Community Partnership Scheme
Supporting positive influence in our community
As part of our commitment to delivering positive influence, we offer subsidised consulting services to Australian community organisations, not-for-profits and social enterprises for projects that contribute to positive social, cultural, economic or environmental outcomes.
Over the years, we have proudly partnered with more than 150 organisations through our Community Partnership Scheme (CPS).
Applications for our 2026 Community Partnership Scheme are now closed
We have just closed applications for our 2026 Community Partnership Scheme. If you missed the window to apply this year, please be aware that our application period is generally open from 1 September each calendar year. Stay tuned to this page and follow Nous on LinkedIn for updates.
Who can apply?
The CPS is open to organisations who meet the following eligibility criteria. Successful applicants must be:
- An Australian community organisation, a not-for-profit organisation or a social enterprise (not-for-profit arms of for-profit enterprises are not eligible).
- Prepared to financially contribute to the project – 40% of the project’s total value.
The project proposed in your application must:
- Contribute to positive social, cultural, economic or environmental outcomes
- Require support aligned with Nous’ service offers and expertise
- 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.
Projects outside the scope
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.
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.
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.