Resources: Ascend GRC: 100 Grants Program – Evaluation Criteria for Selecting Applicants

Supporting Organisations in Accessing High-Quality Learning Management Systems

The evaluation process ensures that grants are awarded to organisations that align with Ascend GRC’s mission and demonstrate the potential for significant governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) improvement. Each application will be assessed based on the following scoring criteria.

1. Organisational Eligibility (Pass/Fail Criteria)

Applications that do not meet these basic eligibility requirements will not proceed to full evaluation.

✅ Must be a registered Australian not-for-profit (NFP) or educational institution (e.g., school, university, or training provider).

✅ Must align with at least one of the program's priority areas and not contradict any:

• Supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)

• Providing dedicated support to ex-service members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF)

• Operating as an educational institution

• Promoting economic development internationally in alignment with the UN SDGs

• Supporting people with disabilities

• Advancing access to justice and the legal system

• Promoting free and open trade and migration

If an organisation does not meet these eligibility requirements, the application will be declined.

2. Evaluation Criteria (100 Points Total)

Applications that pass eligibility screening will be scored against the following criteria:

(A) Impact on Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) (30 Points)

✅ Clear Demonstration of Need (15 points)

• How well does the application articulate a need for governance, risk, and compliance training?

• Does the organisation currently have limited or no access to professional GRC learning solutions?

✅ Potential for GRC Improvement (15 points)

• How will implementing the LMS improve governance and compliance within the organisation?

• Will this grant help the organisation meet its regulatory obligations or improve internal controls?

(B) Organisational Capacity & Readiness (25 Points)

✅ Organisational Commitment (15 points)

• Does the leadership demonstrate commitment to implementing and using the LMS?

• Has a senior leader or board member endorsed the application?

✅ Capacity for Implementation (10 points)

• Does the organisation have the internal capacity (staff, volunteers, infrastructure) to successfully use the LMS?

• Are there clear plans for how training will be delivered internally?

(C) Alignment with Grant Priorities (20 Points)

✅ Alignment with Priority Areas (20 points)

• How strongly does the organisation align with the grant's priority areas?

• Does the application demonstrate how the LMS will support broader social impact in one or more of the priority categories?

(D) Financial Commitment & Sustainability (15 Points)

✅ Match-Funding Commitment (10 points)

• Has the organisation clearly committed to the dollar-for-dollar match funding?

• Is the financial contribution realistic given the organisation’s size and revenue?

✅ Request for Payment Plan (5 points)

• If a 12-month payment plan is requested, does the application provide a reasonable justification?

• Is there a financial sustainability plan in place to ensure LMS use beyond the grant period?

(E) Reporting & Engagement Commitment (10 Points)

✅ Commitment to Evaluation and Feedback (10 points)

• Does the organisation demonstrate a willingness to engage in program evaluation, reporting, and feedback?

• Has the applicant agreed to provide impact reports and case studies on LMS use?

3. Scoring & Selection Process

• Applications will be reviewed by an independent selection panel.

• Each application will be scored out of 100 points based on the evaluation criteria above.

• A minimum threshold score (e.g., 70/100) will be required for applications to be considered for final selection.

• Priority may be given to organisations that:

  • Score highest in impact on GRC and alignment with grant priorities.

  • Have a strong commitment to sustainability and long-term LMS use.

4. Final Decision & Grant Awarding

• Shortlisted applicants will be notified and may be asked for additional clarification.

• Final approval will be made by Ascend GRC’s Grants & Partnerships Team, with oversight from an independent advisory panel.

• Successful applicants will receive a formal grant agreement, confirming their funding match and implementation timeline.