ANHCA recently received the final report from Deakin University’s HOME Research Centre evaluating the Supporting Stronger Communities (SSC) Grant Program. The evaluation, which drew on surveys with program participants and managers, interviews, and two collaborative systems thinking workshops, found strong evidence that SSC funded programs are building social connection, belonging and community wellbeing.

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89% of participants reported gaining new information or knowledge, 83% made new social connections, and 81% accessed useful resources through their program. Importantly, the evaluation found that outcomes were driven by how programs were delivered rather than the specific type of activity.

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These findings are already informing our advocacy to philanthropic partners and the federal government, and will shape future SSC grant rounds.

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What this means for your House or Centre

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Whether you’re writing a grant application, designing a new program or strengthening an existing one, the evaluation highlights what actually drives social connection and belonging outcomes. These are worth building into any funding proposal:

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• Make it easy to walk in. Programs with no referral, no eligibility criteria and no appointment had the strongest reach. If your funder requires targeting, explain why low barrier access still reaches the people who need it most.

• Design for repeat contact. One off events had less impact than programs that brought people together regularly over time. If you’re applying for project funding, build in multiple touchpoints rather than a single activity.

• Create opportunities to contribute. Participants reported the strongest sense of belonging when they could give back, share skills or help others. Frame your program around participation and reciprocity, not service delivery.

• Name your facilitation. Trusted, skilled facilitators were consistently identified as the single most important factor. Don’t bury staffing costs at the bottom of your budget. Make the case for why a skilled facilitator is central to the outcome.

• Build in flexibility. The most effective programs adapted to what participants actually needed. Ask your funder for room to adjust activities and budget lines as the program progresses.