Eligibility

Types of projects that may be considered

In the past, the Commission considered projects under the Community Development Grants Program that address one or more of the priority areas for funding which are: 

• emerging or small ethnic communities
 
• communities that are geographically or socially isolated
 
• promotion of community harmony and mutual understanding between and within communities of different cultural backgrounds
 
• development of community networks and structures, and
 
• projects addressing critical issues relating to cultural diversity at a local level.

Projects may include the promotion of cultural expression, the enhancement of community development or capital purchases. The Commission will fund only minor capital based projects, including building works, where the organisation can demonstrate that the project meets the eligibility criteria. In addition, the organisation must demonstrate it has the funds to complete the project within twelve months of its receipt of a grant. A small amount of funding is available for innovative web-based programs.

Eligibility criteria

The Community Development Grants Program aims to support projects that have long term benefits for the community. Funding under this program is for twelve months duration from the payment of the grant. The Commission will consider only funding projects which are no longer than twelve months. To be eligible for funding under the Community Development Grants Program, the organisation and the project must meet the following criteria:

1. Legal entity

Only non-profit sharing community organisations that are either an association under the Associations Incorporation Act, a co-operative society under the Co-operative Act, a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Code, or established by legislation are eligible for funding. This is to ensure that it is clear who is accountable for the grant money and for meeting the project outcomes or goals. Organisations that are not incorporated may enter into an auspice arrangement with an incorporated organisation.

2. Non-profit sharing community organisations

Only non-profit sharing community organisations are eligible for funding under the grants program. Therefore, individuals, for-profit companies or other organisations and local, state and commonwealth government departments and agencies are not eligible for funding.

3. NSW based

The project must be conducted or located within New South Wales.

4. Benefit to culturally diverse communities

The project must clearly identify and address a community need. The application must show that the project will be of direct benefit to a specific group within our culturally diverse communities. In addition, the project should assist individuals and groups to participate in the development of their own communities.

5. Community involvement

The application must show how the specific group will have a say in the management of the project. The Commission believes that projects that deliver the best outcomes are those that encourage the participation of the specific group and the community.

6. Outcome oriented

The application must clearly define the outcomes or goals of the project; that is, what the project should achieve in order to be successful. These outcomes should be specific, not merely broad aims. The application must also clearly outline project phases and the time line that will be implemented to carry out the project. Each phase must have defined measurable performance indicators to ensure the project will achieve successful specified outcomes.

7. Cost effectiveness

Applicants should ensure the budget is developed according to the application criteria. The project must be cost effective and financially responsible. A complete budget must be included in the application. The nature, size and cost of the project should realistically reflect the genuine level of need in the community. Applications that contain unrealistic budgets will not be recommended for funding.

8. Acquittal of past grants

The applicant organisation must have acquitted previous grants received from the Commission and which were due for acquittal. Organisations that have not met acquittal requirements are not eligible for funding.

Restrictions

Some activities are expressly ineligible for funding under the Community Development Grants Program. They are: 

• any activity of a party political nature
 
• the promotion or celebration of national or independence days, except Australia Day
 
• the development, maintenance or promotion of places of worship
 
• the printing, production, promotion or distribution of newsletters
 
• the purchase of land
 
• visits by overseas artists (except tutors)
 
• any activity of a commercial nature that is for personal profit
 
• purchase or printing of religious publications
 
• media projects such as the production of audio and visual programs for broadcast.

The Commission will not subsidise financial shortfalls of projects funded from other sources nor will it pick up funding for projects previously funded by another body.

Indicative Timetable

February
The Community Development Grants Program opens and invites expressions of interest through the mainstream, regional and ethnic newspapers and makes the EoI form available in the CRC ’s website.

March - June
EoI usually closes in March. The CRC then shortlists the EoI’s and invites shortlisted organisations to submit a formal application using the CRC ’s grant application form. Applications usually close in June.

August - September
The CRC assesses applications and makes a recommendation to the Minister for Citizenship, who makes the final decision.

October – December
The CRC announces the outcome of applications and sends funding agreements to successful organisations. The CRC makes payment when signed funding agreements are received.