Helping Our Mission for Equity (HOME) Grant

At AusNet, we are committed to deepening our understanding of customer needs and improving experiences and outcomes for all. We believe every customer, regardless of circumstance, capability or background, should have access to fit-for-purpose energy services.

To support this mission, we offer an annual $30,000 HOME Grant - previously known as the Vulnerability Research Grant - to fund any project or initiative that improves outcomes for customers.

The HOME Grant is intended to support the successful awardee to identify and understand experiences, challenges and opportunities for customers and communities, and provide practical recommendations for the energy sector to better support them.

The HOME grant has evolved from the Vulnerability Research Grant, as the grant requirements and eligibility criteria have been expanded, with the new name reflecting this change.

What’s new this year?

  • Open to all
  • Funds can be used for any initiative that advances customer outcomes

We welcome proposals from anyone with a great idea! Whether you’re a researcher, business, community group or individual, if your project can help us better understand or support our customers, we want to hear from you.

Applications for the 2026 Grant are now open!

For more information, please see the application criteria here.

Proposals are due by 5pm Friday 7 November 2025, via email to research@ausnetservices.com.au

AusNet's Vulnerability Research Grant

The previous Vulnerability Research Grant - now the Helping Our Mission for Equity Grant - was available for social service organisations and public institutions to help fund research projects focused on customers experiencing vulnerability or with diverse capabilities, to help better identify and understand their specific requirements and how to best support them. Find out more about previous recipients:

RMIT University undertook research into effectively engaging and communicating with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities in Australia's energy sector. Join our webinar to find out more!

Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria was the recipient of our 2024 Vulnerability Research Grant. COTA's research looked into understanding how older customers (aged 65+) are experiencing current energy transition processes, including the barriers they are facing and the impact that current processes are having on them. Learn more here.

Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) was the recipient of our 2023 Vulnerability Research Grant. YEF's research looked into understanding vulnerability at the intersection of disability and electricity services. Learn more here and hear from our 2023 recipient below.