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Technology Upgrade Fund Grant Program (Australia)

Deadline: 28-Nov-22

The Community Services Directorate (CSD) of the ACT Government is pleased to announce the availability of the 2022-23 Technology Upgrade Fund Grant Program.

Aims

This Program is designed to;

  • Support community organisations to; upgrade IT equipment; develop improved communication platforms, including websites and access to software to support online webinars, improve digital service provision, online training and other activities;
  • Support the delivery of digital literacy programs to enhance the capacity of organisations to effectively engage their communities and clients to participate fully in the life of Canberra through the use of digital technology; and
  • Meet the needs of Canberrans most at risk of digital exclusion, including those with mobility and accessibility constraints, and those experiencing mental health issues by providing access to IT equipment, on-line and services through registered community organisations in the ACT.
Objectives
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Inclusion
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led organisations are encouraged to apply.
    • Projects, activities or initiatives that contribute to closing the gap on disadvantage between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Canberrans will be viewed favourably.
    • This is part of the ACT Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
    • The ACT Government and community partners are committed to self-determination as the guiding principle in the delivery of programs and services.
    • The government and community partners are working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to address matters that are important to them.
  • Health and Wellbeing
    • Projects and initiatives must demonstrate how they address any of the ACT Health and Wellbeing Framework outcomes.
  • COVID-19 safety
    • COVID-19 is now part of the lives. Applications must address COVID safe measures as needed for the implementation of projects and initiatives.
Priorities
  • The Priority Areas are developed to meet the needs of Canberrans most at risk of digital exclusion by providing access through hundreds of registered community organisations in the ACT.
  • At least one of the following priorities need to be addressed with evidence through the proposed project/activity:
    • Mature Aged Workforce and Seniors Priority Areas
      • Targeted digital and/or information, communication and technology (ICT) upgrade projects which assist mature aged workers and volunteers (aged 50 plus) access technology, programs and services that increase their ability to find meaningful work, reintegrate back into employment, re-skill and ensure that they remain active and productive members in their community, will be viewed favourably.
    • Access and Mobility Technology Priority Area
      • Projects which address the need for technology access, communication and mobility within the community. These may include but are not limited to specialised programs or equipment for sight or hearing impairment, adaptive arms and similar tools to suit those who have limited limb reach or movement and any other technology tools that will improve digital accessibility and use, not provided through other means.
Funding Information
  • The Technology Upgrade Fund is a non-recurrent grant funding program.
  • The total funding available in the 2022-23 financial year under this Program is $478,000 (GST inclusive).
  • The following tiered funding allocations will be made:
    • Incorporated funded organisations – up to a maximum of $40,000.00
    • Unincorporated Community groups (must be auspiced)– up to a maximum of $10,000.00
    • Eligible individuals– up to a maximum of $5,000.00
  • A community in-kind or financial contribution of minimum 15% is required for projects and programs with a project total value of more than $10,000.00.
  • Duration: Successful recipients must spend the funds within 12 months of receiving the grant.
Eligible Projects
  • Eligible projects must:
    • provide a project, program activity or service that will be located primarily in the ACT and primarily benefit ACT residents or themselves (individuals); and
    • demonstrate a need for the project for which funding is requested; and
    • demonstrating that the applicant has researched suitable technology and systems to meet the future needs of the organisation or the individual; and
    • Suppliers where possible are local businesses in the Canberra region and have capacity to deliver; and
    • include at least one (1) quote for the proposed purchase of ICT software and hardware or other equipment to be used to deliver project and services.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Previous recipients and outstanding acquittals:
    • Due to the high demand on this grant program, recipients who received a grant in the last round (2021-22) are ineligible to apply this year.
    • New projects from last year’s recipients that involve partnerships or collaborations are eligible and encouraged to apply.
    • To be considered eligible for assessment, applicants must have no overdue funding acquittals for any previous CSD grants, including: evaluations, acquittal reports and audited financial statements.
    • Note: All outstanding acquittals must be accepted by CSD before submitting an application.
  • Organisations that want to apply must:
    • be a legally incorporated entity or supported by an incorporated auspicing organization.
    • be a registered not-for-profit or a charitable organization;
    • only apply once in the 2022-23 round; and
    • hold appropriate insurance cover for the grant period. Insurances that may be required include Public Liability Insurance of no less than $10 million dollars, Personal Accident, Volunteer Cover or Directors Professional Indemnity. Evidence of insurance may be required as a condition of the grant.
    • Note: Unincorporated community groups may apply through an auspicing organisation.
  • Projects that involve more than one group or organisation may submit an application as a partnership or consortium. The application must:
    • list the roles and responsibilities of each group or organization;
    • indicate who will take the lead, lodge the application and submit the final acquittal; and
    • show the financial contribution each organisation is making to the project in the budget section of the application.
  • If you are a community group or organisation that is not legally incorporated (unincorporated) then you will need ask or seek an incorporated organisation to auspice an application on your behalf. You must:
    • plan the project in consultation with the auspicing organization;
    • provide the auspicing organisation information about the project; and
    • if successful, provide the auspicing organisation all financial and project activity outcomes to be reported in acquitting the grant.
  • Individuals may apply if they show they:
    • live in the ACT;
    • are one of the priority cohort; and
    • have acquitted all previous grant funds
    • Note: For profit entities, government entities and registered political parties are not eligible to apply.

For more information, visit https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/community/grants/2022-23-technology-upgrade-fund-grant-program