Finding the

‘right’ grant

Grants Writing Workshop, Humanitarian Crisis Hub

13 August 2011

David OrbachGrants & Tender CoordinatorSpectrum Migrant Resource Centre

(MRC)

This session

Key sources of grant funding • Features of grants programs• Finding grant opportunities,

including: • Examples of funding sources

• Choosing the right grant• Eligibility criteria and auspicing

• Group exercise• Other approaches/assistance

Where does grant funding come from?

GovernmentPrivate

Foundations

Corporate

Features of grant programs

• Applications may be invited or submitted without request

• Specific program aims, priorities and target group

• Usually individuals cannot apply• Funding is limited per project• Not everyone who applies will get funding

• Eligibility requirements• Selection criteria

• Applicants develop their own activities and suggest outcomes to be achieved

Finding grant opportunities

Websites

www.philanthropy.org.au/

www.grantslink.gov.au/

www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/home/grants

Finding grant opportunities

Newsletters/Mailing Lists• Local council – mailing lists • Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship

(formerly Victorian Multicultural Commission) - www.multicultural.vic.gov.au

• Diversity News - diversity@health.vic.gov.au • Refugee Council of Australia -

www.refugeecouncil.org.au• VicHealth - www.vichealth.vic.gov.au • EasyGrants (OurCommunity) - $55 per year -

http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/funding/grant_main.jsp

Finding grant opportunitiesPossible Funding for Community

Groups• Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship

• Festivals/events (due 16 September), inter-faith, strengthening communities, etc

• Local councils – multiple categories, such as community, social support, art, etc• Generally one funding round per year• Example: City of Hume Community Grants

(applications due 19 August 2011)• Human Rights Innovation Fund – Amnesty International• EastWeb Fund – targets refugee, asylum seeker,

indigenous communities• Sidney Myer Fund

• See Grants Available list for further information

Spectrum - Seeds for Growth Benefits newly arrived refugee and migrant communities in

Melbourne's north and western suburbs Categories for funding:• EVENTS CATEGORY: Events, functions and celebrations. Maximum

amount funded $500.• LEADERSHIP CATEGORY: Leadership development for current or

potential community leaders. Maximum amount funded $1,500• “STEPHANIE LAGOS” INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS CATEGORY:

Innovative solutions to community needs and strengthens community capacity to settle successfully. Max. amount - $2,500

Next applications due: 19 September 2011

Further information/questions See COMMUNITIES section of www.spectrumvic.org.au Contact Willow Kellock, Community Engagement Facilitator, on 9496

0200 or email community@spectrumvic.org.au

Is it the right grant for us? Identifying an appropriate opportunity – key

questions to ask when looking at a grant!

• How much funding is available for projects?

• When are applications due?

• What is the aim and priorities of the funding program?

• What projects and organisations have previously been funded?

• What won’t be funded?

• Are you eligible?

Is it the right grant for us?Other issues to consider

• Experience in delivering similar projects previously

• Capacity to complete application requirements

• Ability to be accountable for grant funds received and reporting on outcomes

• Reputation and credibility is important

• Be thorough in looking through the guidelines and application form

Don’t be afraid to contact the funding body with questions!

Eligibility criteria Common issues effecting a group’s eligibility: Location – by local area, region, state Legal status - incorporated/unincorporated Tax status – endorsed as Deductible Gift Recipient,

income tax exempt Organisational status, eg. Not-for-profit group Other – insurance, Australian Business Number

If your group does not meet the criteria, auspicing might be an option for your organisation

Auspicing • An agreement where one (lead) organisation

agrees to apply for funding on behalf of a second organisation

• If application successful, the lead organisation receives, holds and manages the funding

• Understand your rights and responsibilities

• Be clear about the project you want to fund

Note: not all funding bodies allow auspicing arrangements – check guidelines!

Further resources and detail at PILCH website - www.pilch.org.au/community_org

Group Exercise

Using the funding guidelines provided, find and briefly record the following information:

Maximum amount of funding offered to projects Due date for applications Aims of the funding program Who is eligible? Is auspicing allowed? What won't they fund? What are the key selection criteria? What needs to be submitted and how?

Report back to the group about what you found

Other approaches/assistance

If you can't get funding immediately, in-kind support from MP's offices & community organisations another avenue for support

• Visit your local Member of Parliament’s electorate office and ask if they can help with providing a meeting space, photocopying, assisting with mailouts, etc.

• Check with Migrant Resource Centres in your area

• Your local Council will also know which organisations can help you

Questions?