Community Gardens Grants Program - Guidelines

Community Gardens Grants Program - Guidelines

Community Gardens Grants Program 2017-2018

Guidelines

Community Gardens Grants Program 2017-2018

Guidelines

Please refer to the Department of Communities’ Grants and Funding web page to access the application form.

Please contact Ms Gemma Turner, Senior Grants Officer, at the Department of Communities on (08)65521643 or at to discuss a potential project before completing an application form.

All applications must be received by the Department of Communities by email or post by the closing date to be eligible for funding. Please allow up to twelve weeks from the closing date for an application to be processed.

Closing date: 4:00pm, Thursday, 18 October 2017

About the Program

Community gardening provides an opportunity for people to come together to develop a greater understanding between neighbours, parents and young people from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds.

When people are involved in local gardening projects they improve community connections, learn new skills, and share physical, social and mutual benefits.

Projects funded through the Program will support the establishment and development of community gardens in Western Australia and allow community members to:

  • Participate in community life more actively;
  • Connect with the environment and other people within their community;
  • Implement and develop their skills; and
  • Give back to the community.

What is covered by the grant

Organisations may apply for up to $10,000 per project for the following:

  • Garden feasibility, planning and design;
  • Development of policies and manuals;
  • Training, workshops and other events held at the community garden;
  • Community engagement strategies and initiatives;
  • Advertising, promotion and signage;
  • Community garden capacity building for volunteers;
  • Evaluation of an existing garden and it’s programs;
  • Infrastructure*; and
  • Consumable items.

*Organisations are encouraged to seek funding for infrastructure from other funding sources prior to applying to the Community Gardens Grants Program. This should be evidenced in the application, where applicable.

Ongoing operational costs, such as insurance and water, are not eligible for funding through this Program.

Funding may not be used for

  • Interstate and overseas travel;
  • Projects that duplicate an existing or similar project or service within the community;
  • Projects that are typically funded through other sources, such as school activities and sporting and cultural events;
  • Projects that could be delivered as part of the agreed services under a current agreement the organisation has with the Department of Communities; and
  • Purchase of prizes or gifts.

Assessment criteria

Each application will be assessed against the following criteria:

  1. The garden will be inclusive of and accessible to the broader community.
  2. Community members and other organisations are actively engaged and involved in the design, planning and implementation of the project.
  3. Support and awareness of the project by the respective local government, evidenced by a letter of support from the authority.
  4. Security of tenure for land use and evidence that any relevant land-use issues have been addressed and mitigated.
  5. Evidence of sound planning and demonstrated ability to manage the project.
  6. A reasonable and justified funding request that demonstrates value for money.

Priority will be given to projects and organisations that have not previously been funded through the Community Gardens Grants Program.

Who can apply

Eligible groups and organisations must be:

  • An incorporated not-for-profit community organisation;
  • A local government authority; or
  • An unincorporated organisation or community group, applying through the auspice of an incorporated body or local government authority.

Who cannot apply

  • A federal or state government agency;
  • An individual;
  • A commercial for-profit organisation;
  • An unincorporated not-for-profit community sector organisation (unless applying through the auspice of an incorporated body or local government authority);
  • An organisation local in the Indian Ocean Territories; or
  • Any organisation that has an outstanding acquittal and/or evaluation from a previous agreement with the Department of Communities*.

*Please contact the Department of Communities for queries about an acquittal or report status.

How to apply

  1. Read through the Guidelines carefully.
  2. Contact Ms Gemma Turner, Senior Grants Officer, Department of Communities, on (08)65521643, or at , to discuss the project idea and confirm the eligibility of the project and the organisation.

There is no question too big or too small

  1. Download the application form and complete all sections of the document with respect to the proposed project, including the Checklist at the end of the document.
  2. Ensure all attachments are included and defined when submitting the application.
  3. Submit the application to the Department of Communities by one of the following:
  4. Email:
  5. Post:GPO Box R1250, Perth WA 6844
  6. Fax:(08) 6552 1555
  7. All applications will be acknowledged via email within five business days of receipt. Should you not receive an acknowledgement, please contact the Department of Communities to confirm that your application has been received.

Assessment and notification

Please allow up to twelve weeks from the closing date for advice regarding the outcome of an application.

All applications will be reviewed against the assessment criteria outlined above. All organisations that apply for funding will be notified in writing of the outcome of the submission.

Successful applicants

Successful applicants will be required to report on the activities undertaken, participants and partners,lessons learned, evaluation of effectiveness,outcomes achieved, and a certified statement of income and expenditure for the funded project. Once the project is completed, theacquittal report must be submitted to meet the requirements, which will be specifiedonce the grant is approved.

Any unspent grant funds, or grant funds not expended in accordance with the grant program, must be returned to the Department of Communities.

Further information

For further information about the Community Gardens Grants Program, or assistance completing the application form, please contact:

Ms Gemma Turner, Senior Grants Officer
Department of Communities

GPO Box R1250, Perth WA 6844
Level 13, Gordon Stephenson House, 140 William Street, Perth WA 6000

Telephone: (08) 6551 8700
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) Telephone: 13 14 50

Email:
Website:

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Guidelines

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