2014SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM – BIOCULTURAL MANAGEMENT

Guidelines for funding

The Wet Tropics Management Authority invites proposals from Traditional Owners of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (Rainforest Aboriginal people) to support bio-cultural activities which will benefit Wet Tropics World Heritage Area management, policy development or operational decision making.

The objective of this programis to support Rainforest Aboriginal people to express or enhance their knowledge, culture and management practicesthrough planning, management,monitoring and researchon their traditional country.

Well conceived projectsdemonstrating project management rigour, meeting the priorities of the Wet Tropics Management Authority Strategic Plan 2013-2018 and contributing to on-ground outcomes will be viewed favourably.

Funding

Funding of around$5000 (GST exc.)is available for projects.

Who can apply?

  • Grants will only be provided for projects endorsed byRainforest Aboriginal people.
  • Applicants must be a legal entity capable of entering into a funding agreement. For example, a Rainforest Aboriginal corporation or a corporation hosting a project as agreed by the Rainforest Aboriginal people of the land/water relevant to the project.

Eligibility conditions

  • Projects must be relevant to management of the bio-cultural heritage of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
  • Applications will be considered for on-ground works and associated costs such as small capital items of equipment, research, administration and professional advice/assistance. Quotes or estimates from suppliers for the provision of goods or services must be attached to the application.
  • Applications will be considered for associated costs that value-add to existing projects that would otherwise satisfy the Eligibility conditions of this program.Funding details of existing contracts will need to be supplied to ensure activities are not being unintentionally duplicated.
  • Projects must be consistent with current legislation and policies of the Queensland and Australian Governments.
  • Applications must specify costs to be incurred ONLY after the commencement of a grant agreementfor individual elements of the project, such as labour, capital equipment, materials, professional services, monitoring and reporting and administration.
  • Projects must start before 1 April2014 and finish at least by 19 December2014.
  • Applicants must not have any outstanding grant or contract obligations with WTMA.

Assessment Criteria

Applications that meet the Eligibility Criteria will be assessed against the following:

  • How well the project contributes to the protection and management of Rainforest Aboriginal bio-cultural values and/or World Heritage values.
  • The applicant’s capacity to achieve the project outcomes on time and within budget; including project governance and management (including any collaborative arrangements, and monitoring and reporting requirements), identified strategies to minimise risks and demonstrated experience of a similar nature.
  • Milestones and detailed costings of the project, including the applicant’s in-kind contributions.
  • Written agreement of any partners, including financial and/or in-kind contributions, and the benefits they bring to the project.
  • How associated costs contribute to delivery of the on-ground elements of the project, or to other existing projects relevant to management of bio-cultural heritage in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
  • The extent to which the project outcomes will be shared and provide assistance to the broader community and be maintained in the future.

Conditions of grants

  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate they are a Rainforest Aboriginal legal entity or one that has the support of the Traditional Owners of the country on which the project is proposed.
  • Funds granted must be spent on the activities outlined in the application and as approved by WTMA. Up to 10% of the total project allocation may be used for project administration.
  • 50% of the funds will be paid on receipt by WTMA of the signed grant agreement; 25% on achieving mid-term project milestone(s); and 25% on receipt of a satisfactory Final Report.
  • In the event of cancellation of a funded activity, WTMA must be notified in writing and the unspent funds returned to WTMA immediately.
  • Reports must be provided to WTMA as agreed in the grant agreement. This may include progress reviews based on milestones and afinal report showing outcomes achieved.
  • A financial audit report must be provided to WTMA within 30 days of the end of the project.
  • All material published about the project, including documents, presentations, media articles must acknowledge funding and support from WTMA.
  • The Wet Tropics Management Authority reserves the right to publish articles about the project on its website and in publications, preferably in partnership with the applicant.

Closing date

The closing date for the present round of submissions is COB 14 February2014.

Application forms

Can be downloaded from or by contacting Zoe Andolfatto, Project Officer, WTMA byphone 42410510 or email

Assessment

Assessment will be undertaken by the Wet Tropics Management Authority staff and approved by the Executive Director. Applicants may be asked for additional information to support their application.

Notification

Applicants will be notified of their success or otherwise by 14 March 2014.

Enquiries

For further information regarding applications for funding, please contact Zoe Andolfatto on phone 07 4241 0510 or email