Post on 15-Nov-2021
Sunshine Coast CouncilGrant Writing Webinar
Housekeeping
• Please ensure your microphone is on mute• Activities
– Raise your hand function– Conversation Tab
• Q&A• Guidelines
Community Connections and Partnerships Team
What will we cover today?
• Overview of Council’s funding programs
• Council’s Community Grants Program
• Grants Lifecycle• Our top 10 tips for grant writing• Questions
Vision: Australia’s most sustainable region ‐ Healthy, Smart, Creative
Goal: Build a strong community
Councillor Discretionary
Funding Program
Environment Levy Grants
and Partnerships
Sports Field Maintenance
Fund
Major Events Sponsorship
Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF)
Community Grants Program
Community Partnership
Fund
2019/20 – Almost $5.1 million allocated in funding support through 1053 grants, engaging more than 15,300 volunteers.
COVID‐19 Grants and Funding Support for Community Groups
Expanded & Increased Emergency Grants
Offered Funding Boost for Existing CPFP and SFMFP partners
Temporarily Adjusted Major Grant Co‐funding Requirements
Created COVID‐19 Community Response Grants
Taken Flexible Approach to Project Variation Requests
2020/21 Community Grants ProgramGrant Open Close Request Amount Notification
Major GrantsOpen Now12 July 2021
15 March 202123 August 2021
Up to $30,000*6‐8 weeks from closing date**
Minor Grants
Open Now(Events only)
29 March 2021(All categories)
15 March 2021
4 May 2021
Up to $2,000
6 weeks from closing date
6 weeks from closing date
Individual Development
GrantsOpen all year round Up to $500 2 weeks after round
assessment
Emergency Grants
Open all year round Up to $3,000 2 weeks after application
COVID community response grants CLOSED
Projects requesting over $15,000 must be infrastructures projects in the Community Facilities categories.*Temporary amendments to co‐funding requirements. **Reduced notification time for Major Grants.
Eligibility for Major and Minor Grants
• Not‐for‐profit community organisations*• Demonstrate a purpose that is in the public interest, with significant community need and benefit
• Demonstrate strong alignment with council's priorities as described in current council strategies, plans or policy positions
*Applications can be auspiced
Co‐funding RequirementsAmount requested from Council Minimum co‐funding requirement
Up to $10,000 No requirement
$10,001‐$30,000 50% of total project costs from other sources
Example: To be eligible for $30,000, the total cost of the project would be at least $60,000. In‐kind: Up to 20% of the co‐funding requirement can be volunteer hours, valued at no more than $43.30p/h.
2020/21 Program FocusFocus remains on supporting projects which:• respond to community need and deliver on council’s priorities• activate the community in a resilient and vibrant way• inject money into the local economy• are ready to get started and be successfully completed• deliver maximum community benefit.
Higher PriorityHigher priority is given to projects that:
• increase the self‐sufficiency of community organisations
• reduce environmental impact and/or provide energy, water and waste efficiencies
• build skills, capacity and governance of community groups
• demonstrate collaboration and partnerships
• activate places and spaces.
Higher priority is given to applications that demonstrate evidence of:
• procuring from local businesses, social enterprises and/or First Nations (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) businesses
• budgeting to procure a Welcome to Country by the Traditional Owners of the Sunshine Coast (the Kabi Kabi or Jinibara people)
• demonstrating a commitment to sound environmental practices.
Lower Priority
• Applicants who have been awarded a council Major or Minor grant within the previous 12 months
• Projects or events that have previously been awarded a council Major or Minor grant.
Major and Minor Categories
Community Development
Community Events
Community Facilities
Cultural Development
Economic Development
Cultural Heritage
Sport, Recreation & Healthy Living
Community DevelopmentYoung People (aged 12‐24) Multicultural Communities
Positive Ageing Access & Inclusion
Health & Wellbeing Community Safety
First Nations Animal Management
Community EventsPromoting a vibrant, diverse & fun place to live and visit
Contribute to building strong communities – inclusive, connected, engaged
Celebrate & contribute to our lifestyle, environment and culture.
Community FacilitiesInfrastructure projects ‐ the development or maintenance of buildings or land
Provide well maintained and accessible community facilities which enable opportunities for social interactionNature‐based recreation infrastructure
Shovel Ready Projects• Focus is on supporting projects that are ready to get started and be
successfully completed, and that inject money into the local economy • Include evidence of all required consents, approvals and secured co‐funding• Owners Consent is required for all projects, building or construction works
on Council owned or controlled land• Written permission for the works from the property owner is required
where the land is not Council owned or controlled • The development of private land is not eligible for funding• Quotes are mandatory for items over $500
Cultural Development
Build local creative skills and capacity
Increase local participation in the arts
Demonstrate collaboration between industry sectors or include strong partnerships
Foster opportunities for First Nations artists.
Cultural HeritageProtect, preserve and celebrate the culture and heritage of:1) Traditional Owners and local First Nations people2) Descendants of Australian South Sea IslandersIdentify, document & preserve the history of settlement on the Sunshine Coast
Support contemporary heritage (post‐1950's), including coastal heritage
Economic DevelopmentFoster strong economic leadership & collaboration by government, business and industry
Facilitate development of region’s high‐value industries
Business projects focussed specifically on developing local to global connections
Sport, Recreation and Healthy LivingProvide physical activity initiatives or opportunities
Improve the sustainability of sport and recreation clubs
Provide access for all abilities
Provide benefit to multiple user groups.
Activity• Community Development • Community Events • Community Facilities • Cultural Development • Cultural Heritage • Economic Development • Sport, Recreation and Healthy Living
Grants Life CycleProject idea: follow the first four tips for
success
Draft application: Follow the remaining six tips to success
Assessment
Project roll out and
acknowledgment
of funder
Acquittal and reporting outcomes
If unsuccessful, seek feedback
or
Assessment Process
• Grants are assessed by panels, which include council staff experienced in each category
• In some instances part‐funding may be offered• Panel recommendations for Major, Minor, Individual Development and Emergency grants are reported to the CEO or delegate for endorsement
Acknowledging Council
• The level of acknowledgement depends on the funding amount you receive from council
• It could include:• Logo in promotional material• Sticker on equipment• Signage at facility• Media releases or newsletter articles• Social media tagging• And more
Acquittals and Reporting Outcomes
• Keep your receipts for the financial acquittal • Keep a hold of your stories for the outcomes report• Measures of success
• What happened?• What changed because of your project?
Top Ten Tips for Success1.Get organised and develop a project plan2.Research your project3.Identify potential funding sources4.Know your funder5.Be clear and concise 6.Tell your story7.Align to relevant strategies8.Support your application9.Prepare a detailed budget10. Don’t leave it to the last minute
• And if this doesn’t work … Get feedback!
1 | Develop your project plan
• Why does this project need to happen?• What are you proposing to do? • How are you going to achieve this? • When are the key dates and milestones? • Where are the main activities happening? • Who is involved in the project? • What costs are involved?
2 | Research and evidence
• Connect with experts in the field• Learn from others that have completed similar projects
• Consult with your community• Statistics, plans and docs• Consent and permissions
3 | Id potential funding sources
Develop your fundraising plan• Grants• Donations• Crowdfunding• Membership• Special Events• Sales• Community‐Business Partnerships (Sponsorship)
Grants and Funding
• Council funding • Sunshine Coast Funding Finder (by Grants Guru)• Free grant subscriptions and resources• Other local funders
4 | Get to know your funder
• Read guidelines & contact funding body• Eligibility• Priorities & assessment criteria• Previously funded projects
ABC Football Club
You are from the ABC Football Club and you are submitting an application for a Council grant to upgrade the changing rooms.• The change rooms are in need of updating• Membership at the club is growing• The club is looking to attract more visiting teams and host regional carnivals
5 | Be clear and concise
Project Description Don’t forget to show that you can do it!
Activity 1Project Description
Example 1 The project involves the refurbishment of the existing change rooms at the ABC Football Club on Caloundra Road. The existing facilities are very worn and tired, and are causing a number of health and safety issues that need to be rectified.
Stage 1 of the refurbishment will include:‐Waterproofing, re‐tiling and grouting with anti‐mould additive ‐ Replacing all old tap ware in showers and fitting privacy screens in showers ‐ Plastering and re‐patching of walls with moisture resistant paint ‐ Refitting walls around toilets with screening for privacy ‐ Replacing toilet basins and tap ware
All works will be carried out by a licenced contractor. Approvals are in place, and works will commence in July 2016.
Example 2
ABC Football Club is a non‐profit community organisation whose aim is to promote and encourage active participation in football at all levels through our players, coaches and referees. Starting with only 5 players in 1982 we now have over 80 members. Our goal is to keep all age groups fit and active through the promotion of a healthy lifestyle through sport and recreation. This project is imperative as it will assist us to attract more members and become more sustainable. We are a very community minded club that often donates the proceeds from fundraisers to worthwhile community causes.
Example 3
Our project is to upgrade the change rooms at our club, which are old and ugly.
Which would you choose?
6 | Be a great communicator
Need and benefit
Activity 2Need and Benefit
2. All the other clubs have nicer change rooms than ours.
4. The club was established in 1968 and is the pinnacle club on the Sunshine Coast.
5. The tiles are lifting and the insufficient drainage makes perfect conditions for mould to grow quickly. This is a health and safety issue, and places a high demand on the volunteers who clean the change rooms.
6. Our club’s fields are well maintained.
1. The exposed concrete floor poses a major slip and health hazard to users.
7. There are no shower screens between showers to allow for privacy.
3. Club membership is steadily growing and we have been successful in hosting several regional carnivals later this year.
Need and Benefit Discussion1 The exposed concrete floor poses a major slip and health hazard to users.
5 The tiles are lifting and the insufficient drainage makes perfect conditions for mould to grow quickly. This is a health and safety issue, and places a high demand on the volunteers who clean the change rooms.
3 Club membership is steadily growing and we have been successful in hosting several regional carnivals later this year.
7 There are no shower screens between showers to allow for privacy.
6 Our club’s fields are well maintained.
2 All the other clubs have nicer change rooms than ours.
4 The club was established in 1968 and is the pinnacle club on the Sunshine Coast.
7 | Link with Funder’s Priorities
Example – ABC Football Club Change Room Upgrade
Provide well maintained and accessible community facilities which enable opportunities for social interactionThe club maintains all facilities, including change rooms, to a high standard, and regularly perform both routine and ad‐hoc maintenance. The approval of this project would allow the club to provide a healthy and well maintained facility for our members, and further encourage social interaction and participation from both players and volunteers.
Adhere to the principles of access and equityOur organisation is open to players and volunteers of a variety of ages and we often hold social gatherings for members and their families. We encourage the participation of both males and females, and we are wheelchair accessible.
Address issues relating to risk management or compliance with Australian standardsOur organisation has a current risk management plan in place and further minimise this risk by employing qualified contractors that ensure compliance with Australian standards.
Have a current maintenance schedule in placeOur organisation has a current maintenance schedule in place and issues relating to risk or compliance are a high priority and dealt with as a matter of urgency.
8 | Support your applicationSupporting evidence• Evidence of need and benefit• Project planning docs• Evidence of capacity to deliver• Approvals, permits, permissions• Requested documents
Activity 3Supporting Evidence
These photos show the current condition of the change rooms:
The tiles look tired and worn, and some are coming off the wall. The paint is not in good condition. Mould is growing in places. There are no screens between showers to allow for privacy when
showering. Some tap ware is missing. The concrete floor presents a slip risk.
Answers Images of Change-room Letter of Support – Cricket Club Letter of Support – Parent & Committee Quote Preliminary Permission Images of Fields Letter of Thanks (Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser)
9 | Prepare a detailed and accurate budget
10 | Don’t leave it till the last minute!
• Check closing date and time• Ask questions early• Contact funder to clarify queries• Allow time to gather information• Deal with technology issues• SUBMIT before the deadline!
If at first you don’t succeed … get feedback
• Get feedback• Ring up and talk to someone about your application – most funders are happy to provide feedback if asked
• Take on feedback
• For more help and resources, visit: http://www.sunshincecoast.qld.gov.au/grants
Top Ten Tips for Success1.Get organised and develop a project plan2.Research your project3.Identify potential funding sources4.Know your funder5.Be clear and concise 6.Tell your story7.Align to relevant strategies8.Support your application9.Prepare a detailed budget10. Don’t leave it to the last minute
• And if this doesn’t work … Get feedback!
Call: 5420 8616Email: grants@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au