The RED Grants program is a flagship state initiative, delivered in partnership with the nine regional development commissions across Western Australia. Its aim? To back locally-driven projects that generate economic growth, diversify regional economies, and deliver long-term impact.
In this blog post, we’ll unpack:
- The five core objectives of the RED Grants program
- Why these objectives matter
- How they connect with regional priorities across WA
- What this means for your project idea
The Five Key Objectives
Each project funded via RED Grants must clearly demonstrate alignment with at least one of the following objectives:
- Sustainable Jobs
Projects that create new jobs (full-time, part-time, traineeships, apprenticeships) or secure existing jobs in the region.
Why it matters: Jobs lie at the heart of regional economic resilience, more employment means more households, more spending, and stronger local economies. - Expanding or Diversifying Industry
Projects that enhance existing industry operations or open the door to entirely new sectors in the region.
Why it matters: Regions that remain reliant on a narrow industry base are vulnerable to shocks. Diversification broadens opportunity and strengthens economic stability. - Developing Skills or Capabilities
Projects that build workforce capability, introduce new technologies, or increase the effectiveness of local businesses.
Why it matters: Skills and capability build the foundations for innovation, productivity and the region’s ability to adapt. - Attracting New Investment into the Region
Projects that draw in additional public/private funding, support industry investment or stimulate new business within the region.
Why it matters: Investment is the catalyst that scales projects, creates multiplier effects, and deepens economic impact. - Increasing Productivity
Projects that boost output, efficiency or value-adding in regional industries, through better processes, technology or business models.
Why it matters: Higher productivity drives competitiveness, better returns for business, and stronger regional economies.
Linking Objectives to Regional Priorities
While the five objectives form the backbone of the RED Grants program, each region has its own priorities guided by local strategy and context. Aligning your project to both an objective and the regional priority is key to a competitive submission.
For example, the:
- Gascoyne Development Commission region, priorities focus on growing tourism and primary production, supporting Aboriginal economic development, and developing future jobs and workforce capability.
- Mid West Development Commission region, priorities feature Aboriginal economic participation, critical infrastructure, industry growth and liveability.
- Kimberley Development Commission region, priorities emphasise Aboriginal economic development, tourism, workforce accommodation and innovation.
Take-away for your project:
- Showcase how your project links to one of the five objectives and addresses a regional priority.
- Tailor your narrative to the local context: data, partnership, delivery capacity and regional need strengthen your case.
What This Means for Your Project Idea
When you’re preparing for a funding round, especially a competitive one like the RED Grants, keep these practical pointers in mind:
- Start with the objective: Select which of the five objectives your project most clearly supports. Use it as the headline of your funding narrative.
- Link to regional strategy: Show that your project isn’t just good for you, it’s good for the region. Use local statistics, regional plans and strategic documents.
- Demonstrate deliverability: Great ideas aren’t enough. You’ll need to show how you’ll deliver – for example, governance, timeline, partnerships, risk mitigation.
- Speak to impact: Use metrics such as jobs created, value-added, investment attracted, productivity gains. Quantify where possible.
Tailor the story: Every region is different. Craft your application so that it resonates with that specific local context. Avoid generic language.
How BlueSalt Consulting Can Help
At BlueSalt Consulting, we specialise in supporting regional organisations, businesses and community groups to align their projects with the RED Grants framework. We help you:
- Map your project to the right objective(s)
- Understand regional priorities and evidence base
- Strengthen your business case and articulation of delivery capability
- Navigate the application process with clarity and confidence
If you’re thinking about applying or want to learn more about how to shape your idea into a fundable project, get in touch with us.
