Education Assistance
State Schools' Relief Fund
Families with a child enrolled at a Victorian Government school in any year level and who are facing serious financial difficulty or exceptional circumstances (natural disasters, health issues etc). What can be provided: school uniforms, some books, some other essential items.
The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)
Run by Good Shepherd Microfinance and provides those on low income with safe, fair and affordable credit. Loan amounts can be as little as $300 or as much as $1200 for essential goods and services including laptops and school items. Once applications are approved, repayments are set up at an affordable amount for 12 to 18 months.
Two closest NILS providers in Banyule & Nillumbik are:
Salvation Army Melbourne Central Community Support Services, Cnr Morang Drive and Fred Hollows Way, Mill Park, VIC. Ph: 03 9436 9200. Mon, Tue & Thu 9am-4pm
Kildonan Uniting, 188 McDonalds Road, Epping, VIC. Ph: 03 8401 0100. Mon-Fri 9-5pm
Back to School Fund & KidsAssist (DVCS)
One-off grants for essential educational items or activities. Payments will only be made to the school that the child attends OR via North of the Yarra vouchers.
The Queen's Fund
Financially assist and empower single women and children in Victoria who are in distress, crisis or emergency situations and can include essential school items. The average grant is $323. The application must be processed by a qualified case or social worker. Residency in Victoria for a minimum period of 12 months is required.
Applications can be made at: https://www.queensfund.org.au/howtoapply
Council of Single Mothers and Their Children
Provides information and resources on education assistance along with Affordable housing, income security, family law, child support, family violence, parenting support, flexible employment and study, and social connections. Parents can call the Support Line for assistance, advice, information and referral.
St Vincent De Paul
$350 grant to residents of the Diamond Valley Region. The grant assists children going from year 6 to year 7.
North of the Yarra School Booksellers
Second-hand text books.