The HMSTrust matrix explained
The matrix structure was first introduced in FY14 and had an immediate impact on our grantmaking. It enabled the Trust to work more strategically, with greater efficiencies and to greater effect. The 5 x 5 matrix was developed to be an easy reference for grantseekers and provide clear guidelines across the grants process from enquiry through to approval. The columns represent the Trust’s five key objectives and the rows, the Trust’s five programs.
HMSTrust’s Grants Policy is reviewed every three years to ensure that our grantmaking remains relevant and effective in a rapidly changing social environment. The first review of our 2014 Grants Policy was completed in April 2017 based on the learnings from the previous three years. The revised grants strategy was implemented ready for FY18 grants. Key changes included replacing the ‘Regional Resilience’ program with ‘Community’ given that strengthening rural and regional Victoria is one of the five key objectives. The three specific focus areas under the Community program target parenting, early childhood development and financial resilience. The focus areas under the Arts and Culture program have been narrowed, and Health has been reduced to one focus area: ‘improving access to mental health services in rural and regional Victoria’.
The response to these changes has been generally positive, with the most significant impact being on Health, where the shift to a single narrow focus required time to understand the sector, build our network and start the conversations with potential grantees. Consequently, there are no Health grants for FY18, however, three grants have already been approved for FY19. The Programs section of our website provides full details.
The 5 x 5 matrix
The distinctive colour-coded HMSTrust matrix is a simple device that highlights the programs and objectives that define the Trust’s areas of interest.
An application is required to match:
- one of the Trust’s five programs and at least one of that selected program’s focus areas; and
- at least three of HMSTrust’s five key objectives.