Community Grants Program (Australia)

Deadline: 19-Sep-21

The Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is pleased to announce Community Grants Program that aims to provide financial support to local non-profit community-based organisations/groups to provide initiatives that meet community needs and benefit residents in their community.

The Community Grants Program fosters community partnerships which provide benefits to the wider community. Council acknowledges and values the significant contribution made by community groups and organisations in assisting to achieve outcomes that align with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council plans, such as the Community Strategic Plan.

Categories

Community Builders: For community organisations to establish, strengthen or implement projects that can demonstrate a benefit to the wider community.
Cultural Activities: For projects that provide opportunities for residents to participate in a broad range of arts and cultural activities that enhance quality of life.
Community Celebrations: To establish projects that engage the whole community, encourage celebration and strengthen community spirit and connectedness.
Youth Projects: For projects and activities that benefit young people (25yrs and younger) and will have an ongoing benefit to youth in the community.
Micro Grants: To support unexpected opportunities for their community organisations to enhance people, places and spaces.

Funding Information

Applicants can apply for a Community Grant up to $5,000 and Micro Grants up to $1,000.
Applications for funding must be for a specific purpose, and must not be considered as a recurrent/permanent source of future funding.
Groups are not guaranteed the full amount of funding requested in their application.

The proposed project must:

Start within the funding financial year.
Declare if part funding has been received from state or federal funding grants.
Comply with recognised Australian Standards and observe all relevant Government regulations, guidelines and seek necessary Council approvals. Projects that include building or minor capital works, and some events, may require a DA.

Note 65% of the funds are granted prior to the event or project commencement with the remaining 35% released once the event or project is acquitted and reviewed.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be an incorporated ‘not for profit’ organisation, community or voluntary group based in the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA providing a demonstrated service to the Port Macquarie-Hastings community.

Organisations must provide:
- A copy of the groups/ organisations certificate of incorporation
- A copy of the groups/ organisations Certificate of Currency for Public liability insurance; (minimum of $20million)
- An Australian Business Number (ABN) – Where the group / organisation or individual does not have an ABN, a letter from the auspice body
- A copy of the groups / organisations most recent annual report and /or audited financial statement
Unincorporated groups or individuals are eligible to apply, provided applications are made through an incorporated auspicing organisation that supports the project and is willing to accept responsibility for the funding.
A letter from the incorporated body must be attached to the application. The funding Agreement will be between Council and the auspicing organisation.
The same group, organisation or individual who has received funding for projects for more than three consecutive years will only be considered for repeat rounds if there are sufficient funds available in the pool of grant funding and/or they can clearly demonstrate a sustainable funding source(s) that will part fund the project.
The application/applicant must:
- Demonstrate that the purchase of equipment/ materials directly relates to the project.
- Include a budget for the project, which should be realistic and cost effective. The budget should indicate the amount of grant funding being sought and a breakdown of expected expenditure and income, including any in-kind contribution.
- Supply two (2) written quotes for all expenses and/or service over $2,000. And provide receipts on acquittal.
- Be responsible for obtaining and funding any other approvals related to the project.