APPLICATIONS CLOSE4pm,Monday

27 February2017

C O M M U N I T Y G R A N T S P R O G R A M

GUIDELINES

‘It’s all about Cumberland’

2017/2018 Stronger Communities Fund Community Grants Program Guidelines 2

This document contains the guidelines for Stronger Communities Fund Community Grants Program.

For more information about information session and closing dates see the Cumberland Council website – www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/grants or email grants@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

If you would like information in your language, please phone 13 14 50, state your language and ask them to contact Cumberland Council’s Community Projects Officer or Capacity Building Coordinator on (02) 9735 1222.

2017/2018 Stronger Communities Fund Community Grants Program Guidelines 3

C O M M U N I T Y G R A N T S P R O G R A M

2017 GUIDELINES

1. Background 4

2. Community Grants Program Timetable 5

3. Funding Priorities 6

4. Eligibility 6

5. What Projects Will Not Be Funded? 6

6. How Much Can I Apply For? 7

7. Sponsoring/Auspicing Applications 9

8. How Will Applications Be Assessed? 9

9. What are the Conditions for Successful Applications? 13

10. What is the Grants Support Program? 13

11. How Do I Apply? 14

12. Contacts 14

‘It’s all about Cumberland’

2017/2018 Stronger Communities Fund Community Grants Program Guidelines 4

1. Background

On 12 May 2016, the former Councils of Auburn, Holroyd and part of Parramatta Council were merged to form the new Cumberland Council. The merger is part of the NSW Government’s Local Government reform program.

The Cumberland Local Government area (LGA) covers 72 square kilometres and includes:

Greystanes Ward (suburbs of Fairfield, Greystanes, Guildford West, Merrylands West, Pemulwuy, Prospect, Smithfield, Wood Park and Yennora);

Wentworthville Ward (suburbs of Girrraween, Mays Hill, Pendle Hill, South Wentworthville, Toongabbie, Wentworthville);

Granville Ward (suburbs of Granville, Guildford, Holroyd, Merrylands and Merrylands West);

South Granville Ward (suburbs of Auburn, Chester Hill, South Granville);

Regents Park Ward (suburbs of Berala, Lidcombe, Regents Park, Rookwood and Homebush West).

The Stronger Communities Fund (SCF) has been established by the NSW Government to provide newly merged Councils with funding to kick start the delivery of projects that improve community infrastructure and services.

The SCF Community Grants Program will allocate up to $1 million in grants for projects that build a more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive Cumberland community. Local incorporated not-for-profit community groups will be able to apply for community grants of up to $50,000. Projects should deliver social, cultural, recreational, environmental or economic benefits across the Cumberland area.

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2. Stronger Communities Fund (SCF) Community Grants Program Timetable

TASKS/ACTIVITY TIMEFRAME

Local advertising and promotion November 2016 - February 2017

Information SessionsThese sessions will explain the funding priorities, how applications will be assessed and conditions for successful applicants. It will also be an opportunity to meet potential project partners.

Register online: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/grants

Wednesday 9 November 2016, 10.30am-12pm Committee Room 2, Cumberland Council, 16 Memorial Avenue, Merrylands

Wednesday 9 November 2016, 6pm-7.30pm Cumberland Council Chambers, 1 Susan Street, Auburn

Thursday 10 November 2016, 12pm-1.30pm Youth Room, Granville Youth and Recreation Centre, 3A Memorial Drive, Granville (entry via end of Diamond Avenue Carpark)

‘Preparing a Successful Grant Application’ WorkshopsThe workshop will assist applicants write their grant applications. It will focus on specific questions in the application form including project description, budget, project outcomes and evaluation. It will be delivered in two parts - attendance at both sessions is required.

Limited spaces – bookings are essential. Register online: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/grants

Tuesday 22 AND 29 November 2016, 5pm-8.30pmActivity Room, Berala Community Centre, 98-104 Woodburn Road, Berala

OR

Friday 30 November AND 7 December 2016, 9.30am-1pmWattle Room, Holroyd Centre, 17 Miller Road, Merrylands (next to Merrylands Library)

Advisory Desk Book a session for tailored advice on your project and grant application. Bring your draft application and project information for feedback and tips on how to write your proposal.

Limited spaces – bookings are essential. Register online: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/grants

Tuesday 6 December 2016, 2pm-7.30pmExhibition Gallery, Level 1, Auburn Library, 1 Susan Street, Auburn

OR

Wednesday 14 December 2016, 10am-3pmInterview Room, Cumberland Council, 16 Memorial Avenue, Merrylands

Closing date for applications 4pm, 27 February 2017

Applications Assessed March 2017 – May 2017

Report to Council about recommendations for budget allocation

May 2017

Funding applicants notified May/June 2017

Opportunity for feedback for unsuccessful applicants

May/June 2017 (date to be confirmed)

Funding received by successful applicants June/July 2017

Notes: Council can vary these dates without notice.

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3. What are the Funding Priorities?

During the period of July-September 2016, Council undertook community engagement activities to identify the priorities for projects to be funded under SCF. Projects that meet the following priorities will be funded:

1. Community Safety including Domestic and Family Violence Projects may include support services or prevention programs that address domestic and family violence or intergenerational conflict. Projects that demonstrate cross agency collaboration will be prioritised.

2. Health and Wellbeing Projects funded through this category may address physical and/or mental health and wellbeing. Projects may focus on a range of health and wellbeing issues such as nutrition, diet, obesity, exercise, substance use, health at work, parenting, respite, stress, trauma, isolation, loss and bereavement. Projects may also include equipment or capital projects that support sport and recreation.

3. Social Inclusion and ParticipationProjects funded under this category may promote increased participation in social, cultural, recreational and economic life. This may include access to new or existing services, activities, facilities, information and skills development opportunities. Projects may also aim to increase participation of priority target groups. Examples of projects that may fit under this category include employment, education or sporting initiatives.

4. Enhancing Community Organisation Capacity Projects funded under this category may facilitate the development of community organisations including governance and management skills, volunteer management, event and project management, and research and strategic planning skills. This may also include identification of potential partners and activities that focus on the development of lasting partnership arrangements to enhance service delivery.

4. Eligibility

The SCF Community Grants Program can provide funding to organisations or groups who meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must be a registered, incorporated not-for-profit organisation or community group;

• Applicants must be currently located or delivering services in the Cumberland LGA, or have specialist expertise not currently available in the Cumberland LGA;

• Applicants must show proof of appropriate insurance including public liability insurance (minimum of $10 million liability);

• Unincorporated groups may be auspiced by incorporated organisations;

• Submit only one application;

• Projects must deliver social, cultural, economic, recreational or environmental benefits to the Cumberland community;

• Projects must address an identified community priority;

• Projects must be well defined with a clear budget;

• Projects must demonstrate that any ongoing or recurrent costs can be met by the organisation once grant funding has been expensed; and

• The organisation must demonstrate the capacity to manage funds and deliver the project.

5. What Projects Will Not Be Funded?

The Stronger Communities Fund is not to be used for:

• Projects that have ongoing staff or operational costs;

• Retrospective funding for projects;

• Schools or State Government agencies/Department;

• Projects that duplicate existing services or programs

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6. How Much Can I Apply For?

A total of $1 million has been allocated to the SCF Community Grants Program. Eligible community groups can apply for grants of up to $50,000. Only one application can be submitted per organisation.

Projects can be funded through one of 3 funding tiers:

• Up to $10,000

• $10,001 - $20,000 or

• $20,001 - $50,000

Funded projects should be delivered between 1 July 2017 and 30 December 2018.

All GST legislation and regulations apply to money paid under the SCF Community Grants Program. Applicants should include budgets that are exclusive of GST. For example:

SCENARIO 1

Organisation has and ABN and is GST registered and has No GST concession.

Council will add GST (10%) to successful grant amount.

SCENARIO 2

Organisation has an ABN and has GST concession.

Successful grant amount will be paid without GST.

SCENARIO 3

Organisation has ABN but is not GST registered.

Successful grant amount will be paid without GST.

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PROJECT BUDGET

Detailed budgets are required for the SCF Community Grants Program. Please include costs of hiring Cumberland Council owned facilities - current fees are available on Council’s website: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au Some examples of the funding items that should be listed are included below.

SAMPLE

Budget Item Cumberland Council Grant Other Funding Sources In Kind

Project staff and related costs (specify position below )

Project/temporary staff wages: $2820.72 SCHAHDS Award Level 1 Pay point 3 (casual) $25.76/hour x 100 hours + 9.5% superannuation

$ $20,000 ($25/hour x 10 hours/week x 20 weeks) x 4 volunteers

Consultant fees $ $ $

Other (specify) $ $ $

Equipment and Venue Hire

Venue hire/rent $350 ($35 x 10 hours for 4 weeks) $ $

Equipment hire $ $ $

Equipment purchase $600 (P.A. system) $ $

Materials $500 $ $

Other (specify) $ $ $

Marketing and Promotion

Design and printing $500 ($250 flyer design + $250 print of 1000 A4 flyers)

$ $

Paid advertising $ $ $

Postage/distribution costs $200 $ $

Other (specify) $ $

Administration

Fee for administrative services $ $ $

Telephone/Fax $250 $ $200

Evaluation $500 $ $

Insurance $500 (public liability insurance) $ $

Transport $300 (Volunteers travel expenses $10 x 3 volunteers/week x 10 weeks )

$ $

Other (specify) $ $ $

Program Costs

Catering $400 ($100/session x 4) $ $

Other (specify) $ $ $

Total Project Expenditure $6,720.72 $ $

*Budgets should be exclusive of GST

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7. Sponsoring/Auspicing Applications

If an organisation wishes to apply for funding, but does not meet the criteria of being an incorporated not-for-profit community organisation, they may enter into a sponsoring/auspicing agreement.

These agreements would involve a: Sponsoring/Auspicing Organisation – an incorporated not for profit organisation who will administer the sponsored/auspiced organisation’s grant, including invoicing for and distributing any received funds. The obligations of sponsoring/auspicing agreements can vary and the terms of the agreement should be arranged by the parties involved. All applicants who are wishing to apply through an sponsor/auspice organisation must attach a letter confirming the sponsor’s/auspice’s agreement to act as sponsor/auspice to their application form.

8. How will applications be assessed?

1. All applications will be assessed by the Stronger Communities Fund Assessment Panels. The panels will have two tiers:

a. Internal - Council staff with expertise in development and delivery of social, cultural, economic and environmental projects;

b. Stronger Communities Fund Assessment Panel. Membership will include:

• Cumberland Council Administrator or delegate;

• An independent Probity Advisor appointed by the Administrator;

• State Member/s of Parliament or representatives in the Cumberland area;

• Regional Coordinator of the Department of Premier & Cabinet, or delegate;

• Representative from NSW Department of Family and Community Services - Western Sydney District Office

• Community representatives from the former Holroyd, Auburn and Parramatta ClubGRANTS Committees.

2. Applications will first be assessed by Council staff who will confirm eligibility, assess and rank projects using the SCF Assessment Checklist. Recommendations for funding will be sent to the Assessment Panel for determination.

3. The Assessment Panel will review recommendations and determine funding allocations.

4. A report with the final recommendations will be submitted to Council.

5. All applicants will be advised as to whether they have or have not been successful within four weeks of Council’s decision.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Applications are assessed against the following criteria:

• Impact and quality of social, cultural, recreational, economic or environmental benefits to local communities;

• Ability to improve access to and participation in community and cultural activities;

• Capacity to deliver a well-planned project or program;

• Realistic budget, including all sources of income;

• Engagement with Cumberland community and collaborative partnerships.

A copy of the assessment tool used by Council is available on the next page.

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Sample Ranking Recommendation ChecklistStronger Communities Fund Community Grants Program

This checklist is used as a tool by Cumberland Council in assessing each application to:

1. Ensure the eligibility of projects for funding; and

2. Develop a priority ranking of project applications.

Name of Assessors

Does this application present you with a conflict of interest or a perceived conflict of interest? (please circle one)

Yes No

If yes, please provide further information

Organisation

Project Name

Amount requested Incorporation Number

Auspiced by

ABN Application Omissions

Project Partner Acknowledgment provided?

Eligible?

Project Description

Funding Criteria

Social

Cultural

Recreational

Economic

Environmental

Internal Consultation about Project:

Person Consulted

Date

Service Unit

Comments

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The Project Yes In-Part No Unknown

Does the project provide a direct benefit to the Cumberland community?

Will the project provide social, cultural, recreational, economic or environmental benefits?

Does the project address one of the funding priorities?

Indicate which funding priority this project addresses:

Community Safety

Health and Wellbeing

Social Inclusion and Participation

Community Organisation Capacity

Does the project present good value for money? Yes In-Part No Unknown

Number of people involved

Potential impact on larger community

Clear costings for all aspects of the project

Has specific objectives and strategies that can be achieved within 18 months

Has the applicant demonstrated how recurrent funds for the project will be paid for?

Does the project compliment other services in the area and is not a duplication of current programs/projects?

Has/does the project encourage community participation and engagement?

In the planning stage

In the implementation stage

In the evaluation stage

Has the applicant provided a Risk Management Plan? Or adequately identify the risks involved in this project?

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The Organisation Yes No Unknown

Has demonstrated ability to manage funds or will be assisted by a reputable organisation

Has demonstrated ability in project management and is a well-managed organisation overall

Employs capable workers or has engaged capable volunteers

Is able to engage community members targeted in the application

Total Score

Project Ranking (tick one only). Please make note of why the ranking was made and provide comments to further substantiate the ranking.

High

Medium

Low

Special Conditions:

Feedback for Applicant:

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9. What are the Conditions for Successful Applications?

• Successful applicants may need to provide Cumberland Council with itemised budgets, project plans, monitoring and evaluation tools and risk management plans. Council may provide practical workshops to assist in the development of these documents.

• The grants provided by Cumberland Council are to be spent only on projects outlined in the funding application and funding agreement.

• Any variation to the project funded, must be submitted in writing to Cumberland Council for approval.

• Successful applicants must demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination on the grounds of gender, ethnicity and religion in the delivery of services and ability to ensure equitable access to all residents.

• Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of appropriate insurance prior to the payment of the grant. A minimum of $10 million liability cover is required for public liability insurance.

• Applications must obtain written confirmation from all partnership bodies named in the proposal as well as confirmed funding sources.

• Successful applicants must give appropriate acknowledgement of the Stronger Communities Fund (this may include Cumberland Council and the NSW Government) support for the Project. This could be through promotional material, flyers, newsletters and Annual Reports. Draft copies of promotional material should be sent to Council for approval.

• Applications for the purchase of significant items (over $1,000) must include copies of two quotes.

• Programs delivered by successful applicants that provide catering must not provide or use grant money to purchase soft drinks, cordial, confectionary or other unhealthy food options.

• Council may place conditions of approval for specific projects.

• Successful applicants will be required to submit a report every 6 months about the progress of their project.

• A Final Project Evaluation Form will be provided to successful Applicants. It must be completed and returned with proof of expenditure to Cumberland Council within three months of project completion.

• Applications cannot be guaranteed funding, nor can any Applicant be guaranteed funding for the full amount requested.

10. What is the Grants Support Program?

The Grants Support Program (GSP) is delivered by Council’s Community Development Team. It provides support to successful applicants under Council’s grants programs.

Successful projects are allocated to staff in the Community Development Team. Each staff member maintains regular contact (approximately every 3/4 months) with the grant recipient allocated to them.

The GSP aims to:

• Bring organisations into Council’s network of ‘community partners’. Community partners are organisations/groups which deliver projects that meet the identified needs of the community. They enable Council to reach hard to engage and isolated communities within the LGA.

• Increase Council’s awareness of projects and activities, and needs of the communities grant recipients service.

• Increase the awareness of Council’s programs, policies and activities amongst grant recipients.

• Monitor implementation of funded projects.

• Assist organisations to implement funded projects and overcome any barriers/challenges.

• Identify training areas that build the capacity of organisations to deliver projects and develop skill sets.

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11. How do I apply?

Applications close 4pm, 27 February 2017.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Online applications are preferred and can be made on Council’s website www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/grants using Cumberland Council’s SCF Community Grants Program Application Form.

• Hard copies can be provided (by request only). To obtain a hard copy of the Application Form please contact the Community Projects Officer on 9735 1296 or 9840 9910 or email grants@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

12. Contacts

For more information, please contact:

Adama Kamara Capacity Building Coordinator02 9735 1296

Marie Sesay Community Projects Officer02 9840 9910

Email: grants@cumberland.nsw.gov.au