Community Partnership Scheme

To create shared investment in the success of the project and drive better, more sustainable outcomes, the CPS operates on a partnership approach whereby Nous and the client co-contribute towards the cost of the project.

Suitable consulting projects draw on our expertise in strategic planning, service design, program evaluation, market assessment, workforce planning and partnership development to support the client to increase their impact. Applications are assessed on criteria including the project’s alignment to Nous’ purpose of delivering positive influence that significantly improves people’s lives. 

We run one annual round of applications each year. Applications for the 2025 round are now closed. The 2026 round will open on Tuesday, 1 September and the application form will be available on this page.  

CPS eligibility criteria 

To be eligible, the applying organisation should:  

• be an Australian community organisation, not-for-profit organisation or a social enterprise (not-for-profit arms of for-profit enterprises are not eligible) 
• financially contribute to the project (40% of the project’s total value).  

The project proposed in your application should:  

• contribute to positive social, cultural, economic and/or environmental outcomes 
• require support aligned with Nous’ service offers and expertise, including: Strategy, Public Policy, Economics, Transformation & Implementation, Organisational Performance, Leadership & Capability, Data & Analytics, Digital and Design
• be in a position to commence within three to six months of application
• Not be deemed as 'out of scope' (see below).  

Applications are assessed on these criteria as well as the project’s alignment to Nous’ enduring purpose – delivering positive influence that significantly improves people’s lives. 

Co-contribution leads to sustainable success

Having partnered with over 150 organisations over the past decade, we have seen that the most value is derived when there is shared investment in the success of the project, with both Nous and the client co-contributing towards the financial cost of the project. 

To drive better and more sustainable outcomes we require that successful applicants financially contribute 40% of the projects total value.

Applications and next steps

Applications for the 2026 Community Partnership Scheme open on Tuesday, 1 September and close at 5pm on Sunday, 20 September. 

Once applications have closed, shortlisted applicants will be notified and invited to attend a video conference interview to further explore your proposal and how Nous can offer value.

Successful applicants will be notified by late October and all projects must commence within three to six months of the application date. 

Examples of recent partnerships

In 2025, Nous kicked off projects with ten organisations; including developing a social impact framework for Luma, a five-year strategic plan for Burdekin Youth Services, and an economic impact analysis for Birth trauma Australia. 

Projects outside the scope include: There are some project types which we cannot support, so please read carefully before submitting an application. Out of scope projects include: direct delivery of fundraising events; capital equipment grants and motor vehicles; purchase of land or buildings; refurbishment, renovation and fit-out; core operating costs; activities which collect funds for redistribution; overseas appeals; expeditions or overseas travel; sponsorships, including sponsorships of conferences, events and festivals.  

 For general enquiries, please email [email protected].