Grants to Voluntary
Environmental, Sustainability
and Heritage Organisations
Guidelines 2013-14
Information about the GVESHO Program is available at:
 Website
www.environment.gov.au/about/programs/gvesho/
For further information about this program contact:
GVESHO Program Team
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population & Communities
 email
gvesho@environment.gov.au
 telephone
1800 003 562
If you require the assistance of an interpreter, please call TIS National on 131 450, and
ask to speak with the GVESHO program Team on 1800 003 562.
© Commonwealth of Australia 2013
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be
reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth. Requests and
enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to Department of Sustainability,
Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Public Affairs, GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601 or
email public.affairs@environment.gov.au
While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are factually
correct, the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the
contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly
through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this publication.
1
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
The Guidelines: GVESHO 2013-14
FOREWORD............................................................................................................................................................... 3
READ THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION FIRST ............................................................................................ 4
PART 1 - INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Purpose of Funding ..................................................................................................................................... 7
PART 2 - ELIGIBILITY ............................................................................................................................................ 8
2.1 Program Priorities ........................................................................................................................................ 9
2.2 Ineligibility Criteria ...................................................................................................................................... 10
1. Ineligible Organisations ............................................................................................................................. 10
2. Recipient run processes .............................................................................................................................. 10
2.3 Geographic Categories and Funding Priorities ..................................................................................... 11
1. National Organisations ............................................................................................................................... 11
2. State or Territory Organisations ................................................................................................................. 12
3. Regional Organisations .............................................................................................................................. 12
4. Local Organisations ................................................................................................................................... 13
PART 3 - APPLYING FOR GVESHO FUNDING ................................................................................................ 14
3.1 Application Form ........................................................................................................................................ 14
3.2 Submitting your Application ..................................................................................................................... 15
3.3 Extension of the Application Period ........................................................................................................ 16
PART 4 - ASSESSING APPLICATIONS .............................................................................................................. 17
4.1 Assessment Process ................................................................................................................................. 17
4.2 Eligibility of the Organisation .................................................................................................................... 17
4.3 Merit Assessment ...................................................................................................................................... 18
1. Significant Outcomes Against the Program Priorities ................................................................................ 18
2. Organisational Capacity to Undertake Activities Associated with the Program Priorities......................... 18
3. Funding Priority for the Relevant Geographic Category and Community Involvement ............................ 19
4. Value for Money ........................................................................................................................................ 19
5. Grants and Other Funding .......................................................................................................................... 19
6. Need for Funding and Benefit to Program Priorities .................................................................................. 20
4.4 Selection and Notification ......................................................................................................................... 20
PART 5 - CONDITIONS OF FUNDING ................................................................................................................ 21
5.1 Funding Agreement ................................................................................................................................... 21
5.2 Payment of Funding .................................................................................................................................. 21
5.3 Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting ..................................................................................................... 22
5.4 ABN, GST Registration and Tax Withholding ........................................................................................ 22
5.5 Conflict of Interest ...................................................................................................................................... 23
1. The Australian Government’s rights .......................................................................................................... 24
2. Disclaimer .................................................................................................................................................. 24
3. Confidentiality and Privacy ........................................................................................................................ 25
PART 6 - ENQUIRIES, FEEDBACK AND COMPLAINTS................................................................................ 26
PART 7 - NEED MORE HELP? ............................................................................................................................. 27
APPENDIX A: GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS FLOWCHART ................................................................ 28
Grants for Voluntary, Environmental, Sustainability and Heritage Organisation Program
2
Foreword
The 2013-14 financial year marks a momentous milestone for
the Australian Government’s Grants to Voluntary Environment,
Sustainability and Heritage Organisations (GVESHO) program.
The program has been providing funding to volunteer groups for
an incredible 40 years.
The program’s humble beginnings in 1973 saw 17 voluntary
conservations organisations provided total funding of $323,000.
The number of groups supported by the program over the years
has steadily increased with the introduction of funding for
heritage groups in 1999 and sustainability groups in 2011.
I strongly support the philosophy of those early days when the
importance of volunteer community groups was recognised by
the government and through the program. Although GVESHO is
40 years old, it continues to evolve as Australia looks to the
future, a future in which our environment, ecological sustainability and cultural heritage
remains a principle focus.
I am pleased to introduce the new look GVESHO Program and Guidelines, which include
significant changes to the program priorities in order to align with the objects of the
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. I have also reinstated
multiyear funding under the program in order to recognise the ongoing budgetary constraints
experienced by organisations.
The program’s purpose remains unchanged and will continue to assist with salaries, rental
office accommodation, office supplies, some capital equipment, utilities and communications
charges, staff and volunteer training, insurance, printing and travel.
These Guidelines contain helpful information about grant processes including clear instruction
on eligibility requirements, how to apply for funding through the new on-line application form,
and clear guidance on what types of organisations are funded under the program.
GVESHO is only one of a number of funding programs available through the Department of
Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities that support community
based environment, sustainability and heritage organisations
(see www.environment.gov.au/about/programs).
It is with great pleasure that I announce the opening of the 2013-14 funding round of the
Grants to Voluntary Australian Government’s GVESHO program. I strongly encourage all
eligible organisations to apply for administrative funding assistance under the program.
Tony Burke
Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
3
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Read This Important Information First
These guidelines and the application form are cross-referenced and should be read
together. You can access the Grants to Voluntary Environment, Sustainability and
Heritage Organisations guidelines and application form at
www.environment.gov.au/gvesho.
Your on-line application must be submitted by 5.00pm AEST on Thursday 20th June
2013.
Electronic applications are preferred. If you are unable to submit your application online,
you can request a hard copy application by calling 1800 003 562.
Completion of the declaration section and signature of authorised representative
authorises the application for submission. All hard copy applications must be post
marked by Thursday 20th June 2013. If you are using a courier, your application must
be delivered by no later than 5.00pm (AEST) on Thursday 20th June 2013 and must
include a courier slip dated Thursday 20th June 2013.
Late Applications may not be accepted.
Applications may not be accepted if they are:
received after the closing date;
received only as a photocopy or email; or
incomplete.
If you require further information, please visit the GVESHO website at
www.environment.gov.au/gvesho or contact the GVESHO hotline on 1800 003 562.
Grants for Voluntary, Environmental, Sustainability and Heritage Organisation Program
4
Part 1 - Introduction
The Australian Government’s Grants for Voluntary, Environmental, Sustainability and
Heritage Organisation (GVESHO) Program is administered by the Department of
Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (the department) and
provides funds to help community-based, not-for-profit organisations to value, conserve
and protect the natural environment and historic heritage, and promote a sustainable
future for generations to come.
National, state or territory, regional and local organisations that meet the eligibility
requirements of the program can apply for funds to assist with administration costs.
Funds of up to $1.3 million (GST exclusive) are available under the GVESHO 2013-14
funding round.
The assessment of applications will be based on the relative merits of an organisation’s
contribution to the achievement of criteria of the Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) including the principles of ecologically
sustainable development. Assessment of eligibility will be based on an applicant’s
competitive claims against the eligibility criteria. Using the eligibility and assessment
criteria, eligible organisations will be ranked and funding offered to those with the
highest ranking.
As funds under GVESHO are limited and the program is highly competitive, it is likely
that not all applicants will receive a grant or the full amount requested in their
application. For example, in 2012-13, 284 applicants sought $11.45 million and of these
200 organisations received grants ranging from $1,445 to $77,000 (GST exclusive).
Table 1 indicates the range of funding provided under each geographical category
under GVESHO in 2012-13.
Table 1: 2012-13 funding for each geographic category
Geographic Category
Estimated Funding Range
Local
$2,000 to $4,000
Regional
$2,000 to $30,000
State
$3,000 to $77,000
National
$3,000 to $30,000
Note: Estimated funding is approximate.
5
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Applicants may seek funding for either a single year or for up to a three year funding
period. It should be noted that not all successful applicants will receive multiyear
funding.
In the case of multiyear grants, funding will be provided in 2013-14, 2014-15 and
2015-16. It is anticipated that grant funds will be made available to successful
applicants according to the following timetable subject to grant requirements being met:
August 2013:
Payment one (2013-14) made available
July 2014:
Payment two (2014-15) made available
July 2015:
Payment three (2015-16) made available
Funding provided through GVESHO is not intended to be on a recurrent basis and
previous funding to an organisation through the program will not be considered in
determining the relative merits of its application.
Guidelines may be varied from time to time by the Australian Government as the needs
of the program dictate. Amended guidelines will be published on the department’s
website.
These program guidelines have been developed giving consideration to the
Commonwealth Grant Guidelines.
Grants for Voluntary, Environmental, Sustainability and Heritage Organisation Program
6
1.1 Purpose of Funding
The purpose of funding under the GVESHO program is to assist eligible organisations
by contributing to their administrative costs.
Administrative costs may include:
 salaries and salary on-costs for executive, administrative, campaign or other staff;
 office accommodation (rental only);
 utility charges (e.g. electricity, water and gas);
 office supplies;
 communications (phone, fax, internet charges);
 insurance;
 staff and volunteer training;
 photocopying and printing;
 travel; and
 office and non-office capital items necessary for the ongoing operation of the
organisation (not a specific project of the organisation) where there is significant
and long-term public benefit in the purchase of such items. The items could, for
example, include: computer, laptop, photocopier, scanner, printer, fax machine,
mobile telephone and GPS equipment.
Funding will not be provided for program, project or campaign costs or large capital item
costs. For example:
actual on-ground project costs;
fundraising expenses;
donations to other organisations;.
vehicles and/or boats;
mortgage payments on premises being purchased by the organisation or to meet
any charges for maintaining premises owned by the organisation; and
renovations.
7
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Part 2 - Eligibility
If your organisation does not meet the requirements set out below, please do not
submit an application for a GVESHO grant.
The program provides funds to organisations who can demonstrate that they are
contributing towards the achievement of the objects of the EPBC Act.
To be eligible, an organisation must throughout the funding period:
1. be an incorporated legal entity such as:
a. an incorporated association;
b. a company;
c. an Indigenous corporation; or
d. a corporate trustee of a duly constituted trust (Trustee).
2. be a community based, non-government and not-for-profit organisation and produce
financial statements that have been independently audited by a certified accountant;
and
3. have:
a. in the case of organisations comprised in the majority by individuals, a minimum
voting and financial membership of 50 individuals or more;
b. in the case of organisations comprised of affiliate bodies, a minimum of five
affiliated bodies with an aggregate membership of 200 individuals or more; or
c. in the case of a Trustee, strong community support for the organisation’s
activities and operations. Written evidence provided to demonstrate this must
include information about the nature and extent of volunteer involvement in the
organisation.
Organisations will need to provide supporting documentation to substantiate
a principle objective. Supporting documentation could include,
but is not limited to, the organisation’s constitution, trust deed
or other supporting evidence of the organisation’s activities and achievements.
Grants for Voluntary, Environmental, Sustainability and Heritage Organisation Program
8
2.1 Program Priorities
Your organisation must also be able to demonstrate in writing that the principle objective
of the organisation as a whole is consistent with and seeks to achieve one or more of
the following objectives of the EPBC Act (set out in section 3 of the EPBC Act).
GVESHO Program Priorities align with the EPBC Act objectives. That is:
a. provides for the protection of the environment, especially those aspects of the
environment that are matters of national environmental significance;
b. promotes ecologically sustainable development through the conservation and
ecologically sustainable use of natural resources, where the principles of
ecologically sustainable development include;
i. decision-making processes that effectively integrate both long-term and shortterm economic, environmental, social and equitable considerations;
ii. if there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full
scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to
prevent environmental degradation;
iii. the principle of inter-generational equity-that the present generation should
ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is
maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations;
iv. the conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity should be a
fundamental consideration in decision-making; and
v. improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms should be promoted
c. promotes the conservation of biodiversity;
d. provides for the protection and conservation of heritage;
e. promotes a co-operative approach to the protection and management of the
environment involving governments, the community, land-holders and indigenous
peoples;
f. assists in the co-operative implementation of Australia’s international environment
responsibilities;
g. recognises the role of Indigenous people in the conservation and ecologically
sustainable use of Australia’s biodiversity; and
h. promotes the use of Indigenous peoples’ knowledge of biodiversity with the
involvement of, and in co-operation with, the owners of the knowledge.
Your organisation must be able to demonstrate:
a. a track record of achievement of outcomes consistent with the objects of the
EPBC Act; and
b. a track record of community involvement.
9
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
2.2 Ineligibility Criteria
1. Ineligible Organisations
The following organisations are ineligible for funding:
1. government organisations/agencies;
2. organisations which are established under legislation and have an object or purpose
prescribed under that legislation;
3. organisations whose principal purpose and/or activity is political advocacy;
4. organisations whose principle objective is not consistent with and does not seek to
achieve the Program Priorities but who have established committees or elements of
their organisation whose principle objective is consistent with and does seek to
achieve the Program Priorities.
5. organisations which had revenue exceeding $5 million for the last completed
financial year;
6. organisations who have previously received GVESHO grants, and at the closing
date for applications, have not acquitted those grants as per the terms of the funding
agreement;
7. organisations that do not produce independently audited financial statements; and/or
8. organisations that are not incorporated.
2. Recipient run processes
Activities involving an applicant applying for funds to be distributed amongst, or to be
used on behalf of, other organisations, are not eligible for funding.
Grants for Voluntary, Environmental, Sustainability and Heritage Organisation Program
10
2.3 Geographic Categories and Funding Priorities
Applicants must apply for funding in one of the following four geographic categories:
1. National organisations with objectives and scope of works which cover most or all of
Australia;
2. State or territory organisations with objectives and scope of works which covers
most or all of the relevant State or Territory;
3. Regional organisations with objectives and scope of works which covers or exceeds
an area the size of a Statistical Division as defined by the Australian Bureau of
Statistics (Maps of Statistical Divisions by State or Territory are available at:
www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/1216.0Jul%202007?OpenDocument
4. Local organisations with objectives and scope of works which cover an Australian
local government or statistical area as listed in the Local Government Areas and
Statistical Local Areas – Alphabetic Data Cube available at the Australian Bureau of
Statistics website:
www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/1216.0Jul%202007?OpenDocument
1. National Organisations
Eligible national organisations will receive priority for funding where they have:





a large membership (whether direct or through affiliates);
broad coverage of a wide range of issues relating to any of those identified as
Program Priorities;
an acknowledged leadership role;
the capacity to provide effective support and policy development or to undertake or
coordinate, as relates to the Program Priorities, on-ground improvement and/or
conservation activities; and
education, research or training activities at a national level.
Specific-interest organisations will be accorded a lower priority, with relative funding
determined by:




11
the level of community participation;
the significance of outcomes consistent with the Program Priorities;
demonstrated effectiveness; and
the relationship between the Program Priorities and the organisation’s activities.
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
2. State or Territory Organisations
Eligible state or territory organisations which are acknowledged as umbrella or peak
bodies will receive priority for funding where they:





have a broad focus covering a number of issues across the state/territory;
are representative of a broad range of groups from across the state/territory;
are a resource centre for community action across the state/territory;
demonstrate effectiveness in relation to the organisation’s objectives; and
have a high level of community support and participation.
Funding priority will otherwise be based on organisations that:




have the capacity to provide policy development and/or a public
information/advisory service;
undertake or coordinate on-ground activities;
undertake or coordinate education, research and/or training activities; and
actively contribute to the Program Priorities at a state/territory level.
Specific-interest organisations will be accorded a lower priority, with relative funding
determined by:




the level of community participation;
the significance of outcomes consistent with the Program Priorities;
demonstrated effectiveness to achieve outcomes; and
the relationship between the Program Priorities and the organisation’s activities.
3. Regional Organisations
Eligible regional organisations which are acknowledged as an umbrella or peak bodies
will be given highest priority for funding where they:





have a broad focus covering a number of issues across the region;
are representative of a broad range of groups from across the region;
acknowledged as a resource centre for community action across the region;
demonstrate a high level of community participation; and
have demonstrated effectiveness in relation to the organisation’s objectives.
Grants for Voluntary, Environmental, Sustainability and Heritage Organisation Program
12
Funding priority will otherwise be based on organisations that:




have the capacity to provide policy development and/or a public
information/advisory service;
undertake or coordinate on-ground improvement and/or conservation activities as
relates to Program Priorities;
undertake or coordinate education, research and/or training activities; and
actively contribute to priorities at a regional level.
Specific-interest organisations will be accorded a lower priority, with relative funding
determined by:




level of community participation;
the significance of outcomes consistent with the Program Priorities;
demonstrated effectiveness; and
the relationship between the Program Priorities and the organisation’s activities.
4. Local Organisations
Eligible local organisations will be funded based on their capacity to:




provide policy development and/or a public information/advisory service;
undertake or coordinate on-ground improvement and/or conservation activities as
relates to Program Priorities;
undertake or coordinate education, research and/or training activities; and
actively contribute to priorities at a local level.
Otherwise funding will be determined by:



13
level of community participation;
the significance of outcomes consistent with the Program Priorities; and
demonstrated effectiveness.
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Part 3 - Applying for GVESHO Funding
3.1 Application Form
Under the program a limited pool of funds is available and is to be provided to national,
state/territory, regional and local organisations. Funds will be allocated on a competitive
basis with consideration being given to the quality of an organisation’s proposed
activities over the funding period to contribute to the Program Priorities as identified
under the EPBC Act.
It is in the organisation’s interests to ensure that sufficient information is supplied
addressing applicant details; the organisation’s profile; the organisation’s geographic
scope; funding profile; activity profile and volunteer profile. The department will not
contact applicants for missing information and/or attachments.
Only submissions made on the GVESHO 2013-14 electronic smart form application or
on the hard copy application form will be accepted. Electronic applications are
preferred.
To request a hard copy application pack call 1800 003 562. Hard copy applications can
be submitted by post or delivered by courier.
Applicants are encouraged to read the application carefully before submission to ensure
that all relevant sections have been completed and the information provided is complete
and correct.
No changes are permitted to the application once the application has been submitted. If
an applicant discovers that a submitted application contains incorrect or misleading
information, they must immediately bring it to the attention of the department by
emailing gvesho@environment.gov.au or calling 1800 003 562. If you need to alter your
application after it has been submitted, but before the application period closes, you
must contact the department. Applications cannot be altered after the closing date.
Refer to ‘GVESHO—How to Complete the Application form’ for detailed information
about completing the application form. This and the online application form are available
at the GVESHO website: www.environment.gov.au/gvesho.
Grants for Voluntary, Environmental, Sustainability and Heritage Organisation Program
14
3.2 Submitting your Application
Applicants must complete and submit their application and all attachments to the
department by the closing date.
Electronic Applications
Completion of the declaration section in the application form authorises the application
and allows for on-line submission.
On-line applications and attachments must be submitted by 5.00pm (AEST) on
Thursday 20th June 2013. Please note that staff will only be available to provide
assistance or answer technical submission enquiries until 5.00pm AEST on the closing
date. It is highly recommended that you submit your application before this time.
Applications submitted after 5.00pm (AEST) on Thursday 20th June 2013 may not be
considered for assessment.
Please do not send hard copies of applications that were submitted electronically.
If you are unable to use the on-line application form attachment tool, you may post hard
copies of attachments to the address below. Please mark all hard copy attachments
with the application identification number automatically generated when you submit your
application on-line. Note that the submission of these attachments must follow the same
process and deadlines for hard copy application form submissions.
Hard Copy Applications and/or Attachments
Completion of the declaration section and signature of authorised representative
authorises the application for submission. All hard copy applications must be post
marked by Thursday 20th June 2013. If you are using a courier, your application must
be delivered to the address below by no later than 5pm (AEST) on Thursday 20th
June 2013.
Post your completed application to:
or if you are using a courier, address to:
GVESHO program (Grant Services)
Department of Sustainability,
Environment, Water, Population and
Communities
GPO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2601
GVESHO program (Grant Services)
Department of Sustainability, Environment,
Water, Population and Communities
Lovett Tower
13 Keltie Street
WODEN ACT 2606
Telephone: 1800 003 562
15
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Once submitted, applications become the property of the department and the
department will not return applications to applicants.
The department will acknowledge receipt of your application in writing via email as soon
as possible after the closing date.
3.3 Extension of the Application Period
The department may at its sole discretion extend the application period.
The department may consider the submission of applications after the closing date in
extenuating circumstances, such as natural disasters, which impact directly on the
applicant’s ability to complete and submit an application within the timeframe.
Applicants must provide a request for an extension of time in writing (by sending an
email to gvesho@environment.gov.au) which must be approved by the department prior
to the closing date.
Grants for Voluntary, Environmental, Sustainability and Heritage Organisation Program
16
Part 4 - Assessing Applications
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that the process for funding
organisations under the program is fair and in accordance with the current
Commonwealth Grant Guidelines.
4.1 Assessment Process
The Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities is
responsible for making grants under the GVESHO program. The role of the department
is to assess the grant applications and provide the Minister with advice on the
application’s respective merits.
Applications will be assessed by the department against eligibility criteria that must be
met in order for a proposal to be considered further. Merit assessments and
assessment moderations will be undertaken by the department.
Under the GVESHO program, a limited pool of funds is available and will be provided to
eligible national, state/territory, regional and local organisations. Funds will be allocated
on a competitive basis with consideration being given to the merit of an eligible
organisation’s application, including its proposed activities over the funding period and
the extent to which these contribute to the Program Priorities.
Your application will be scored and ranked against all other applications received.
Applications that best align with the assessment criteria will have a greater likelihood of
being funded.
Information you provide in your application will be used to assess your proposal. You
are entirely responsible for the accuracy of all information submitted. If you knowingly
provide inadequate, false or misleading information your proposal may be ruled
ineligible. Applicants should be aware that the giving of false or misleading information
is a serious offence under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
4.2 Eligibility of the Organisation
Applications will initially be assessed against a set of eligibility criteria drawn from the
considerations outlined in the section titled Program Priorities (eligibility criteria). All
eligibility criteria must be met in order for the application to be considered eligible and
progress to the merit assessment phase.
17
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
4.3 Merit Assessment
Once an application is assessed as satisfying the eligibility criteria, it is progressed to
the merit assessment phase. This is the competitive assessment phase that ranks
applications against each other, producing a list of applicants running from high priority
to lower priority or not recommended for funding. Merit assessment criteria are not
weighted equally. Criteria are numbered from those with the highest weighting
graduating to a lesser weighting.
1. Significant Outcomes against the Program Priorities
Applicants will be assessed on the extent to which the application meets the objectives
of the Program Priorities. This encompasses the significance and breadth of previous,
current and planned activities undertaken by the applicant and the outcomes of these
projects and activities as they relate to the Program Priorities.
Organisations will be rated based on:




The number of Program Priorities identified in the application;
The extent to which the projects or activities past, present and planned are
undertaken;
Projects and activities that will commence in the funding period; and
What outcomes are expected in relation to the Program Priorities.
2. Organisational Capacity to Undertake Activities Associated with the Program
Priorities
The extent to which the application has demonstrated their capacity to manage effective
implementation of the activities proposed and the extent to which the applicant has
demonstrated that their organisation is committed to ongoing management of it primary
objectives.
Assessors will assess the capacity of the organisation to undertake and achieve
outcomes or engage in activities against the number of years the organisation has been
in operation and the level of outcomes or activities achieved to date.
Grants for Voluntary, Environmental, Sustainability and Heritage Organisation Program
18
3. Funding Priority for the Relevant Geographic Category and Community
Involvement
The organisation’s relative funding priority according to the geographic categories and
the level of community involvement:




National organisations with objectives and scope of works which cover most or all of
Australia;
State or territory organisations with objectives and scope of works which covers
most or all of the relevant state or territory;
Regional organisations with objectives and scope of works which covers or exceeds
an area the size of a statistical division as defined by the Australian Bureau of
Statistics.
Local organisations with objectives and scope of works which cover an Australian
local government or statistical area.
Community Involvement
The applicant is assessed on the degree of community involvement as evidenced by
membership numbers, volunteer support base and the membership numbers of
affiliated bodies.
4. Value for Money
The extent to which the application meets the objectives of the program for the funding
requested. Applications will be assessed on the value for money when considering the
management and expenditure of the organisation’s budget, how the applicant has
demonstrated a significant commitment to management or promotional activities as they
relate to the organisation’s objectives and on-ground projects, and the extent to which
education, research and/or training activities undertaken or coordinated by the applicant
are effective and innovative.
Also considered are activities coordinated by the organisation and how the application
demonstrates a high level of community and/or volunteer involvement. How the
organisation’s work program outcomes as they relate to the Program Priorities are
promoted will also be assessed against this criterion.
5. Grants and Other Funding
The number of grants and other funding received through the Australian Government,
state and other funding sources, excluding any GVESHO program funding. Other
funding may be in the form of membership fees, sponsorship and public donations
including bequests.
19
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
6. Need for Funding and Benefit to Program Priorities
The need for funding and benefit to Program Priorities will be considered to the extent to
which:



there is a need for an even spread of funds across similar organisations;
there are state/territory, regional and local needs and interests; and
the funding would deliver the maximum benefit for the Program Priorities.
4.4 Selection and Notification
Funding provided through the GVESHO program is not intended to be allocated on a
recurrent basis and previous funding to an organisation through the program will not be
considered in determining the relative merits of the organisation’s application to the
2013-2014 funding round.
Grants will be decided by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population
and Communities, and the Minister’s assessment of recommendations may take into
account any other priorities determined by the Minister.
After the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Population and Communities has
approved proposals for funding, all applicants will be informed in writing via mail
whether or not their application has been successful.
All decisions made by the Minister about successful applications are final and there is
no right of appeal. However, the department may, at its discretion, revisit funding
recommendation processes in exceptional circumstances.
Successful proposals will be published on the department’s website once a formal
announcement is made and successful applicants will be sent a funding agreement for
execution shortly following the announcement of successful funding recipients.
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Part 5 - Conditions of Funding
5.1 Funding Agreement
Successful applicants must enter into a legally binding funding agreement with the
Australian Government within the timeframe specified in the letter of offer provided to
approved applicants.
The funding agreement sets out the general reporting, promotional and auditing terms
under which funding is provided and will apply uniformly to all successful applications.
The grant funds must be spent only for the purposes allowed under the GVESHO
program to contribute to an organisation’s administrative costs as set out in the purpose
of funding section of these Guidelines and the grant request section of the GVESHO
application.
The organisation acknowledges that previous grantees that are offered a grant through
this process must have acquitted previous GVESHO grants as per the terms of the
funding agreement before payment will be made.
The ownership of any equipment (capital) purchased through the GVESHO program will
vest in the applicants unless otherwise agreed with the department.
5.2 Payment of Funding
Once any additional documentation requested by the department and signed
acceptance of grant agreements are received and signed by the department’s delegate,
the 2013-14 payment for single year grants, and the first and subsequent payments for
multiyear grants, will be made within 30 days.
A copy of the completed funding agreement will be returned to you for your records.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
5.3 Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
In line with Australian Government audit and evaluation requirements, all funded
organisations will be subject to financial and performance monitoring and evaluation to
ensure that they are able to acquit the grant meeting specified milestones and
performance indicators as detailed in the associated funding agreement.
Please note that milestone reporting is not required under the GVESHO program.
The organisation’s audited financial statements for its total operations covering the
period for which the grant is receipted is required to be provided to the department
within 3 months of the end of the organisation’s financial year. In the case of multiyear
grants received under GVESHO, separate audited financial statements are required for
each year that funding is received.
The grant and the grant amount must be clearly identified as a separate line item in the
organisation’s annual audited financial statement as income from the GVESHO
program. If funding has been previously received under the former Grants to Voluntary
Environment and Heritage Organisations (GVEHO) Program, the grant will be clearly
identified as a separate line item under that program name.
In any reporting of the organisation’s funding, due acknowledgment will be made to the
“Australian Government and the Grants to Voluntary Environment, Sustainability and
Heritage Organisations Program”.
If the organisation is successful in obtaining a grant, any significant changes to the
organisation, or planned activities during the funding period, will need to be
communicated to, and reviewed by the department to ensure that the organisation
continues to meet the eligibility criteria. This may result in the department requesting
that the organisation reimburse the grant amount, in part of full, to the department.
5.4 ABN, GST Registration and Tax Withholding
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is generally applicable to funding agreements
where the applicant is registered, or is required to be registered, for GST and the
payment is considered subject to GST. If you’re unsure of the GST status of your
organisation and any associated implications, please contact the Australian Taxation
Office on 13 28 69 or seek independent advice.
You must also provide an Australian Business Number (ABN). This must be for the
applicant entity which would receive the funding and enter into the funding agreement. If
you are applying, and don’t provide an ABN and are not GST registered, you will need
to provide the department with the Australian Taxation Office form called ‘Statement by
Supplier: (Reason for not quoting an ABN)’. If you do not provide this statement, a
withholding tax will apply to payments. The ‘Statement by Supplier’ is available on the
internet at www.ato.gov.au or at your local post office.
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5.5 Conflict of Interest
Applicants
Applicants are required to declare as part of their application, existing or perceived
conflicts of interest that would, or may impact on, or prevent the applicant proceeding or
any funding agreement it may enter into with the Australian Government.
Where an applicant subsequently identifies that an actual, apparent, or potential conflict
of interest exists or might arise in relation to their application for funding, the applicant
must inform the department in writing immediately.
A conflict of interest may exist, for example, if the applicant or any of its personnel:
 has a relationship (whether professional, commercial or personal) with a party who
is able to influence the application assessment process, such as a departmental
staff member;
 has a relationship with, or interest in, an organisation, which is likely to interfere with
or restrict the applicant in carrying out the proposed activities fairly and
independently; and/or
 has a relationship with, or interest in, an organisation from which they will receive
personal gain as a result of the granting of funding under the program.
Departmental Assessors
A conflict of interest may arise where an officer in the department's assessment team
has a current, prospective or perceived personal interest in a funding proposal. This can
include but is not limited to, family ties to staff or directors in an applicant organisation,
current or previous employment with an applicant organisation or financial interests in
an applicant organisation.
All assessors involved in the GVESHO program are required to:
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sign, and keep up to date, conflict of interest declarations, which will ensure the
appropriate identification and management of any conflicts of interest; and
comply and abide by the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct.
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
5.6 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
Under the EPBC Act, the applicant (you or your organisation) is responsible for referring
projects conducted by your organisation to the Australian Government Minister if it is
likely to have a significant impact on a matter of National Environment Significance,
which includes heritage matters. Further information on the EPBC Act can be found at
www.environment.gov.au/epbc/index.html.
5.7 Other Laws and Approvals
All successful applicants must comply with relevant Australian, state, territory and local
authority environmental, heritage and planning laws, including the National Code of
Practice for the Construction Industry. This requirement is specified in the funding
agreement, and action may be taken to retrieve grant funds where such laws have not
been complied with.
5.8 Rights and Responsibilities
1. The Australian Government’s rights
The Australian Government reserves the right to amend these guidelines in its absolute
discretion and will, where possible, provide reasonable notice of these amendments.
The Australian Government also reserves the right to vary, suspend or terminate the
assessment process at any time and in its absolute discretion.
2. Disclaimer
The Australian Government, including the department and its officers, employees,
agents and advisors:
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are not, and will not be, responsible or liable for the accuracy or completeness of
any information in or provided in connection with these guidelines;
make no express or implied representation or warranty that any statement as to
future matters will prove correct;
disclaim any and all liability arising from any information provided to an applicant,
including errors in, or omissions contained in that information;
except in so far as liability under any statute cannot be excluded, accept no
responsibility arising in any way from errors or omissions contained in these
guidelines; and
accept no liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of that
person, or any other person, placing reliance on the contents of these guidelines or
any other information provided by the Australian Government in respect of the
GVESHO program.
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3. Confidentiality and Privacy
Applicants must identify any information contained within their application which they
consider should be treated as confidential and provide reasons for the request.
The department will only consider a request for confidentiality where:
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the information to be protected is identified in specific rather than global terms;
the information is by its nature confidential; and
disclosure would cause detriment to the parties concerned.
The department is subject to the legislative and administrative accountability and
transparency requirements of the Australian Government, including disclosures to the
Parliament and its Committees. Not with standing any obligations of confidentiality, the
department may disclose, or allow at any time the disclosure of, any information
contained in or relating to any application:
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to their advisers, employees or internal management for purposes related to the
application and assessment processes, including to evaluate or otherwise assess
applications and manage any resultant funding agreement;
to the responsible Minister;
in response to a request by a House or a Committee of the Parliament of the
Commonwealth of Australia;
within the department, or with another agency, where this serves the Australian
Government’s legitimate interests;
where the information is authorised or required by law to be disclosed, noting that
information submitted to the Australian Government is subject to the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 (Cth) and its requirements; and
where the information is already in the public domain otherwise than due to a
breach of any relevant confidentiality obligation by the Australian Government.
In submitting an application, applicants consent to the department using the information
contained in their application for the above mentioned purposes, for administering the
program and any other incidental or related purpose. The department will store and use
the personal information collected by it in compliance with its obligations under the
Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Applicants should be aware that if their application is successful, Commonwealth policy
requires the department to publish information on their websites about the applicant
including, but not limited to:
 the name of the legal entity receiving the funding;
 the objectives of the organisation;
 the amount of funding received;
 the terms of the funding; and
 the funded location.
By submitting applications for funding under the GVESHO program, applicants consent
to publication of the above information by the department if they are awarded funding.
Applicants may access or correct personal information by either emailing the
department at gvesho@environment.gov.au or sending a letter to the department’s
postal address:
GVESHO program (Grant Services)
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
GPO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Part 6 - Enquiries, feedback and complaints
Feedback is important to the GVESHO program. Incorporated into the administration of
the GVESHO program, is an ongoing business review and improvement cycle. This
process looks at the program’s design and utilises methods such as stakeholder
feedback, assessor forums and other consultative processes.
This continual improvement approach helps to refine the GVESHO program over time
and may inform changes to the program as a whole.
If you have identified a problem or complaint, please contact the GVESHO Program
Team on 1800 003 562 in the first instance.
All unsuccessful applicants will have the opportunity to request feedback on their
application once the outcomes of the 2013-14 GVESHO funding round have been
announced.
All enquiries and complaints will be handled consistent with the department’s Service
Charter 2011-14, available from the department’s website:
www.environment.gov.au/about/publications/pubs/dsewpac_service_charter_2011-14.pdf .
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Part 7 - Need More Help?
If after reading these guidelines you have any questions, please contact the
department:
 email
gvesho@environment.gov.au
 telephone
1800 003 562
If you require the assistance of an interpreter, please call TIS National on 131 450, and
ask to speak with the GVESHO Program Team on 1800 003 562.
Please note that staff will only be available to provide assistance or answer submission
enquiries in relation to GVESHO applications until 5.00pm AEST Thursday 20th June
2013.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
APPENDIX A: GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS FLOWCHART
APPLICATION
Applicant submits an application. Department acknowledges receipt
ASSESSMENT
Application is assessed against eligibility and merit criteria
ADVICE TO APPROVER
Advice is provided to the Approver on the merits of each application against the program guideline
APPROVAL
The Approver makes a decision on the application and the applicant is advised of the outcome.
Successful applications are published on the Department website and/or announced in the media.
ACQUITTAL
Applicants complete financial acquittal. Department accepts financial acquittal
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www.environment.gov.au/gvesho
GVESHO Program Team:
1
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email: gvesho@environment.gov.au
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telephone: 1800 003 562
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities