Community Broadcasting Foundation launches Content Grants (Australia)

Deadline: 2-Mar-21

The Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) has launched the Content Grants Program to support the development, production, and distribution of content via Australian community media.

The Foundation is particularly looking to:

Increase community participation and diversity in community broadcasting and/or
Support creativity and excellence in content production.

Content grants include funds specifically dedicated to Specialist Radio Programming. This portion of the content grants funding is available to support ongoing ethnic, Indigenous, and RPH programs. For applicants looking to apply for Specialist Radio Programming funds, you must complete a separate grant application specifically requesting this funding.

Developing dynamic content enhances community media in Australia. Beyond their listening and viewing audiences, producers are often recognized for their achievements in awards. For inspiration of Content projects.

Objectives

The Department of Communications and the Arts allocates funds to the CBF to support particular activities. There are dedicated funds to support:

Ethnic broadcasting;
RPH broadcasting;
Indigenous broadcasting;
Other purposes (general funds).

There are specific funds available to support Specialist Radio Programming in Content grants. Ethnic, RPH and Indigenous broadcasting funds may also be allocated to support other activities relevant to those broadcast groups or audiences. Funds available for general content may be allocated for any content purpose.

How do I apply?

Read the grant guidelines for the two grant categories: Development & Operations and Content. Make sure you’re eligible to apply and take note of what may be funded and the maximum amount you can apply for. It may be useful to view what the CBF has funded previously.
Make a plan outlining your organisation’s various funding requests. These can be:
- Specific projects or programs, e.g. addition of an online shop to a station website, continuing a weekly environmental program, station open day.
- Infrastructure requirements e.g. studio equipment upgrade, transmission site relocation.
- Operational expenses e.g. salaries, electricity for transmission site, accounting software.
Engage your management committee, the people who will help write your application, manage the project, report back.
Identify the grant categories your requests fall into either Development & Operations or Content. Review the details of each category on their grants page and contact a member of their Grants Support Team to chat about your proposed approach.
Preview the application form to get an idea of any attachments or information you’ll need for your application, e.g. your station’s strategic plan, supplier quotes, financial reports, etc.
Prepare your budget. Ensure it’s realistic and accurate as you’ll be reporting back on it if you’re successful.
Start work on your application in the SmartyGrants online grant application system. First-time users will need to create a log-in.
- Development & Operations grants – one application can include multiple items and projects. You will need to detail information about the ideas, impacts and expenses for each project.
- Content grants – you can submit multiple applications for different content projects. Firstly, complete a primary Content application form including your organisation details. For all the subsequent content applications in this round, you don’t need to fill out your organisation details; they will link them up for you.
- For Specialist Radio Programming, you will need to complete a separate Content grant application form if your organisation is seeking support for ongoing ethnic, Indigenous or RPH programs.
Review your grant application to ensure it’s easy to read. Poorly presented applications may be more difficult to read and maybe scored lower when assessed. Ensure you ask others to review your application before submitting it to ensure your writing is clear and free of errors.
Submit your grant application by the grant deadline, ensuring all fields are completed and supporting material provided. There’s a handy checklist at the end so you can confirm everything is included.