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.
2. Who gives community grants?
3. Who can apply for community grants?
4. What types of projects can be funded?
5. How much money and what in-kind assistance is available?
7. What info is required to write a grant application?
8. Who can I contact for help?
9. How are applications assessed?
10. How will we find out if we have been successful?
11. If we are successful what are our responsibilities?
12. And when will we get the money?
14. Tips on writing your grant application.
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. Back to FAQ List
A grant generally involves the transfer of funds from a local, state or Commonwealth government program to an organisation or individual 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 is available about small business grants at Business Entry Point .
Waratah-Wynyard Council has a good record of assisting community efforts in a range of areas over the period since introducing a grants scheme in 1994. Back to FAQ List
Any non-profit community group 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:
All applicants are given equal opportunity to gain council funding and support as long as the proposed initiative fits the selection g u ideli n es set down by council. See Q.4 below.
Individuals representing their community and Australia at world championship sporting level or in an event of similar status in a non-sporting pursuit may also qualify for event-related funding. Back to FAQ List
Clubs, community groups and organisations based within the municipal area or with majority membership from within the municipal area and local branches of regional or statewide organisations are deemed to be eligible to apply.
Council maintain a discretionary capacity to consider funding support for programs that have a demonstrable community/public and/or social, cultural or moral benefit, where that benefit is fully identified in the application to Council.
Council will not financially support public or private educational facilities, capital infrastructure projects or repair and maintenance items that would normally be covered by State Government or other bodies' budget allocations.
Grants may be made to assist with 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. Back to FAQ List
Council determines the funding allocation for community grants every financial year.
A total of approximately $42,000 is provided annually as the result of a competitive and equitable selection process.
The upper limit available for any one project varies according to the number of applications requiring consideration.
Council may provide in-kind assistance comprising free or a discounted rate for council services where this form of assistance meets an applicant's need or circumstances. Back to FAQ List
One round of funding is offered each financial year.
Applications are open from early February until late March of each year.
Community grants are advertised in the Advocate newspaper during this period as well as being publicised on council's Web site.
Applicants are advised to organise all relevant documentation before February if planning to lodge an application in respect of the following financial year. Back to FAQ List
In a nutshell - the information you are required to provide to council is an outline of:
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 regarding:
Incorporated status
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.
See Q.14 for 'Tips on writing y o ur grant application'. Back to FAQ List
It is important to discuss your ideas with the contact officers at council right from the start. Face-to-face contact is recommended early on so that key points can be emphasized to the applicant.
For these or any other queries please contact Council's Community Development Officer. Back to FAQ List
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.
Decisions about community grants are made at council meetings, following advice from council officers. The advice given can only be based on the information provided by the applicant.
During the assessment period (April to June) the relevant council officer may wish to contact the person listed on the application form. Back to FAQ List
Council will confirm receipt of your application. All applicants can expect to learn of the outcome of their application by the end of June. Back to FAQ List
If successful you are required to follow a formal acquittal process set by council. This means that once the project concludes you will be required to provide to council a financial report and a brief written acquittal report. Back to FAQ List
Funding becomes available on the presentation of documentation confirming relevant expenditure or commitment. Back to FAQ List
It is 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. Back to FAQ List
a) Read grant guidelines & selection criteria carefully
b) Do your homework on the project costings
c) Be realistic
d) Discuss your project with contact Officer at council
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 usually required to provide supporting evidence with your application.
This may include:
j) Check and proofread everything and submit before due date
An incomplete document may be automatically disqualified. And late applications are generally not accepted. Back to FAQ List
