Contents

What is the purpose of the Moonee Valley Grants Program?

What grants are available?

What applications are ineligible for funding?

How do I apply?

Information sessions

Contacting Council Officers

Moonee Valley City Boundaries

1.Responsive Grants 2015/16

1.1What are Responsive Grants?

1.2Eligibility - who can apply?

1.3Assessment criteria

1.4Other funding information

1.5What is the assessment process?

2.Biannual Grants 2015/16

2.1What are Biannual Grants?

2.2Eligibility – who can apply?

2.3Assessment criteria

2.4Other funding information

2.5What is the assessment process?

Need more help?

What is the purpose of the Moonee Valley Grants Program?

The Moonee Valley Grants Program provides direct financial support to strengthen the Moonee Valley Community. This financial support contributes to creating economic, social and environmental wellbeing and a sense of belonging through activities and projects.

It aims to:

  1. Foster and strengthen community involvement and participation.
  2. Promote organisations and projects to be accessible and socially inclusive.
  3. Support and encourage partnerships that promote collaboration.
  4. Promote growth in the local economy.
  5. Provide opportunities for businesses and the community to identify and respond to local and emerging issues, concerns and priorities that link with Council’s strategic priorities.
  6. Support and promote the principles of the Victoria Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (

The Grants program is one way Council delivers on the strategies presented in the Council Plan. The Council Plan 2013-17 can be found at: mvcc.vic.gov.au/councilplan

What grants are available?

There are two grant typeswithin the Moonee Valley Grants Program: Responsive Grants and Biannual Grants.

Grant type / Amount / Frequency / Description
Responsive Grants / up to $1,000 / Available monthly
Grants close on the first day of each month.
Grants are awarded on a monthly basis and notification is sent within one week of the decision being finalised. / These grants are for projects and activities that do not fit the Biannual Grants timeframe and relate to either:
  • Emerging needs (organisations only); or
  • Promoting participation (individuals and organisations).

Biannual Grants / up to $20,000 / Round 1 opens 9 July closes 18 August 2015
Round 2 opens 2 February closes 8 March 2016 / These grants support projects and activities that increase community participation and strengthen wellbeing and economic growth across the city.

What applications are ineligible for funding?

Applications will not be considered if the applicant:

  • Is in debt to Council
  • Has failed to meet the obligation of a previous grant agreement
  • Limits membership based on race, beliefs, class or cultural observance.

The applicant will be deemed ineligible for funding if the application is for:

  • Religious observance or party political purposes
  • Services that are the core responsibility of another level of government and/or duplicate an existing service or activity
  • Facilities that have little or no public access
  • Activities that have taken place before the grant is made
  • Solely fundraising activities and events
  • Equipment which is not related to or necessary for the project
  • Ongoing staff salaries, administration,maintenance or operating costs
  • Projects, activities, programs and events that have already been funded through the Moonee Valley Community Grants Program.

Late applications will not be accepted.

How do I apply?

Applicants are requested to submit their application and supporting documentation online via SmartyGrants website This online system streamlines the grant process for applicants and allows Council to assess submissions and respond to applicants without delay.

If you need support to access and use the online application form, please contact the Community Grants Officer on 9243 8888 or email to request support.

Information sessions

Council is committed to supporting groups and individuals to submit quality applications. Information sessions are held regularly and listed on Council’s website: mvcc.vic.gov.au/grants. You do not need to RSVP to these sessions, but please contact Council if you require an interpreter for these sessions.

Contacting Council Officers

It is recommended that all applicants discuss their application with a staff member prior to applying. Please contact the appropriate person listed below.

Grants Officer
All general enquiries should be directed to the Grants Officer / Grants Officer
9243 8888

Sports and recreation / Andrew Carey – Sports Development Officer
9243 8820

Arts and culture / Rachel Reggars – Arts Officer
9243 1867

Sustainable environment / Stephanie Mitten – Sustainability Officer
9243 2018

Disability access / Heidi Peart – Metro Access Project Officer
9243 1647

Business grants / Sally Curtis– Business Marketing Officer
9243 1614

Note: Council officers are available to support you through the application process; however, campaigning or soliciting councillors, assessment panel members or employees of the Moonee Valley City Council in relation to any application is prohibited.

General Conditions of all Moonee Valley Grants

If your application is successful, you will be required to:

  • Sign and return two original copies of the Conditions of Funding Agreement.
  • Provide an Australian Business Number or a signed ‘Statement by Supplier’ form before payment can be made.
  • For organisations that are registered for Goods and Services Tax, grants will have GST (10%) added to the funds applied for. A signed ‘Agreement to Issue a Recipient Created Tax Invoice’ form will be required.
  • Grant funds will only be paid by EFT (electronic funds transfer). Successful applicants will need to provide their bank account name, BSB and bank account number to Council when they sign the Conditions of Funding Agreement.
  • Funds are time limited and must be expended within 12 months (activities must commence only after the awarding by Council).
  • Funding is allocated for the specific need or activity submitted in the application and cannot be used for any other purpose, without prior consultation and agreement by Council.
  • Any grant funds not expended before the completion of the project must be returned to Council within 28 days of completion of the project.
  • For funding to support participation in specific activities - if the applicant is suspended, for any reason, from the activity for which funding was awarded or should the activity be cancelled, the applicant will be required to reimburse Council the full amount awarded.
  • Where the delivery of a project is contingent upon fundraising or the receipt of other grants or sponsors, proof of receipt may be required before funds are released.

Acquittal

Successful applicants will be required to complete an acquittal report within four weeks of the completion of their activity or within 12 months from the date of receiving funding.

An acquittal form will be linked to your Grant application. When you are ready to submit the acquittal form please log onto and submit it the same way you submitted your grant application.

Moonee Valley City Boundaries

The Moonee Valley Grants Program support projects and activities that provide benefit to the Moonee Valley Community. Please see the map below for the boundaries of Moonee Valley municipality.


1.Responsive Grants 2015/16

1.1What are Responsive Grants?

Responsive Grants provide an opportunity for individuals and organisations to apply for small amounts of funding throughout the year.

Applicants should note that the funding available through the Responsive Grants is limited and will be awarded on a competitive basis.

Max duration of activity / 12 months
Max grant amount / Up to $1,000
Round frequency / Monthly – close on the first day of each month

There are two categories of funding available within the Responsive Grants.

Category 1: Emergingneed (organisations only)

This category focuses on supporting community organisations who have unexpectedand/or emerging community needs.These grants are assessed monthly for essential activities that fit outside the scope of other funding opportunities, particularly the Biannual Grants timeframe.

Examples:

  1. Supporting the establishment of a new community group, club or association.
  2. An unforseen expense that poses a risk to the function of an existing community group.

Category 2: Promotingparticipation (individuals and organisations)

This category focuses on supporting participation and promoting achievements by Moonee Valley residents in sports, recreational, cultural, artistic and learning pursuits and endeavours.

Examples:

  1. To enable a young person to participate in organised sport who has previously been unable to participate due to financial difficulties.
  2. To support residents who are progressing to high-level achievement in their chosen sport/recreation or arts/culture activity.

1.2Eligibility - who can apply?

  • Not for profit community groups and organisations that are either incorporatedOR unincorporated with an auspice organisation ORcan demonstrate that they are working towards incorporation.
  • Individuals who are residents of Moonee Valley (note: individuals can only apply under category 2 promoting participation).

1.3Assessment criteria

All applicants will be assessed against the following criteria

  1. Need for funds:
  • The extent to which the application responds to an existing or emerging local need or opportunity
  • The provision of evidence to support the identified need or opportunity
  1. Local community benefit:
  • Outcomes of the funding are clearly identified
  • Individual beneficiaries are Moonee Valley residents
  • For community organisations, the membership base or program participants are primarily Moonee Valley residents
  1. Skills and ability to deliver:
  • A complete, realistic and achievable budget provided
  • Alternate funding sources have been considered to support the project
  • Capacity to deliver the activity as described in the application
  • For emerging needs - evidence is provided demonstrating how the project will be sustained
  • For promoting participation – evidence is provided:
  • confirming participation in organised sports, competition or recreational activity;OR
  • demonstration of an ongoing commitment to achieve excellence – for example selection for participation at a higher level such as regional, interstate, national or international level

Assessment also takes into consideration all support that has been provided by Council to the applicant over the previous two-year period.

1.4Other funding information

  • Applicants can only receive one Responsive Grant per financial year.
  • Applications cannot be made to Responsive Grants and the Biannual Grants for the same need or activity.
  • Individuals applying must provide evidence that they are a Moonee Valley Resident e.g. rates notice, utility bill, driver’s licence.
  • Applicants applying for funds to support individuals progressing to high-level achievement in sport/recreation must provide supporting documentation from their association.
  • Activities must take place within 12 months after awarding of grant by Council.

1.5What is the assessment process?

Responsive Grant applications undergo the following assessment process:

  • Eligibility check including initial assessment is conducted by Council Officers.
  • Assessment and awarding of grants is undertaken by a Committee of Council who meet monthly to award the grants.
  • Notification of the outcome will be sent to the applicant within one week of the decision being finalised.

2.Biannual Grants 2015/16

2.1What are Biannual Grants?

Council’s Biannual Grants provide funding to support projects that increase community participation, access to information and services, and strengthen wellbeing and economic growth across the city.

Applicants should note that the funding available through the Biannual Grants is limited and will be awarded on a competitive basis.

Max duration of project / 12 months
Max grant amount / Up to $20,000 – there are three funding levels:
$0 - $5000
$5001 - $10,000
$10,001 - $20,000
Round frequency / Twice each financial year
Round 1 opens 9 July closes 18 August 2015
Round 2 opens 2 February closes 8 March 2016

2.2Eligibility – who can apply?

  1. Individuals, community groups and organisations (individuals and unincorporated groups/organisations require auspice).
  2. Businesses or Sole Traders (located, operating or intending to start in the City of Moonee Valley) with an Australian Business Number (ABN).

2.3Assessment criteria

2.3.1 Funding priorities

Projects and activities funded for Biannual Grants must demonstrate that they enhance the Moonee Valley community in one or more of the following areas:

  1. Enhance the wellbeing of individuals and community groups through initiatives that focus on
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Sports and recreation
  • Learning and education.
  1. Promote a clean, green and beautiful environment through sustainable environment initiatives that focus on
  • Environmental improvement and enhancement
  • Saving energy, reducing waste, innovative water solutions and protecting the environment.
  1. Create a vibrant and diverse city with opportunities for all through initiatives that focus on
  • Arts, culture and heritage projects
  • Events and celebrations
  • Economic development initiatives including business improvement and marketing, events and start-ups.
  1. Provide a friendly and safe community through initiatives and activities that focus on
  • social support
  • promoting diversity, access and equity, and social inclusion
  • promoting human rights.

2.3.2 Level of funding

Biannual Grants are assessed based on three levels of funding

Up to $5,000 / $5,001 to $10,000 / $10,001 to $20,000
  • Support for establishment of new community groups
  • Capacity building for community groups
  • Support for specific activities of existing groups
  • Support for small projects and community events
  • Small grants for businesses
/
  • Support for projects and community events
  • Applicants must demonstrate capacity to deliver larger projects
/
  • Support for projects, community events including minor capital works
  • Applicants must demonstrate capacity to deliver larger projects

For applications up to $5000

Applications up to $5,000 use the same application form, however, there is less detail required and a simpler assessment criteria is applied. Applications up to $5,000 are assessed on the following:

  • Need for the fund:
  • Is there a clearly identified need for this application?
  • Does the application fulfil this need?
  • Has the application appropriately engaged with the local community?
  • Local community benefit:
  • Are the outcomes of the project clearly identified and do they contribute to one of the areas of focus of the grants program?
  • How many local people are likely to benefit from the project?
  • Will the project promote an accessible and socially inclusive municipality?
  • Skills and ability to deliver:
  • Is the budget clear and realistic?
  • Is there a demonstrated capacity to deliver the activity as described in the application?
  • Will the applicant need support to deliver the project? If so have they spoken to a Council Officer and planned for what support can be provided?

For applications $5001 and above

Applications $5001 and over are assessed on the following:

  • Need for the funds:
  • Is there a clearly identified need for this application?
  • Does the application fulfil this need?
  • Has the application appropriately engaged with the local community?
  • Local community benefit:
  • Are the outcomes of the project clearly identified and do they contribute to one or more of the priority areas of the grants program?
  • How will the project be evaluated?
  • How many local people are likely to benefit from the project?
  • How will the application actively involve the community?
  • Does the project support and encourage partnerships that promote collaboration?
  • Will the project promote an accessible and socially inclusive municipality?
  • Skills and ability to deliver:
  • Is the budget clear and realistic?
  • Have other funding sources been identified?
  • Is the application well planned and achievable within the timeframe?
  • Is the application financially viable and does it demonstrate sound management?
  • Is there a clear link between the community need, the community outcomes and the activities that will be delivered?

Additional assessment notes for applications involving Capital Works

  • Any applications involving Capital Works must be discussed with a Council Officer before submitting.
  • Grant approval of funds for an application involving Capital Works does not imply Council planning approval is provided. Grant payment will be pending approval of any permits required (e.g. building permit, planning permit), this also includes the approval of the final location of any new structure.

Other Assessment information for all applications

Assessment takes into consideration all support that has been provided by Council to the applicant over the previous two-year period.

Consideration is also given to the overall mix of funding awarded through the round, including geographic distribution and priority area.

2.4Other funding information

  • Applicants for small business grants can only receive one Biannual Grant per financial year.
  • Applications cannot be made to Responsive Grants and the Biannual Grants for the same project or activity.
  • Biannual Grants must be either a new project, or a project that builds on, but does not replicate, a project previously supported by Council.
  • Projects involving a collaborative effort or networking with other groups, organisations, businesses or schools will be viewed favourably.
  • Projects with scope to access other funding sources for broader program delivery will be considered favourably.
  • Projects must take place within 12 months after awarding of grant by Council.

2.5What is the assessment process?

Biannual Grants application undergo the following assessment process:

  • An eligibility check including initial assessment is conducted by Council Officers. Applicants that do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be presented for further assessment.
  • A Grants Advisory Panel will assess all eligible applications based on the assessment criteria. Panel members must declare any conflict of interest with any application.
  • The Advisory Panel will make recommendations to Council for funding.
  • Council will consider the recommendations of the Advisory Panel and award Grants at an Ordinary Meeting of Council.
  • Notification of the outcome will be sent to the applicant within two weeks of the decision.
  • All Biannual Grant recipients will be listed on Council’s website.

Need more help?

If you require any further information about Moonee Valley Grants or assistance in completing your application online, please contact the Community Grants Officer.