Community Support & Infrastructure
Grants Program
2009-2010
Guidelines for Applicants
Table of Contents
1.
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 3
1.1 The Canberra Social Plan........................................................................................................ 3
1.2 Funding Categories ................................................................................................................. 3
1.3 Available Funds ...................................................................................................................... 3
1.4 Principles underpinning the allocation of funding under the CSIG ........................................ 3
1.4.1
Environmental Sustainability ....................................................................................... 3
1.4.2
Organisational and sector viability. .............................................................................. 3
2.
FUNDING CATEGORIES..................................................................... 4
2.1 Category One: Community Support and Capacity ................................................................. 4
2.1.1
Purpose ......................................................................................................................... 4
2.1.2
Available funds ............................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Category Two: Non-Fixed Infrastructure and Equipment Funding ........................................ 4
2.2.1
Purpose ......................................................................................................................... 4
2.2.2
Available funds ............................................................................................................. 5
2.3 Category Three: Capital Works and Fixed Infrastructure ...................................................... 5
2.3.1
Purpose ......................................................................................................................... 5
2.3.2
Available funds ............................................................................................................. 5
3. GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS ............................................................ 6
3.1 Eligibility criteria .................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 What will not be funded .......................................................................................................... 6
3.3 Administrative Requirements ................................................................................................. 7
3.4 Insurance ................................................................................................................................. 7
3.5 Acquittal of Grant Funds ........................................................................................................ 7
3.6 Additional/Other Costs ........................................................................................................... 8
3.7 Where to obtain an application ............................................................................................... 8
3.8 The Assessment Process ......................................................................................................... 8
3.9 Early Bird Applications .......................................................................................................... 8
3.10 Completing and Submitting Your Application ....................................................................... 9
3.10.1 Steps to completing the Application Form: ..................................................................... 9
3.10.2 Applications may be submitted: ....................................................................................... 9
3.11 Further Information Or Assistance?...................................................................................... 10
4
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ................................................. 11
Applications close 5pm Monday, 24 August 2009
2009-10 Community Support and Infrastructure Grants - Guidelines
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1.
1.1
INTRODUCTION
The Canberra Social Plan
Applications are invited for the 2009-2010 Community Support and Infrastructure Grants Program
(CSIG), which has been established to support the seven priorities and goals of The Canberra Social
Plan:
 Economic opportunity for all Canberrans
 Respect, diversity and human rights
 A safe, strong and cohesive community
 Improve health and wellbeing
 Lead Australia in education, training and lifelong learning
 Housing for a future Canberra
 Respect and protect the environment.
1.2
Funding Categories
The 2009-2010 Community Support and Infrastructure Grants Program has three categories for
funding:
Category One – Community Support and Capacity
Category Two – Non-fixed Infrastructure and Equipment
Category Three – Capital Works and Fixed Infrastructure
1.3
Available Funds
A total of $500,000 is available in 2009-2010 for one-off projects of up to 12 months duration
Only applications seeking the maximum amount or less will be considered eligible for assessment.
1.4
Principles underpinning the allocation of funding under the CSIG
Priority will be given to projects that support environmental sustainability and/or increase
organisational and sector viability.
1.4.1 Environmental Sustainability
Applications for funding should, where possible, take account of the ACT Government’s broader
environmental sustainability commitment by aiming to reduce energy and water consumption,
generate less waste and minimise resource use. Further information about the ACT Government’s
commitment to environmental sustainability is available at the ACT Office of Sustainability website,
at: www.tams.act.gov.au/live/sustainability or by telephoning the Office on 13 22 81.
1.4.2 Organisational and sector viability.
All applications must demonstrate how the project will enhance the organisation’s capacity to deliver
services to their target population and/or contribute to the future viability of the community sector in
Canberra. Funding of your project might meet an immediate identified need in the community OR
an identified need in the Canberra community sector which will enable the sector to meet client
needs better over the medium to longer term.
Applications close 5pm Monday, 24 August 2009
2009-10 Community Support and Infrastructure Grants - Guidelines
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2. FUNDING CATEGORIES
An organisation may only lodge one application. You should think carefully about the main purpose
of your proposal and seek funding under the appropriate category. However, you should also
consider all the elements that will make your project or purchase a success and include them in your
application. The application forms for each Category include space to describe all the elements of
your proposal and you are encouraged to do so.
2.1
Category One: Community Support and Capacity
2.1.1 Purpose
The Community Support and Infrastructure Grants aim to build capacity within Community Sector
organisations to deliver their programs and projects in the most effective and efficient manner with
the aim of achieving positive outcomes for members of the ACT community.
This category’s target group is community organisations that provide essential and direct supports to
ACT residents.
Applications for funding are sought in the areas of:




improving the business and management skills of community organisations;
assisting partnerships of community organisations seeking to establish shared services
models in order to achieve efficiencies in areas such as administration and finance,
facilities and fleet services;
training in business and organisational planning processes to enable development of
business and strategic plans;
enhancing ICT and project management skills within the community sector.
2.1.2 Available funds
A total of $150,000 is available under this funding category. The maximum funding available for
each project under Category One: Community Support and Capacity will be $30,000 (GST exclusive).
2.2
Category Two: Non-Fixed Infrastructure and Equipment Funding
2.2.1 Purpose
This category seeks to assist community groups and organisations to purchase non-fixed
infrastructure and equipment such as ICT, client equipment needs, office equipment and furniture.
Items that will be considered for funding under this category include:



ICT hardware including computers, networking infrastructure, printers, photocopiers,
whiteboards, lite pros, overhead projectors, telephone/broadband modems etc;
ICT software (including upgrade of computer operating systems, data collection software,
accounting packages, etc);
Furniture and storage such as bookcases and filing cabinets;
Applications close 5pm Monday, 24 August 2009
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


OH&S and ergonomic equipment such as fire extinguishers, and equipment to assist
staff/volunteers and service users;
Equipment for use by service users such as toys, books, cooking equipment for
community rooms/kitchens etc; and
Non-fixed infrastructure to meet positive environmental outcomes.
2.2.2 Available funds
A total of $200,000 is available under this category. Grants of up to $30,000 (GST exclusive) are
available to purchase items that will remain an asset of the organisation for use by service users,
volunteers, and employees in the ACT. Applicants are required to provide at least two (2) quotes for
the proposed purchase to show best value for money.
2.3
Category Three: Capital Works and Fixed Infrastructure
2.3.1 Purpose
This category seeks to assist community organisations to improve access to their organisation’s
services and/or facilities by clients including individuals, families and communities who currently, or
potentially, use their service.
The funds can be utilised for:
 minor building upgrades,
 capital works,
 energy efficiency measures, or
 other fixed infrastructure.
To be eligible for funding under this priority your organisation must meet additional eligibility criteria:
1. offer a service or program directly to the community;
2. match the grant amount on a dollar for dollar basis; and
3. have the permission of the building owner to undertake works outside their lease
agreements. This is critical where community organisations lease ACT Government
properties, which may be subject to existing repairs and maintenance or minor capital works
programs.
2.3.2 Available funds
A total of $150,000 is available under this category. Grants of up to $50,000 in matched funding are
available for capital works and fixed infrastructure projects.
Applications close 5pm Monday, 24 August 2009
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3. GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS
3.1
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the Community Services Infrastructure Grants Program your organisation must meet
ALL of the following criteria. Your organisation must:
1.
submit only one application per organisation.
2.
be one of the following:
a. an incorporated association, or
b. have an auspicing arrangement with an incorporated organisation, or
c. be a registered not-for profit organisation;
3.
have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or, if auspiced, must be auspiced by an
organisation with an ABN;
4.
have a minimum of $10 million public liability insurance or provide a quote from an insurance
company and then become insured for $10 million public liability upon becoming successful
for funding. This grant cannot be used to pay for the required insurance;
5.
be applying for funding either to:
a. provide a service/program (which may include equipment purchases) which will be
located primarily in the ACT and primarily for the benefit of ACT residents; or
b. purchase non- fixed or fixed infrastructure/capital works to be used solely in the ACT and
primarily for the benefit of ACT residents;
6.
have no outstanding acquittals for any previous ACT Government grants. Organisations that
have not fulfilled previous grant requirements including evaluation, acquittal reports and
audited financial statements are ineligible to apply for funding under the CSIG program; and
7.
complete all questions in the application form and have the declaration signed by the
appropriate person (i.e. CEO or other authorised delegate).
Individuals, profit making groups, government organisations or private consultants are ineligible to
apply for funding under the Community Services Infrastructure Grants Program.
Please note: if you do not comply with the above eligibility requirements, your application will not be
assessed for funding.
3.2
What will not be funded
Organisations seeking funding for proposed programs, projects, services or purchases which include
any of the following attributes will not be considered eligible for funding under this Grants Program.

projects and/or activities that do not contribute to the aims of The Canberra Social Plan.

any project that does not occur primarily within the ACT.

existing general administration costs such as phone, stationary and/or utilities costs.
Applications close 5pm Monday, 24 August 2009
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
existing projects or services;

retrospective costs — projects or purchases which have already taken place;

products that have already been produced or costs that have already been incurred,

applications seeking funding that exceeds the stated maximum grant amount available of
$30,000 in the case of a project or equipment and $50,000 in the case of capital works,

commitments such as contracts, hire purchases or rental agreements for any goods beyond the
period funded;

purchase or lease of real estate;

employment obligations;

existing but unfunded staff positions;

projects or programs already funded by the ACT Government;

domestic or international travel and accommodation costs.
3.3
Administrative Requirements
All successful applicants (or the auspicing organisation in the case of un-incorporated applicants) will
be required to:

enter into a Deed of Grant;

be responsible for the reporting and acquitting of the grant within the timeframe specified;

provide proof of appropriate insurance cover; and

appropriately acknowledge the ACT Government for the assistance provided for the project.
3.4
Insurance
All applications MUST demonstrate one of the following:

that the organisation has at least $10 million in public liability insurance and include a copy of
the certificate of insurance with the application; OR

that the organisation has obtained a quote for the afore mentioned level of insurance and
include a copy of the quote with the application. If your application is successful you must
obtain the insurance and provide a copy of the certificate to DHCS prior to funds being made
available to your organisation.
It is possible that your organisation might be required to obtain insurance at a higher level. It is your
responsibility to ensure you have the correct level of insurance for your project by seeking further
advice from Treasury ACT.
For information on obtaining Public Liability Insurance contact Treasury ACT on telephone
(02) 6207 0318 or visit www.insuranceriskadvice.act.gov.au.
3.5
Acquittal of Grant Funds
Successful applicants must expend the funds within twelve months of receipt of funds or at the
completion of the project, whichever is sooner. The funds must be expended in accordance to the
Applications close 5pm Monday, 24 August 2009
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project outlined in the grant application and in the Deed of grant. An acquittal of the grant must be
provided within 30 days of the completion of the grant project.
Any unexpended funds are to be returned at the time of acquitting the grant. Successful applicants
unable to appropriately expended the funds and/or complete the project in the time allowed must
notify the Community Support and Infrastructure Grants Secretariat as soon as possible.
3.6
Additional/Other Costs
Should the project cost exceed the amount awarded, the ACT Government will not be responsible nor
obliged to pay any monies additional to the notified amount awarded under the original grant.
Where the organisation or project experiences unforseen circumstances during the course of the
project and develops an expectation that the project will run over budget the organisation should
advise the Grants Secretariat as soon as possible so that the Secretariat can offer any non-financial
assistance possible to avert a budget over-run.
3.7
Where to obtain an application
These Guidelines and the Application forms can be downloaded from the DHCS web site at:
www.dhcs.act.gov.au/wac, or the ACT Grants Portal at www.grants.act.gov.au.
3.8
The Assessment Process
When we receive your application, it will be checked against the Community Services Grants Program
Guidelines to ensure eligibility for funding. All eligible applications are then provided to assessment
panel members to be rated. The assessment panel is chaired by a senior Department of Disability,
Housing and Community Services staff member (not from the Community Support and Infrastructure
Grants Secretariat). Panel members are selected from relevant ACT Government Departments and a
community member.
Your application will be assessed against the guidelines and selection criteria on the application
form. Recommendations for funding will then be made to the Minister for Community Services for
final approval. All Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications.
3.9
Early Bird Applications
In 2009-2010 an additional step has been added to the assessment process to give organisations an
opportunity to have their application reviewed for administrative compliance before the final closing
date.
Applications received by the early bird closing date of 10 August 2009 will be reviewed to ensure the
necessary documentation is included and that the required signatures are present. Applications will
NOT be reviewed for content or merit. Only an organisation whose application is received by the early
bird closing date and found to be incomplete will be so advised. It is the applicant’s responsibility to
resubmit their complete application by the due date – 24 August 2009.
Applications that are incomplete at the final closing date of 24 August 2009 will not be eligible for
assessment.
Applications close 5pm Monday, 24 August 2009
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3.10 Completing and Submitting Your Application
Applications open Friday 10 July 2009.
Monday 10 August 2009 - Early Bird Applications close – applications must be received by 5.00 pm.
Monday 24 August 2009 – Applications close - all applications must be received by 5.00pm.
Applications postmarked 24 August 2009 will be accepted.
3.10.1 Steps to completing the Application Form:
1.
All applicants must complete section 1;
2.
Complete section 2 if applying for category One, Community Support;
3.
Complete section 3 if applying for category Two, Equipment;
4.
Complete section 4 if applying for category Three, Capital Works
5.
Complete the questions in the application form as fully and accurately as possible;
6.
Ensure that the CEO of the applicant organisation, or an authorised delegate, has endorsed
the application. Where the applicant organisation is being auspiced it is the signature of the
auspicing organisation’s CEO (or other authorised delegate) that is required.
7.
Do not bind or staple your application. It is best to provide the completed application form
held together with a paper clip so that it can be copied easily for each member of the
Assessment Committee;
8.
Keep a copy of your application for your records;
Please note: Applications lodged after the application due date will not be considered unless an
extension has been negotiated with the contact officer before the closing date for applications. An
extension will only be provided where exceptional circumstances prevent the organisation meeting
the due date.
3.10.2 Applications may be submitted:
By post to:
Community Support and Infrastructure Grants
Community Development Services
Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services
GPO Box 158
Canberra
ACT 2601
By hand at:
Community Support and Infrastructure Grants
Community Development Services
Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services
Ground Floor Lobby
11 Moore Street
Canberra City
By email to:
communitypolicy@act.gov.au
ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THE GRANT APPLICATION.
Applications close 5pm Monday, 24 August 2009
2009-10 Community Support and Infrastructure Grants - Guidelines
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Choose a method for submission that allows you to meet this criterion – incomplete submissions will
not be forwarded to the assessment panel for consideration.
Only organisations that take advantage of the opportunity to submit their application by the early bird
date will be advised of errors or omissions, including incomplete documentation. It remains the
responsibility of the organisation to resubmit the corrected application BY THE DUE DATE
24 August 2009.
Use the checklist provided to ensure your application is complete before submission.
To assist us to make the necessary multiple copies of your application easily please DO NOT bend or
staple applications.
3.11 Further Information Or Assistance?
There will be three information sessions on Tuesday 28, Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 July 2009.
The sessions will also include information about the Seniors Grants and Sponsorship Program.
City
Information Session
Southside
Information Session
Northside
Information Session
DATE: Tues 28th July 2009
DATE: Wed 29th July 2009
DATE: Thurs 30th July 2009
TIME: 10:00am – 12:00noon
TIME: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
TIME: 12:00noon – 2:00pm
PLACE: Belconnen Community
Service
PLACE: Communities @ Work,
PLACE: ACT Department of
Disability, Housing and
Community Services
ADDRESS: 26 Chandler St,
Belconnen
ADDRESS: 245 Cowlishaw St,
Tuggeranong Town Centre
ADDRESS: Ground Floor
Conference Room, 11 Moore St,
Civic
You may attend any of the sessions that are convenient to you.
For further advice please contact Community Support and Infrastructure Grants Secretariat.
Phone:
Email:
6205 1308 or 6205 0531
communitypolicy@act.gov.au
Applications close 5pm Monday, 24 August 2009
2009-10 Community Support and Infrastructure Grants - Guidelines
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4
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1: How much is available?
A: The 2009-2010 Community Support and Infrastructure Grants will provide $500,000 with
the maximum individual grants available being:
$30,000 (excluding GST) for Community Support funding
$30,000 (excluding GST) for Non-fixed Infrastructure and Equipment Funding
$50,000 (excluding GST) for Capital Works and Fixed Infrastructure Funding
Q2: I have an idea for funding but not sure if it fits the purpose of the Community Support and
Infrastructure Grants Program. What should I do?
A: If you are not sure if you idea will meet the eligibility criteria of the Community Support and
Infrastructure Grants you are welcome to attend one of the information sessions and discuss
your proposal there. Details of the information sessions are on page 10.
Q3: Will funding be available for running community events such as celebrations?
A: No. The 2009-2010 Community Support and Infrastructure Grants will not be providing
funding for events and celebrations. The ACT Government provides a wide range of grants.
Information about grants programs can be found at the ACT Government Grants Portal,
www.grants.act.gov.au.
Q4: What should I keep in mind if I am submitting an application for non-fixed infrastructure and
equipment funding?
A: In the interest of best value for money and life span of equipment, you must obtain at least
two (2) quotes for the equipment/product for which you are seeking funding. It is also
advised that you buy from reputable providers and obtain warranties and on-going support.
Take into account the additional associated costs such as insurance and running costs.
Q5: Can I apply for new curtains and other window furnishings?
A: Yes. Applications for the purchase of window fixture can be supported under Category
Three: Capital Works and Fixed Infrastructure Funding. Organisations need to demonstrate
that this fixed infrastructure will assist to improve access to community organisations and
community facilities for individuals, families and communities and/or significantly enhance
the environmental sustainability of the facility (reduce heating costs).
Applications close 5pm Monday, 24 August 2009
2009-10 Community Support and Infrastructure Grants - Guidelines
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Q6: Can I apply for a feasibility study that will lead to future capital works?
A: Yes. Applications for funding feasibility studies can be supported under Category Three:
Capital Works and Fixed Infrastructure. However, organisations must demonstrate that any
feasibility study will not lead to works requiring majority ACT Government funding.
Further, the success of a grant to undertake a feasibility study does not confer on the
organisation any right to presume that any resulting project will be approved or funded in any
part by the ACT Government.
Q7: Our group/organisation is not incorporated and will need to seek the support of an auspice
organisation. Who can we approach?
A: Any incorporated organisation is able to auspice another un-incorporated organisation.
However, the ACT has six Regional Community Services that may be able to support
community groups and organisations in their areas. The Regional Community Service
organisations by region are:
Tuggeranong:
Communities @ Work
Woden:
Woden Community Service
Inner South:
Southside Regional Community Service
Civic/North Canberra: Northside Community Service
Belconnen:
Belconnen Community Service Inc
Gungahlin:
Gungahlin Community Service
You can find more information about the Regional Community Services and other possible
auspice organisations by visiting the Citizens Advice Bureau at:
http://www.citizensadvice.org.au/
Q8: Can my organisation apply for more than one grant?
A: No. Each organisation may submit only ONE application for funding. The application should
seek funding under ONE of the three Categories, the decision about which Category should
reflect the main purpose of the proposal.
Q9: My organisation is seeking funding to change some of our current practices; can I apply for
project funding?
A: Yes. The 2009-2010 Community Support and Infrastructure Grants allow for such projects
under Category One, Community Support.
Q10: Can we get funding for a project we carried out last year?
A: No. The Community Support and Infrastructure Grants program provides funding for new
projects only.
Applications close 5pm Monday, 24 August 2009
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Q11: My project will have contact with people in Queanbeyan/ NSW. Can I still apply?
A: The project must be located in the ACT and be primarily for the benefit of ACT residents. It
is permissible to travel with program/project participants out of the ACT temporarily and it is
permissible to include a small proportion of non-ACT residents in the program/project.
Q12: We ran a project in 2008 and have an outstanding acquittal of funds. Can we apply for another
grant?
A: No. It is an eligibility requirement that all applicants must have acquitted any previous
funding, if due, before applying for funding under the Community Support and Infrastructure
Grants program You are still eligible to apply if you have received a previous grant and the
acquittal is not yet due.
You are required to indicate on the Application Form if you have not acquitted any previous
ACT Government grants and the acquittal status of any ongoing grants.
The Community Support and Infrastructure Grants Secretariat undertakes a process with
other ACT Government funding areas to check any possible double funding of projects and
activities and to ensure groups and organisations have no outstanding acquittals.
Q13: We applied for funding for this project under another grants round and weren’t successful, can
we apply to Community Support and Infrastructure Grants program for the same project?
A: Yes. It is advised that all recipients seek feedback on unsuccessful applications to assist
with any future funding rounds.
Q14: Can we submit an application for funding for this project/program to another source at the
same time as applying for funds under the Community Support and Infrastructure Grants program?
A: Yes. You are required to declare that you have also submitted an application for funding for
this project/program to another source and the name of that source at question five on the
application form.
Q 15: Is a Parents and Citizens Association eligible to apply for funding?
A: Yes.
Applications close 5pm Monday, 24 August 2009
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