2007

CommunIty Grants Program

2010 Guidelines and Application Form

For programs and projects held between July 2010 and June 2011

Community Grants Program 2010 Page 4 of 7

Victorian Multicultural Commission

Level 3, 3 Treasury Place

East Melbourne

GPO Box 4698 Melbourne 3000

Grants Information Line on 1300 366 356

Email:

Website: multicultural.vic.gov.au

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM

Why is the Victorian Government funding these grants?
The Victorian Government aims to strengthen the capacity of culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse organisations to manage their own affairs, to participate in and influence their local communities and to enjoy in the benefits available to them as members of society. The program aims to address the needs of ethnic communities, combat the disadvantages faced by many of these communities and promote multicultural and multifaith harmony.

Who can apply?
Not-for-profit and non-political organisations, can apply for funding in all categories provided that the organisation is:

·  incorporated under the Australian Corporations Act or as an Association under the Associations Incorporation Act and has an Australian Business Number (ABN) or

·  keeps proper accounting records and has yearly financial statements

·  has submitted applications in accordance with specific timelines and processes

·  has satisfactorily acquitted all previous grants from the VMC

·  mainstream service providers, migrant resource centres, hospitals, community health centres, neighbourhood houses, community centres and schools are ELIGIBLE to apply under some grant categories.

Organisations should refer to any additional guidelines or conditions specified for each grant category on the relevant application form.

Organisations that are not incorporated who wish to apply for funding, must arrange for an incorporated organisation to manage the grant funds. This organisation will act as the ‘auspice’ organisation for the application and their details must be provided in the application form.

What grant categories are available?

Applicants can apply for one or more of the following five categories:

Organisational Support category Grants of up to $5,000 (excluding GST) are available to support the general activities of ethnic and multicultural organisations and groups that are voluntary, charitable and non-profit making.

Strengthening Multicultural Communities category Grants of up to $20,000 (excluding GST) are available for projects that address the unmet needs of Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Buildings and Facilities Improvements category Grants of up to $15,000 (excluding GST) are available for the minor upgrade or improvement of buildings and/or facilities.

Educational Programs category Provides funding support to out-of-hours ethnic schools within Victoria. There are four subcategories available:

Professional Development of Teachers Grants of up to $10,000 (excluding GST) to support Victoria’s ethnic schools to provide school-based professional development programs for their teachers.

Materials Development – Grants of up to $20,000 (excluding GST) to support the development of classroom teaching materials for a language taught in community languages schools sector where there are few readily available resources suitable for students living in Victoria.

Support for new community language schools – Grants of up to $2,000 (excluding GST) to assist with the establishment costs of a new community language school.

Support for existing community language schools – Grants of up to $2,500 (excluding GST) to assist with the operational costs of a community language school.

Promoting Harmony: Multifaith Initiatives and Interfaith Networks - Grants of up to $10,000* (excluding GST) to a range of projects that bring different faith and community groups together to promote community harmony, celebrate our shared values and increase our understanding of, and respect for, our differences. Priority will be given to projects displaying strong collaborative links between partner organisations, which must include faith-based organisations.

*Grants of up to $20,000 (excluding GST) will be considered for projects which assist in the establishment of new interfaith networks or to build the capacity and sustainability of existing interfaith networks.

What type of projects might be funded?

Examples of the types of projects/activities that will be considered for funding include:

Category / Examples of project/activities
Organisational Support / ·  Running costs for multicultural clubs including rental, utilities, stationery, postage and public liability insurance
·  Discussion groups, information sessions, newsletters and websites
·  Social and cultural gatherings
Strengthening Multicultural Communities / ·  Activities that increase capacity within emerging communities and multicultural networks to self-manage and engage in community life
·  Provision of assistance to migrant and refugee women and/or young people
·  Heritage projects documenting the contribution of migrants and refugees in Victoria
·  Activities addressing disadvantages and/or provide information and services
Building and Facilities Improvement / ·  Projects to improve disability access to buildings, address health, safety or risk management issues
·  Repair to building infrastructure such as roofing or flooring
·  Activities that provide assistance to senior citizens
·  Projects that clearly demonstrate community benefit, improved usability
of facilities and/or provide access to senior citizens
·  Activities that support the facilities use by more than one community group
Education
Programs / Support for new or existing community languages schools:
·  Payment of teacher salaries
·  Hire or purchase of language training materials (books, computer software, audiotapes and videotapes) or equipment to support the language teaching program
(eg audio visual, computer and reprographic equipment)
·  Costs associated with venue of classes (eg heating, lighting, cleaning and rent) Professional development of teachers:
·  The cost of speakers, materials, hire of venue and equipment
Materials Development
·  Payment of teachers and university personnel involved in content design and development
·  Purchase of stationery, computer supplies and print production
·  Payment for graphic design and reproduction
Multifaith Initiatives and Interfaith Networks / ·  Seminars, conferences, workshops and cultural events/festivals promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding
·  Resource development, interfaith network activities and visiting places of worship
·  Educational programs and leadership training
·  Dialogue bringing together people of different faiths to share their ideas

What will not be funded?

Funding is not available for organisations that:

·  are primarily commercial organisations or bodies established for profit-making purposes,

·  are seeking retrospective funding for projects or programs that have started or been completed, before July 2010

·  are seeking funding for competitions, commercial, political or fund raising activities,

·  are seeking funding for events or programs held outside of Victoria,

·  are seeking funding for transport to interstate conferences or events,

·  have failed to abide by the terms and conditions of previously provided VMC grants, or

·  receive income from electronic gaming machines.

The VMC will not fund applications from individuals.

If you are unsure whether your organisation or project is eligible for funding, contact the VMC on (03) 9651 0654.

What are the funding conditions?

The following conditions will apply to projects that receive a grant:

·  the grant recipient must enter into a funding agreement with the VMC that sets out the conditions and reporting requirements of the grant,

·  any unspent funds must be returned to the VMC,

·  organisations must provide the VMC with a full membership list of at least 20 current and registered financial members, or a list of member organisations upon request,

·  the Victorian Government and the Victorian Multicultural Commission must be appropriately acknowledged in any relevant publication, promotional material, or news releases, after having received written authority to do so by the VMC,

·  funded organisations must have public liability or other insurance to cover loss or injury occurring to any person during their activities, and

·  the grant must be acquitted through an Accountability Report, to be lodged upon project completion in the time specified.


What is the application process?

Applications must be submitted by 4:00pm on Friday 18 December 2009. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered. Successful grant recipients will be notified by the end of June 2010.

Applications can be submitted in hard copy or electronic format, please return complete booklet;

By mail to the
Victorian Multicultural Commission
GPO Box 4698
Melbourne 3001 / By email to
In person to the
Grants Box
Ground Floor
3 Treasury Place East Melbourne / By fax to 03 9651 0612

How will applications be assessed?

Applications will be assessed by a Grants Sub-Committee of the VMC between March and May 2010.

Successful applicants will be offered a funding agreement outlining their obligations to the VMC in return for funding of their program, project or activity.

Conditions relate to:

·  Timely completion of the project;

·  Appropriate financial management (including timely reporting), and

·  Compliance with VMC evaluation processes.

Note: funding is for programs and projects held between July 2010 and June 2011


More information

For more information, please call the Grants Information Line on 1300 366 356 on any weekday between 9am and 5.00pm (except Public Holidays) . You can also visit www.multicultural.vic.gov.au for application forms and more information.

SECTION 1 – Applicant details

/ Fields marked (*) are mandatory

Part A: Applicant Organisation details

* Name of Organisation:
* Postal Address:
* Town / Suburb: / * Postcode: / * State:
Meeting Address
Town / Suburb: / Postcode: / State:
Authorised person (This is the person who is authorised by the organisation to make the application on their behalf)
* Title: / * First name: / * Last name:
Position: / Email:
Telephone: / Mobile: / Fax:
* Type of Organisation: / Incorporated Association Unincorporated Association Other please specify
Applicant Organisation’s Australian Business Number (ABN), if you have one:
Can the VMC use the above details to compile a VMC directory? / Yes No
Are you a not for profit organisation / Yes No-your application is ineligible
Do you need an auspice for this application?
If your organisation does not have an ABN, or is not incorporated, you must arrange for an incorporated organisation to manage the grant funds. This organisation will be the ‘auspice’ organisation for the application. you will need to provide their details in Part B.
Yes, I need an auspice organisation for this application / (Complete Part B: Auspice Organisation details)
No, I do not require an auspice organisation for this application / (Complete Section 2: Project Overview)

Part B: Auspice Organisation details

Name of Auspice Organisation:
Postal Address
Town / Suburb: / Postcode: / State:
Authorised person
Title: / First name: / Last name:
Position: / Email:
Telephone: / Mobile: / Fax:
Type of Organisation: / Incorporated Association Unincorporated Association Other please specify
Organisation’s Australian Business Number (ABN):
Has the auspice organisation agreed to manage the grant on your behalf? / Yes / No
Part C: Applicant Organisation History / Fields marked (*) are mandatory
Do not complete this section if these details have been provided to the Victorian Multicultural Commission and have not changed
What are your organisation’s aims?
What have been the major achievements of your organisation?
What are the current activities of your organisation?
When do you meet? (e.g. weekly, Mondays at 7pm)
Section 2C – BUILDING & FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT APPLICATION FORM
Two quotes must be included with the application. A representative of the VMC may visit the building to determine if the proposed work is required.
The organisation must have full insurance for works and the property that is the subject of the application and ensure that all Work Cover Occupational Health and Safety Standards, planning and building permit regulations are complied with during the renovation works.
Section 2 – Project Overview / Fields marked (*) are mandatory
* Project name
* Building address
What are you planning to do? / Provide a description of your proposed project. Attach additional pages if necessary.
Does your organisation own the building where your planned activity will take place?
Yes, fully owned / mortgaged No. Your organisation is not eligible for this category
Yes, jointly owned. Please list co-owners
*Who will benefit from your activities/project?
* What are the project stages, key dates and key partners for this project?
* When will your project take place?
* Anticipated project start date: / * Anticipated project completion date:

Section 3 – Project Budget

Please provide details of the income and expenditure budget for your project, excluding GST. Note that the total income should equal total expenditure. Attach a separate sheet (or sheets) if you require more room.
Income / Expenditure
* Amount requested from this program / $ / Administration Overheads / $
Funds from local council / $ / Project fees (for example engineering, planning) / $
In-kind support from your organisation / $ / Site Preparation / $
In-kind from other sources / $ / In-Kind Labour / $
Other (please specify) / $ / Construction Materials / $
$ / Other (please specify) / $
$ / $
$
*Total income / $ / *Total expenditure / $

Organisation Declaration -to be signed by all applicants

I state that the information in this application and attachments is to the best of my knowledge true and correct. I will notify the Victorian Multicultural Commission of any changes to this information and any circumstances that may affect this application. I acknowledge that the Victorian Multicultural Commission may refer this application to external experts or other Government Departments for assessment, reporting, advice, comment or for discussions regarding alternative or collaborative grant funding opportunities. I understand that the Victorian Multicultural Commission is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and that if a Freedom of Information request is made, the Victorian Multicultural Commission will consult with the applicant before any decision is made to release the application or supporting documentation. I understand that this is an application only and may not necessarily result in funding approval.
* Signature: / * Date:
* Print name: / * Position:
(To be signed by a person with delegated authority to apply - i.e. Chairperson, Secretary, Public Officer or Treasurer)

Auspicing Organisation Declaration - if applicable

I state to the best of my knowledge that all the details supplied in this application form and in the attached documents are true and correct. I consent to the information contained within this application being collected, used and disclosed by VMC for the purpose of registering, administering and promoting my current and any future grant applications with VMC

* Signature: / * Date:
* Print name: / * Position:
Email:
Referees (this section is optional)
A referee should be someone who is not a member of your association and who knows the organisation and will vouch for it.
* Name: / * Position:
* Address: / * Telephone
Email:
* Name: / * Position:
* Address: / * Telephone
Email:
Privacy Statement
The information requested by the Victorian Multicultural Commission in this application form is to be used for the purposes of determining whether or not an organisation is eligible for funding. The Victorian Multicultural Commission also uses the information supplied to distribute mail of interest such as: the Multicultural Victoria magazine and events and funding opportunities. Information about groups may also be provided to government agencies for the purposes of compiling directories of multicultural organisations in Victoria. Members of Parliament may be supplied with details of successful applications to keep them informed of funding in their electorate. Organisations that do not wish to be on this mailing list should notify the Victorian Multicultural Commission.

Community Grants Program 2010 Page 4 of 7