporting process, you are also required to provide:
- A list of funded ideas and their founders
- Postcode where project activity took place
- Number of volunteers involved, and beneficiaries reached
- Description and impact of the activity
- Example how an area of the Good Practice Requirements were met
Assessment criteria
Lotterywest IdeaStarter grant applications are evaluated against two primary criteria, weighted to reflect program priorities:
- Impact & Ecosystem Benefit (50%)
- Program Design & Delivery (50%)
Total Possible Score: 100 points
Criterion 1: Impact & Ecosystem Benefit (50 points)
What we're looking for:
Clear demonstration of how the initiative will create measurable, lasting benefit for WA's innovation ecosystem
Assessment Questions:
- Does the initiative address a validated ecosystem need or opportunity?
- Who specifically benefits and how?
- What evidence supports the claimed impact?
- Is there potential for outcomes beyond the initial funding period?
- Does the value justify the investment (cost per participant/outcome)?
- Does the initiative have strong alignment to the Meshpoints Impact Outcomes?
Scoring Rubric:
Score | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
44-50 | Exceptional | Initiative addresses critical, well-validated ecosystem gap with clear evidence. Multiple stakeholder groups benefit meaningfully. Strong potential for lasting systemic change. Excellent value for money with detailed impact projections. |
35-43 | Strong | Addresses important ecosystem need with good supporting evidence. Clear beneficiaries with measurable outcomes. Good potential for ongoing impact. Reasonable value proposition. |
26-34 | Adequate | Addresses relevant ecosystem opportunity. Some evidence of need/benefit. Limited but positive potential for lasting outcomes. Fair value for investment. |
18-25 | Weak | Unclear ecosystem benefit or poorly validated need. Vague beneficiary identification. Little evidence of lasting impact. Questionable value for money. |
0-17 | Inadequate | No clear ecosystem benefit. Unvalidated assumptions. No evidence of meaningful impact or sustainability. Poor value proposition. |
Criterion 2: Program Design & Delivery (50 points)
What we're looking for:
Well-planned, feasible initiative with capable delivery team and realistic timeline/budget
Assessment Questions:
- Is the delivery plan clear, logical and achievable?
- Does the team have relevant experience and capability?
- Is the budget realistic and well-justified?
- Are risks identified and mitigation strategies outlined?
- How does co-funding/in-kind support enhance the initiative?
- Does the initiative align with Lotterywest’s Good Practice Requirements?
Score | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
44-50 | Exceptional | Comprehensive, detailed delivery plan with clear milestones. Team has strong relevant track record. Budget is realistic and well-justified. Risks thoroughly assessed with mitigation plans. Excellent use of co-funding/in-kind resources. |
35-43 | Strong | Clear delivery plan with most details covered. Team has good relevant experience. Budget is reasonable with minor gaps. Some risk consideration. Good leverage of additional resources. |
26-34 | Adequate | Basic delivery plan covers key elements. Team has adequate experience. Budget is mostly realistic. Limited risk assessment. Some co-funding or support identified. |
18-25 | Weak | Vague delivery plan missing key details. Limited relevant experience. Budget concerns or poor justification. Little risk consideration. Minimal additional resource leverage. |
0-17 | Inadequate | No clear delivery plan. Inadequate team capability. Unrealistic or poorly justified budget. No risk assessment. No evidence of resource efficiency. |
Grant Conditions
Applicants will be required to agree to the Grant Conditions on applying for the Fund. This includes agreement to spend the funding in accordance with their application and any additional conditions set as part of approval of funding as well as ensuring that program participants agree to report on the funded work. Applicants will be required to fund any cost overruns and repay any savings.
It is also a condition of funding that the Applicant becomes a Partner of Meshpoints, to share and communicate the learnings and outcomes of the grant, both during the work being carried out and on completion. It is free to become a Meshpoints Partner.
Application & Assessment process
Step 1. Complete an EOI
Complete an EOI form on the Meshpoints website with details about your project and organisation. A member of Meshpoints will then contact you to discuss your initiative idea. This ensures we can provide guidance on whether your project fits the fund and meets eligibility requirements.
Step 2. Create and refine your application
After an initial consultation with Meshpoints, if your proposal is aligned, we will send you the link to create a draft application. Once this is submitted, including your draft budget, you will receive feedback on your application from a Meshpoints team member. This feedback will include any details on specific deadlines or timeframes you will need to meet for upcoming Assessment Panels.
Step 3. Submit your application
Once a draft review has been undertaken, a Meshpoints team member will invite you to submit your application into the application portal for assessment. The Meshpoints project team will review all applications for completeness, eligibility and compliance prior to sending to the Panel and may ask clarifying questions from applicants.
Step 4. Your application is assessed
Applications are assessed by an independent panel of experienced entrepreneurs or innovation ecosystem participants, with guidance from Meshpoints project team. The independent Assessment Panel will consider both the Eligibility and Assessment Criteria and make recommendations for approving grant funding.
The panel may seek advice from individuals with expertise in specific areas, or additional explanation or evidence from applicants to support claims. The Panel may also refer to Meshpoints policies or priority documents to assess how a program aligns with ecosystem objectives or collaborations.
All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application.
Grant Acquittal & Payments
- Funds will be 90% paid to the Applicant on acceptance of the grant. Acceptance requires a signed copy of the grant agreement and a copy of your bank header.
- The final 10% will be paid following submission of a Grant Acquittal, including proof of invoices paid and evidence of work completed; confirmation Grant Conditions have been complied with; and outcomes reporting.
- Payments are made by electronic funds transfer (EFT). Funds must be expended, and the Acquittal Form submitted, by the nominated and agreed project end date as set out in the application (unless otherwise agreed in writing).
As part of the acquittal and impact reporting process, you are also required to provide:
- A list of funded ideas and their founders (IdeaStarter only)
- Postcode where project activity took place
- Number of volunteers involved, and beneficiaries reached
- Description and impact of the activity
- Example how an area of the Good Practice Requirements were met
Impact reporting
As part of the measurement of changes in the Western Australian innovation and entrepreneurship system that occur because of Meshpoints, funded projects will be required to participate in impact reporting activities through the life of their project and up to 10 years after the funding ceases.
Meshpoints may request an impact plan for your project prior to approving a grant.
The Meshpoints team may request a brief update on your grant project via email before the final acquittal report is due.
Acknowledgement of funding
Your acknowledgement of the Grant, and of Meshpoints support, is required over the life of the Grant funded work and is one of the express conditions of your Grant. The Meshpoints team will work closely with you on communication of successful funding, and all communication must be approved prior to distribution.
The Marketing & Communications Toolkit includes the information and requirements for attribution of your grant.