Community Grants Information

DISCLAIMER

Important information concerning the interpretations of legislation and other policies contained in this page. It is recommended that the Disclaimer be read in conjunction with the information provided.

Community grants often provide a much-needed boost to launch worthwhile community projects or activities. Whatever the contribution, grant providers are needed to get projects up and running. Arts and cultural events, community health and development initiatives, sporting and youth activities all provide enormous benefits to the community. The input from council is often crucial to ensure the enthusiasm and commitment from local communities continues.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is a Community Grant?

A community grant is financial, (or sometimes in-kind), assistance that allows selected non-profit organisations (or a community representative) to participate in and make a positive contribution to their local community.

The purpose of a grants program is to best meet local needs using ideas put forward by members of the community. The expected outcome is building a better community and enhancing the life experience for residents and visitors.

The overall aim is to foster community development and partnerships, promoting a local identity and encouraging participation in our community by our community.

2. Who gives community grants?

A grant generally involves the transfer of funds from a local, state or Commonwealth government program to an organisation for a specified purpose. Business or philanthropic foundations may also offer grants.

Websites offering helpful information and advice about various community grant programs:

• Commonwealth Government community grants
• Tasmanian Government community grants
• Australia-wide community grants
• Further Australian community grant services
• Information about small business grants

Your local council has a good record of assisting community efforts in a range of areas including community, youth, special events, sport and recreation projects. Some previous projects funded include facility improvements, equipment, sponsorship etc.

3. Who can apply for community grants?

Any non-profit community group or organisation planning to provide a community service or to run a project for local benefit and in need of assistance could be eligible for community grant funding.

Applications are encouraged from local:

• educational, arts and cultural organisations
• religious bodies and service clubs
• community development and environmental organisations
• youth and recreational clubs
• volunteer networks and self-help groups.

All applicants are given equal opportunity to gain council funding and support as long as the proposed initiative fits the selection guidelines set down by council

Individuals representing their community in pursuit of an elite sporting or cultural award may also qualify for event-related sponsorship.

4. What types of projects can be funded?

Refer to the selection guidelines below to check whether the grant program is suited to your funding needs.

Priority is given to supporting projects that encourage self-help and self-reliance, enhance, link, or provide better access to existing services, attempt to meet an unmet community need, or enhance the life opportunities of those who are disadvantaged.

Eligibility:

Any community group, organization or club that is:

• Legally incorporated or operating under the auspices of an incorporated body;
• Not for profit;
• Located in, or benefits the Meander Valley Council area;
• Catering for a majority of members/clients from that area;
• Relying substantially on voluntary membership and workers;
• Demonstrates sound management practices, and
• Demonstrates an appropriate level of fund raising and/or makes reasonable attempts to locate alternative funding sources.

Selection Criteria:

For a project to be considered it should:

• Have a clearly stated purpose and a practical and viable plan for achieving this purpose;
• Respond to a clearly demonstrated need and be appropriate to that need;
• Not duplicate other locally available services, and
• Encourage volunteer involvement.

Assessment Criteria:

Projects will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• The level of volunteer and financial input from the group;
• The level of unmet need in the community;
• The projected number of people who will be involved in the project; the level of community acceptance and support.

Grants are not intended to cover day-to day running costs of organisations or on-going maintenance of plant and equipment.

Funding is not available for remission of rates, retrospective payments or deficit funding.

5. How much money and what in-kind assistance is available?

Council determines the funding allocation for community grants every financial year according to the perceived needs of the community.

The upper limit available for any one project is fixed at $3,000

6. When can I apply?

Applications are accepted all year round with assessments being held in January, April, July and October.  For further information please call 6393 5300.

7. What info is required to write a grant application?

The information you are required to provide to council is an outline of:

• who you are
• what you are planning to do
• a specific set of objectives and
• a predetermined cost.

There is also a number of accounting, administrative and legal issues that may need to be dealt with, particularly by newly formed community groups.

Before starting the grant application, be clear about any implications for your group of having:

• Incorporated status (if your group is not incorporated, it is acceptable to have your project auspiced by an incorporated body). Contact Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading about becoming an incorporated organisation.
• GST registration and an ABN. All non-profit organisations with an annual turnover of $100 000 or more must register for GST and therefore need an ABN.
• Public liability insurance. Your organisation needs public liability insurance to hold a public event.

Talk to council if you need further advice on these topics when applying for grant.

8. Who can I contact for help?

If you need help in preparing your application please contact:

Patrick Gambles, Community Development Officer, Governance Division
Telephone: 03 6393 5300, or fax: 03 6393 1474

9. How are applications assessed?

All applications are assessed according to the documented assessment criteria and on individual merit. Access to community grant funding cannot be guaranteed for every worthwhile proposal put to council. At times the high level of competition means some worthy initiatives cannot be adopted.

All applications are assessed within 1 month of the closing date.

Recommendations for grant funds then need to be ratified by council at the first available council meeting.

10. How will we find out if we have been successful?

All applicants can expect to learn of the outcome of their application within 1 week of funds being ratified by Council.

11. If we are successful what are our responsibilities?

If successful you are required to follow a formal acquittal process set by council within the financial year the grant was issued. This means that once the project concludes you will be required to provide to council:

• an audited Financial Report
• a brief written report of the success or otherwise of the project.
• All grant recipients are expected to acknowledge the contribution from council in an appropriate manner by:
• public display of council logo
• acknowledgement of council as a funding partner in all relevant correspondence.

12. And when will we get the money?

Funding becomes available as soon as confirmation in writing has been received by the community group.

13. Can I re-apply next year?

It is not possible for a community grant to be awarded in successive years for the same purpose to the same applicant.

Applicants who have previously received a grant can only be considered for further grants if their past obligations to council have been satisfactorily fulfilled and a new project is being applied for.

14.Tips on writing your grant application.

a) Read grant guidelines & selection criteria carefully.

• Decide if the grant program looks suitable for your needs.

b) Do your homework on the project costings

• Provide the best, most accurate information.
• Avoid guesswork.
• Get quotes for work or purchases.
• Produce basic budget estimates for public events.

c) Be realistic

• Is the group ready to take on the project?
• Will the group meet the obligations to council if successful?
• Will the project actually achieve the desired outcomes?
• Does the proposal fit easily within the required timeframe?
• Does the amount requested accurately reflect the true cost of the project?

d) Discuss your project with contact Officer at council

• Seek advice from council if unsure.

e) Keep all information accurate, clear and succinct

f) Organise all legal, financial and administrative paperwork - unless an alternative arrangement is made with council

You are required to provide supporting evidence with your application. This includes,

• A copy of your organizations incorporation
• Proof of current financial status, either most recent annual report, audited financial statements or bank statements;
• Project budget where applicable;
• Project marketing plan where applicable;
• Project business plan where applicable;
• Evidence of GST registration;
• Evidence of public liability insurance where applicable
• Any other information you think would assist the selection panel in assessing the application.

g) Check and proofread everything and submit before due date

• Check all questions are fully answered.
• Check all relevant supporting documentation is included.

An incomplete document may be automatically disqualified. And late applications are generally not accepted.

15. Useful contacts

www.grantslink.gov.au

www.tasmaniatogether.tas.gov.au

www.ourcommunity.com.au

National database of Australian grants and scholarships