The Collaborative Internet Innovation Fund (cIIF) is a $15 million Victorian Government competitive grants program aimed at accelerating the innovative use of the next generation of information and communication technology (ICT) for Victorian government, industry and community organisations.

cIIF Program Objectives

The objectives of the program are to:

• Support ‘early adopters’ of new technologies to undertake collaborative innovation projects, thereby accelerating the take-up of new technologies in key sectors of the Victorian economy
• Fund innovative projects enabled by ICT which demonstrate productivity, and provide models for more widespread adoption of new technologies and practices
• Build Victorian capability to undertake innovation projects, and foster champions of ICT innovation

The focus areas for cIIF Round 2 include:

• health,
• education,
• environmental sustainability and
• productivity.

cIIF Round 2 also focuses on “Applications in an NBN world” and will support the development of applications that are dependant on characteristics of the NBN such as its ubiquitous nature and high bandwidth. These applications will change how we work, study and play and will be key to driving productivity and quality of life benefits. It is important that these applications are developed and tested prior to the completion of the NBN rollout in order to minimise the lag effect between the deployment of the infrastructure and its effective use.

Available Funding –cIIF  Non Government Organisations

In cIIF Round 2 $1.5 million is available, inclusive of business planning grants, for approved non-government stream projects.

The Department is not bound to allocate all the available funds if insufficient projects are considered suitable for funding. Subject to the quality of applications received, the Department may allocate additional funding in Round 2.

Funds will typically be made available to projects with 1 to 2 year funding profiles, with funding requests in the range $50,000 to $500,000 per project. Projects are expected to commence no later than the end of June 2011.

Available Funding –cIIF Government Organisations

In cIIF Round 2 $3.5 million is available, inclusive of business planning grants, for approved government stream projects.

The Department is not bound to allocate all the available funds if insufficient projects are considered suitable for funding. Subject to the quality of applications received, the Department may also allocate additional funding in Round Two.

Funds will typically be made available to projects with 1 to 2 year funding profiles, with funding requests in the range $50,000 to $1,000,000 per project anticipated.

Projects are expected to commence no later than the end of June 2011.

cIIF Dates:

cIIF Round 2 opens 1 November 2010.  The Expression of Interest application form will be available online from 1 November.

Applications are due by close of business 3 December 2010.

Matched Funding

Applicants are required to provide matched funding to projects on a 1:1 basis, comprising cash and in-kind contributions. Composition of co-contribution will be considered in project selection. As a guide industry sector projects should aim for matched funding to comprise at least 50% cash. Community and not for profit sector projects should aim for matched funding to comprise at least 25% cash.

In-kind contributions include, but are not limited to, items such as:

• staff who work directly on the project or on project-related activities
• new asset investments
• IT services, including related staff and IT support
• contract resources and services
• administrative support, such as HR services, accounting services, procurement services and accommodation.

Matched funding may also come from other sources, such as other government funding programs and philanthropic organisations.

For more detail on cIIF eligibility of applicants and projects download the:

• non government organisation guidelines or
• Government organisation guidelines.

For information about cIIF Round 1 successful applicants click here.

Treadstone specialises in winning Government Grants for innovative businesses.  To find out how we can help you prepare your application call us now on (03) 9016 3575 or email us.