Community Funding Request Program (Australia)

Deadline: 19-Feb-25

The Community Funding Request program is an annual opportunity for eligible community groups and non-profit organisations to apply for funding and initiatives which are aimed at promoting the wellbeing and prosperity of the community.

Eligible community groups and non-profit organisations have the opportunity to submit a community funding request for specific projects that align with the community’s needs and aspirations, as established in the Wodonga Council Plan. This program is integrated into the council’s annual budget processes and is subject to a decision at a council meeting.

Objectives

• The objectives of Community Funding Requests are centred on supporting projects that align with the following objectives, all of which are aimed at promoting the well-being and prosperity of the community:
  • Sustainable and Forward Looking Communities:
    • They encourage projects that contribute to the long-term sustainability and forward-looking development of their community. This includes initiatives focused on:
      • Environmental conservation;
      • Increasing access to green spaces and outdoor recreation;
      • Renewable energy;
      • Sustainable infrastructure;
      • Implementing strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts.

• Healthy, Safe, and Resilient Communities:
  • They seek projects that promote the health and wellbeing, safety, and resilience of their community. This could involve supporting programs and initiatives that:
    • Enhance emergency preparedness;
    • Improve health and wellbeing;
    • Improve community safety;
    • Support volunteers and encourage volunteering.
• Connected and Engaged Communities:
  • They aim to foster connected and engaged communities by supporting initiatives that facilitate meaningful connections and interactions among community members. Funding will be provided to projects:
    • Promoting social cohesion;
    • Celebrating the cultural, social, and recreational diversity within the city;
    • That provide transport solutions to link residents across the region:
    • That use technology to enhance community engagement and civic participation.
• Thriving and Vibrant Communities:
  • Their goal is to enhance the vibrancy and prosperity of Wodonga. Funding will be directed towards projects:
    • That stimulate economic growth;
    • Promote entrepreneurship;
    • Nurture cultural diversity enhance access to cultural and recreational activities, thereby creating a thriving and vibrant community for residents and visitors;
    • Attract and grow new and inspiring events, which benefit the community, celebrate connection, and attract visitors to Wodonga.

Categories

• Community Funding Requests are provided in three funding categories based on the scale and potential impact of proposed projects:
  • Up to $5000 Small-Scale Community Project
    • This category provides initial funding for smaller projects that can be completed within a short timeframe. To apply for this category, you are required to submit the Small-Scale Community Project application form.
    • Examples of what could be funded under this category include the following:
      • Community artisan workshops: Small-scale artisan workshops bringing local talents together, fostering creativity, skill-sharing and a sense of community pride.
      • Multicultural events: Hosting small multicultural events promoting understanding and unity within the community.
      • Neighbourhood greening: Tree planting initiatives that enhance local parks and reserves, creating greener and healthier living spaces for residents to enjoy.
• $5001 to $50,000 Medium-Scale Community Project
  • This category is designed to allocate funding for medium-scale community projects that have a broader scope and a more substantial impact on a larger portion of the community. To apply for this category, you must submit a Medium-Scale Community Project application form and are encouraged to provide an accompanying project plan.
  • Examples of what could be funded under this category include the following:
    • Sports equipment: Providing sports equipment for a new program tailored to refugee and migrant communities enabling community integration and participation.
    • Public art enrichment: Enriching the community’s cultural landscape and offering points of interest for residents and visitor.
    • Youth leadership program: Empowering youth and supporting skills development, self-confidence and a sense of responsibility within the community.
• $50,000 + Large-Scale Community Project
  • This category recognises the importance of supporting larger-scale community initiatives capable of bringing about transformative change. To apply for this category, you must submit a Large-Scale Community Project application form and must provide an accompanying detailed budget, project planning, risk management plan and letter/s of support. Co-contributions will be looked upon favourably.
  • Examples of what could be funded under this category include the following:
    • Community-driven infrastructure development: The creation of new infrastructure in direct response to identified community needs.
    • Community space renewal: Facility capital renewal projects, such as expanding a community hall or modernising its kitchen, aimed at enhancing community spaces, making them more versatile and accommodating for a wide range of users.
    • Empowering local community organisations that collaborate with the council to enhance the quality and diversity of offerings and benefits to the community.

Funding Information

• The Community Funding Request Program introduces three funding categories based on project scale:
  • Small-Scale Community Projects (Up to $5000)
  • Medium-Scale Community Projects ($5000 to $50,000)
  • Large-Scale Community Projects ($50,000 and above)

Eligibility Criteria

• In order to be eligible for funding through this program, potential applicants must satisfy the following criteria.
• Possess official not-for-profit status, as officially recognised by the Australian Tax Office in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936.
• Be formally registered as an incorporated association, indigenous corporation, or a community group and, if necessary, have an auspicing body in place.
• Maintain sufficient public liability insurance coverage, with a minimum value of $10 million, to offer protection for staff, members, volunteers, and the public, as applicable.
• Ensure that the project yields a direct and positive impact on the residents of Wodonga.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Applicants will be deemed ineligible for program funding if they meet any of the following criteria:
  • Currently have outstanding debts with the council or have not met previous funding obligations to the council’s satisfaction.
  • Are already receiving ongoing financial support from council.
  • Represent a government entity.
  • Function as a formal educational institution.
  • Are seeking funding for any of the following.
  • Works to buildings that are managed and occupied by for-profit organisations.
  • Works to buildings that are primarily used for religious or political purposes.
  • Works to property that is owned or under the management of state or federal government agencies. (Property owned by Wodonga Council will be considered).
  • Standard equipment such as team uniforms, balls etc., unless specifically forming part of a new initiative.
  • Alcohol or gambling-related activities.
  • Operational costs, for example wages and salaries, utilities, rent and insurance, unless a strategic partnership has been established, directly benefiting the community and aligning with the council’s priorities. In such cases, clearly defined key performance indicators are utilised to assess the effectiveness and impact of the strategic partnership.

Selection Criteria

• Community Funding Requests will be made available on an annual basis.
• Applicants are required to initiate contact with the Volunteer and Community Officer to commence discussions regarding their eligibility and the proposed project.
• Applicants will then be directed to a designated council officer who will offer guidance and expert advice on the proposed project.
• Submissions will be accepted through the online Community Funding Request submission portal.
• Submissions will not be accepted if discussions have not taken place with a designated council officer.
• Council officers will evaluate applications using established assessment criteria and provide recommendations to the council.
• Councillors will review funding requests and officer recommendations and ultimately determine which funding requests (if any) will be incorporated into the upcoming budget.
• Applicants will receive written notification informing them of the inclusion or exclusion of their application in the draft budget.
• After the evaluation process, applicants will be formally informed in writing of the council’s decision when the final budget is approved. Council’s decision shall be considered definitive

Application Requirements

• Applicants are responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and authorisations, including public liability insurance. However, council officers can offer guidance on these requirements.
• Applications from entities leasing or renting a facility from another organisation must include written permission from that organisation.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to inform the council of any changes to key project contact details.
• Acknowledgment of Wodonga Council’s support is required on all promotional materials related to the project or event.
• The council’s assistance must also be recognised in any media associated with the project and the council’s Communications team must be notified to maximise appropriate publicity through the council’s communication channels.
• Successful applicants must enter into a funding agreement with council and submit an invoice for 80 per cent of the awarded amount within four weeks of notification of their successful application. The remaining 20 per cent will be paid upon the successful completion and acquittal of the project. All successful applicants must complete an acquittal within 60 days of concluding their project or event. In cases where community groups are auspiced, variance to this payment schedule may be negotiated.
• Applicants who have previously received funding through the council’s earlier community grants programs will only be considered if they have met all acquittal requirements.

For more information, visit Wodonga Council.