Partnership Grant Program 2018-2022

Program Guidelines and Selection Criteria

Contents

1.Introduction

2.Program Vision

3.Key Dates

4.Streams

5.Assessment Criteria

6.Funding Priorities

6.1 Council Plan

6.2 Speak to a Council Contact

7.Eligibility Criteria

7.1 Eligible

7.2 Ineligible

8.Application Process

8.1 How to apply

8.2 Budget

8.3 Activity Plan

8.4 Supporting Documentation

8.5 Unincorporated Organisations

9.Guiding Values

9.1 Good Governance

9.2 Child Safety Standards

9.3 Gender Wise

9.4 Environmental Impact and Sustainability

9.5 Diverse and Inclusive

10.Recognition of Council

11.Acquittal

12.Key Documents and Contacts

Acknowledgement

Yarra Ranges Council respectfully acknowledges the traditional owners, the Wurundjeri people, as the custodians of this land. We pay respect to all Aboriginal community Elders, past and present, who have resided in the area and have been an integral part of the history of the region.

1.Introduction

The Partnership GrantProgram is one of four grant programs that Council delivers to achieve a connected and healthy Yarra Ranges.

Partnership Grants are a powerful way of responding to local needs and delivering outcomes that Council, on its own, may not be able to provide. It does this through leveraging local knowledge, nurturing networks between stakeholders, and supporting organisations well placed to promote community wellbeing.

To successfully apply to the program, applicants need to be eligible, demonstrate a strong alignment with Council’s adopted strategies, fulfil the selection criteria and demonstrate a willingness to work collaboratively. Grant support is provided as operational funding or for specific programs.

The next Partnership Program will commence on 1 July 2018 and run for four years, ending 30 June 2022.

Applicants can apply for between $5,000 and $40,000 per year. The total funding pool available per year is $422,000.

2.Program Vision

The purpose of this program is to support the development of an empowered, vibrant and inclusive Yarra Ranges through strategic funding and strong partnerships.

Through the Partnerships Grant Program we invite community and service providers to work collaboratively with Council to facilitate positive social change while celebrating the diversity and cultural uniqueness of our region.

The program seeks to support regionalsector development, build dynamic relationships based on equality and mutual respect, and positively contribute to achieving Council’s strategic objectives.

3.Key Dates

Information sessions / October November 2017
Grant round opens / 1 October 2017
Ground round closes / 30 November 2017
Successful applications announced / March 2018
Funding Agreements returned / May 2018
Partnership Welcome and Briefing event / June 2018
Funding distributed / 30 days after funding agreement returned
Partnership round commences / 1 July 2018

4.Streams

The Partnership Program is comprised of two streams: i) Creative Communities, ii) Connected and Healthy Communities. Applicants can apply for one of two categories.

Creative Communities / Connected & Healthy Communities
Total annual pool: $160,000 / Total annual pool: $262,000
Category / Amount Annually / Description
Sustaining Grants / $5,000 - $15,000 per annum / Sustaining Grants are for smaller programs. Applicants must have demonstrated experience delivering initiatives funded by Council.
Supports the delivery of programs, services and festivals inline with Council’s strategic goals by community groups or organisations.
Impact Grants / $15,000 - $40,000 per annum / Impact Grants respond to larger funding requests for well-developed applications based on solid data. They are highly competitive and few are awarded.
Supports the delivery of programs and services in-line with Council’s strategic goals by established organisations.

5.Assessment Criteria

Both streams will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate the following criteria:

Assessment Criteria / Weighting
Community benefit
Evidence of community need and expected benefits to the region. / 30%
Strategic connection
Extent to which the application will contribute towards one or more Council strategic priority goals. / 20%
Organisational capacity
Demonstrated capacity to deliver the program or service, including evidence of strong governance (transparent, documented policies), a well defined project plan and realistic budget. Clear measures of success are also requested. / 20%
Partnership and collaboration
Demonstrated strategic partnerships and evidence of community consultation, where appropriate. Applicants must have demonstrated experience delivering initiatives funded by Council. / 20%
Inclusion
Demonstrate consideration for inclusion principles, specifically including culturally and linguistically diverse groups, gender diversity and people living with a disability. / 10%

6.Funding Priorities

Council recognises that partnerships are an important tool for strengthening localcommunities.Applications need to demonstrate how they will support achieving Council’s strategic goals, which have been developed with the community and are informedby evidence of local needs.The strategic priorities are detailed below. They are drawn from two key documents (Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the Cultural Policy and Action Plan) which support the overarching Council Plan.

6.1 Council Plan

The Council Plan is developed every four years following a council election with the input of community, officers and Councillors. It connects the strategies and policies of Council and sets the overall vision for the region. The objectives of the Council Plan are:

Connected and healthy communities / Qualityinfrastructure andliveable places / Protected and enhanced natural environment / Vibrant economy, agriculture and tourism
Communities are safe, resilient, healthy, inclusive and socially well connected.
Quality services are accessible to everyone / Quality facilities and infrastructure meets current and future needs.
Places are well planned and are hubs of activity that foster wellbeing, creativity and innovation / A healthier environment for future generations / Our tourism, agriculture, health, manufacturing and other industries are leading and dynamic.
Strong investment and attraction underpins sustainable economic growth and job creation

The Council Plan is available at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Strategies

Connected and Healthy Communities
Connected and healthy communities
Goal 1
Goal 2 / People are able to access, prepare and eat fresh, nutritious foods
  • For example: responding to food insecurity and fostering independent skills in food literacy, advocacy on consumption of locally grown produce and delivering skills development.
People enjoy good mental health throughout their lives
Resilient and liveable communities
Goal 3
Goal 4
Goal 5 / People are physically active
People are able to contribute to and participate in their local economy
People enjoy sustainable natural and built environments
Equitable and inclusive communities
Goal 6
Goal 7
Goal 8 / People belong to and participate equally in inclusive communities
Women and children live free from abuse and violence through a culture of gender equity and respect
Indigenous residents:
  • live free from discrimination and racism, connected to their culture & identity
  • access culturally safe services in community controlled organisations
  • are supported to have healthy pregnancies and thrive in early childhood
  • For example: Collaborating on the First 1,000 Days initiative, actively building culturally competent service delivery.

Successful applicants will be encouraged to contribute to major Health & Wellbeing initiatives, including:
1) Water – everyone’s drink of choice
2) Walking – the way to go
3) Indigenous health – close the gap
The 2017-21 Health & Wellbeing Strategy is availableyarraranges.vic.gov.au/Strategies
Creative Communities
Creating vibrant public places
Goal 1
Goal 2 / Enhance the outdoor spaces in our community through regular presentation of art work in public places
Support community driven festivals to enhance public places
Weave cultural activities into our daily lives
Goal 3
Goal 4
Goal 5* / Increase awareness of the value arts and heritage activities bring to us as individuals and as a community
Develop community capacity to drive a diverse range of arts and heritage activities
People have access to vibrant arts and heritage experiences that connect communities
Understanding and celebrating our cultural heritage
Goal 6
Goal 7 / Acknowledge, protect and showcase our Indigenous culture and heritage
Foster community appreciation, expression and celebration of Yarra Ranges’ cultural heritage
The Cultural Policy & Action Plan is available at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Strategies

* This goal is drawn from the Health & Wellbeing Strategy

6.2 Speak to a Council Contact

It is a requirement that potential partnershave a meaningful and in-depth conversation with a relevant Council Officer about their application before submission. Officers are able to provide insights, tips and suggestions on project proposals.

For contact details of Council Officers and their areas of subject expertise, please refer to the Key Documents and Contacts section of the guidelines.

7.Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the Partnership Program must meet the following eligibility requirements. Please note that ineligible applications will not be assessed.

7.1 Eligible

  • Applicant organisations must be an incorporated not-for-profit community group and have an ABN. If a group applying under the Creative Communities stream is an unincorporated not-for-profit group, they must have their application auspiced by an eligible incorporated organisation
  • Applicants must be based in Yarra Ranges and the program, service or activity must benefit theYarra Ranges community
  • Applicants must commit to obtaining all necessary permits related to the funded activity, particularly for festivals
  • Applicants must have successfully acquitted any previous Yarra Ranges Council grants and have no outstanding debts with the Council
  • Applicants must provide evidence of adequate public liability insurance.Working With Children checks, WorkCover and superannuation coverage are required to be held by recipients of funding where appropriate
  • Demonstrate a commitment to and have current policies to ensure they comply with Child Safe Standards
  • Agree to acknowledge funding from Yarra Ranges Council in promotion
  • Consentto providing evidence of how the funds were used and benefits from the activity through annual reviews
  • Demonstrate experience and a strong track record delivering initiatives funded by Council
  • The grant activity must take place throughout 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2022
  • Submit all supporting material when applying
  • Consult with a Council Officer before applying.

7.2 Ineligible

  • A program, service or activity that is primarily considered the responsibility of State or Federal Government; for example, the core business of schools, hospitals
  • Activities that take place outside the Yarra Ranges (including touring costs)
  • A new building, capital works or facility maintenance works
  • Ongoing staff salaries or administration costs not specific to the proposal
  • Purchase of equipment only (equipment may be purchased as part of a broader project)
  • Activities thattake place at inappropriate venues; for example,gambling venues
  • Activities that are sponsored by gambling businesses
  • Applications with the singular purpose of promoting religion
  • Training, study or academic research in Australia or overseas
  • Applications that are solely for attending forums, workshops and conferences, or for organising conferences
  • Competitions, prizes, award exhibitions or exclusively fundraising events
  • Retrospective funding.

Please note that Neighbourhood Houses in Yarra Ranges are funded by Council through a separate program and therefore cannot apply under the Partnership Grants Program. They can auspice other groups’ applications.

8.Application Process

8.1 How to apply

Applications for the Partnerships Program can be made by completing an online application form at yarraranges.smartygrants.com.au. The form will be made available once the grant round is open.

Please ensure that applications and all supporting material are lodged by 11.59pm AEST on the 30 November 2017. Submissions will not be accepted after this time.

If you have difficulty using the online application form please contact the Grants Team for assistance on 1300 368 333.

If you are having difficulty accessing your account or require troubleshooting support please contact SmartyGrants directly on 03 9320 6888.

8.2Budget

Funding over four years is a significant investment by Council and there are reporting requirements to account for this use of public funds.

Applicants are expected to provide a budget aligned with outcomes for each of the four years. Budgets need to demonstrate considered planning, be realistic and justified for the proposed application. Staff costs and equipment can be built into the overall budget if they clearly contribute to achieving outcomes.

If your organisation is registered for GST with the Australia Tax office, GST will be applied to your grant. In these cases, Council will add 10% to the grant for GST.

8.3Activity Plan

Applicants are required to outline anactivity plan for each year of the grant. The project plan needs to articulate the activity and related outcomes in line with the budget, for each year of funding.

8.4Supporting Documentation

All applicants must upload the following supporting documents and material as part of their submission through SmartyGrants:

  • Most recent Annual Report, including annual financial statement. If your application is being auspiced only anAnnual Report and financial statement from the auspicing organisation is required
  • A copy of the certificate of cover of the organisation's public liability insurance
  • Evidence of partnerships, such as a letter of support from individuals/organisations detailing their contributions to the project, and reports or other documents demonstrating the need and support for the project
  • Documentation to support the proposed project or evidence of previous projects and outcomes e.g. photos, videos
  • If project is auspiced, an auspicing agreement must be uploaded with the application. Council can provide a sample template if required.

8.5Unincorporated Organisations

Applications under the Connected and Healthy Communities stream must be incorporated to be eligible.

Applications under the Creative Communities stream that are not incorporated must have their application ‘auspiced’ by an eligible incorporated organisation.

Whilst the application can be submitted by the group being auspiced, the auspicing organisation accepts responsibility for the application. Please note that information on the auspicing body will need to be provided in the application, including their ABN, financial report and contact details. The auspice organisation is legally responsible for the funds and enters into a Funding Agreement with Council.

It is important that the auspicer and auspicee enter into an agreement to ensure clarity around roles and expectations that each party has of the other. Grant applications can allocate a small auspicing fee as part of the application.

Please note that unincorporated groups must still demonstrate that they are established and have experience delivering similar projects.

Further information on auspicing arrangements can be found at:

9.Guiding Values

9.1 Good Governance

Yarra Ranges Council is dedicated to ensuring the Grants for Community program is run in a fair and transparent manner. We commit to managing an effective grants program that responds to community needs and represents good value for money. This commitment is expressed through openness to constructive feedback and a desire for continuous improvement.

We hold ourselves to a high standard of grant making and support our partners to do the same through their work. Successful grant recipients must have robust governance structures in place.

9.2 Child Safety Standards

The recent introduction of Child Safe Standards by the Victorian Government stipulates that all organisations that provide services for children or receive government funding are now covered by mandatory reporting requirements. Successful Partner Grant recipients will be required to develop a Child Safe policy within the first funding year if they do not already have one. Support by Council will be provided in the developmentof your policy.

9.3 Gender Wise

Yarra Ranges Council is committed to gender equity in the region and consider our partner organisations as key in pursuing this.

Men and women can face different expectations and challenges based on social conditioning and subtle biases. Consequently, when designing or delivering a project and treating all people as the same may not necessarily result in equal inclusion and impact.
It is important that grant applicants apply a ‘gender lens’ when drafting their application. An example of this is considering the different needs and circumstances of people of all genders within the target beneficiary group.

Further information on running gender-wise projects can be found at: fundingcentre.com.au/help/gender-lens. Alternatively, applicants are invited to contact Council’s Gender Equity Officer on 1300 368 333 for ideas on integrating gender-aware practices into your organisation’s work.

9.4 Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Yarra Ranges is renowned for its natural beauty and Council is committed to maintaining the health and significance of the region’s environment.

All proposed projects are encouraged to incorporate activities that improve sustainable outcomes and minimise unnecessary environmental impacts. For more information or support on this please contact Council’s Sustainability Officer on 1300 368 333.

9.5 Diverse and Inclusive

Diversity is astrength within Yarra Ranges and something the Program seeks to promote. Grant submissions from groups and individuals of all abilities, cultures, age groups, gender and sexual orientation are strongly encouraged.

All grantees are encouraged to consider how their project will be accessible to people with a disability or marginalised groups. For practical ideas and considerations please contact Council’s Metro Access Officer or Indigenous Development Officer on 1300 368 333.

10.Recognition of Council

As with any partnership, recognition is important.

Acknowledgement of support provided by Council should be made in accordance with the Yarra Ranges Council Acknowledgement Guidelines, available through the Community Partnerships Officer.

11.Acquittal

All Grants for Community recipients are required to report on the success, outcomes, lessons learnt, and financial details through anannual progress report and a final report. Any interesting stories or photographs are also welcomed!

A template will be provided by Council through SmartyGrantsto support grantees with this process.