Community Small Grants Guidelines - Devonport City Council

Community Small Grants Guidelines 2013Community Small GrantsGuidelines2013/2014Devonport City Council | 1

OVERVIEWDevonport is a vibrant City as a result of the hard work and commitment of itscommunity. The Council values the contributions individuals and groups make to thecultural, social and economic development of Devonport. Through the provision of aFinancial Assistance Scheme, the Council supports projects, programs and activitiesdeveloped for the benefit of Devonport’s residents and visitors.The Financial Assistance Scheme provides the opportunity for organisations to apply forfunding assistance under the following areas.• Community Small Grants – provides assistance to non-profit organisations toprovide programs that enhance health and well-being, environmentalsustainability, arts, culture and heritage, and sports and recreation. Includesactivities to improve safety, undertake minor capital works, and purchaseequipment. Application forms and guidelines for this category of assistance areavailable on Council’s website.• Economic Development and Events Sponsorship – provides support for social,cultural, environmental, sport and recreational initiatives and events held in theDevonport municipality that attract locals and visitors creating commercialbenefits for the City.• Rate Remissions – provides a full or partial remission of the general rate for eligiblenon-profit organisations.Organisations are encouraged to apply for financial support to help reach Devonport’svision to become a thriving and welcoming regional City living lightly by river and sea.COMMUNITY SMALL GRANTSPURPOSEThe Devonport City Council recognises the immense benefits provided to our residentsand visitors by local community organisations through the provision of activities andservices.The Community Small Grants Scheme is one method of supporting and assisting localnon-profit organisations to cater for and respond to the needs of Devonport residents.Up to $3000 is available for projects ending 30 June 2014. Eligible initiatives should fallunder one of the following categories.Community StrengtheningProjects which aim to increase participation and access to information, services andfacilities to improve quality of life, well-being, social inclusion, and community safety.Arts, Culture and HeritageProjects which foster a strong sense of cultural and community spirit and celebrate localart, cultural and heritage.2 | Community Small Grants Guidelines 2013/2014

Community Small Grants Guidelines 2013Sport and RecreationProjects that increase access to and participation in sport and recreational activities.Environmental SustainabilityProjects that encourage community to care for the environment and promotesustainable living including enhancing natural environment; promotion of water, wasteand energy efficiency.CRITICAL DATESOnly one round of grants are available per year, opening in July each year for at least 8weeks. The 2013-14 Community Small Grants open on Monday 8 July 2013 round closeson 4pm Friday 30 August, 2013Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.Applications will be accepted for projects that conclude by no later than 30 June 2014.Successful applicants will be announced in September 2013.ELIGIBILITYFinancial Assistance will be considered for:• Any not for profit community group or voluntary association that is legallyconstituted as an incorporated body or under the auspice of one.• One-off activities or projects that benefit the Devonport community. This mayinclude components of existing projects.• The group or organisation is located in the Devonport municipal area or isproposing an activity or project which will take place in the Devonport municipalarea, for the benefit of those who live, work, visit or conduct business in the City.• The applicant is able to demonstrate financial viability and competence.• The applicant meets Council’s insurance requirements.• Education providers are able to apply on the condition that the project/activity isopen to all residents, has a broad community benefit and is not a core activity ofthe school.• For equipment grants, applicants are required to contribute at least 50% towardsthe cost of the equipment.Financial Assistance will NOT be given for:• Landcare, Coastcare, Caring for Country or NRM projects that are eligible forfunding through Cradle Coast NRM.• Applicant organisations who have previously failed to acquit Council assistedprojects in line with the agreed terms.• Actions/services previously disbursed or that have commenced prior to fundingbeing approved.Devonport City Council | 3

• Recurrent (on-going) projects.• Fundraising purposes and donations.• Programs/projects by local schools/education providers that are exclusive tostudents. Core school curriculum and activities cannot be considered.• Ongoing operational costs e.g. staff, salaries, administration, maintenance,insurance, rental or lease arrangements.• Community organisations who already receive Council funds to undertake aspecific activity for which funding is being sought or community organisationswanting to do a specific activity that is already funded by Council.• The purchase of land.• Routine and regular maintenance work to existing facilities (e.g. gardening,cleaning).• Facilities where little or no public access is available.• Travel to sporting competitions or conferences for individuals or communitygroups.• Festivals and events. An avenue for assisting these types of organisations isprovided through the Economic Development and Events Sponsorship program inaccordance with the guidelines. An exception is community or culturaldevelopment events where the aim is to raise awareness or provide information.It should be noted that meeting the eligibility criteria is not a guarantee of funding.PRIORITY CRITERIADue to the limited nature of funds available, priority will be given to projects that:• Help meet the goals, outcomes and strategies of Devonport’s Strategic Plan;• Demonstrate considerable benefit to the people or environment of Devonport,meeting a need or gap in the community;• Establish new and innovative community projects or programs;• Demonstrate coordination/partnership with other groups in the community;• Show evidence of community support for the project;• Demonstrate an ability to manage the project through resource allocation,effective planning, clear goals and evaluation processes;• Demonstrate good value for money and shows the contribution of theorganisation applying to the project or activity through cash and/or in-kind;• Show their ability to be ongoing (if appropriate).Final funding decisions are made on the merit of each application against the statedeligibility criteria, guidelines and an assessment against the above criteria.4 | Community Small Grants Guidelines 2013/2014

PromotionThe Council requests that successful applicants actively promote the support of theDevonport City Council. This may include (but not limited to) any of the following:• Acknowledgement of the Devonport City Council in radio or televisionadvertising, award presentations, launches etc.• Opportunities for the Mayor or delegate to participate in any public relationsactivities, launches, or proceedings associated with the project. Sufficient noticeshould be given in the form of an official letter of invite addressed to the GeneralManager.• An invitation for the Mayor, elected members and relevant Council staff tospecial events.• Inclusion of the Devonport City Council’s logo in press advertising or anypromotional material.Council’s Logo is available and will be provided on request. The logo can only be usedfor the specific purpose to which it was requested and must be replicated in its existingform and not altered in any way, in accordance with Council’s Corporate Style Guide. Ifuse of the Council logo is not practicable, the following wording should be incorporatedin any material related to the funded project: “Proudly Supported by Devonport CityCouncil”.APPLICATION AND ASSESSMENT PROCESSApplicants are encouraged to contact the Council’s Sustainable Communities Managerprior to commencing the application process to ensure eligibility. Application forms canbe accessed via the Council website www.devonport.tas.gov.auFully complete applications will be assessed and prioritised by an assessment panelconsisting of Aldermen. The panel will then make their recommendations to the nextscheduled Council Meeting for adoption. The Council’s decision is final and no furthercorrespondence shall be entered into. Once adopted by Council the applicants will beinformed of their success or otherwise in gaining funding and arrangements will be madefor the transfer of funds.GRANT AQUITTALWithin one month of project completion, organisations must complete the AcquittalForm and attach the following.• Copies of all tax invoices/receipts providing evidence of expenditure of funds.• Copies of any advertising, newsletters and media relating to the funded project.• Minimum of two (2) images in jpeg format with captions for public use by Council.Applicants are to ensure that permission is sought from individuals in photos.FURTHER INFORMATIONFor further information or assistance with your application please contact:Carol Bryant, Sustainable Communities ManagerTel: 03 6424 0544 Email: council@devonport.tas.gov.au6 | Community Small Grants Guidelines 2013/2014