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Grants


If the budget is limited and your program needs more funding, think about what is available outside of the organisation.

Grants
Many grants are available to not-for-profit organisations for environmental restoration, natural and cultural heritage projects. Grants specifically for community and volunteer groups are also available. The Australian Government Envirofund enables community groups and individuals to apply for grants of up to $30 000 to carry out on-ground work and activities to target environmental problems. www.nht.gov.au/envirofund

Tips

  • Be realistic about what can be achieved in the required time frame of grants (especially if you will be managing the grant project on top of your normal workload)
  • Have a wish list and short summary of projects you would like to do - sometimes opportunities for grants come around quickly and this would make it easier to formulate ideas for an application
  • Ask volunteers for their ideas on what needs funding
  • Tell the volunteers (well in advance) about the grants available to community groups
  • Many grants require a matched in kind contribution to the funding sought (volunteer time, staff time, administrative support, office facilities) - keep a record of how many hours the paid staff and volunteers are working to help estimate the in kind contributions over a period of time. See Administration (Attendance records)
  • Fulfil the reporting requirements of funding bodies - outstanding reports may affect your ability to access future funding

Checklist

  • Get a copy of the guidelines and application forms first to check your proposal fits in
  • Talk to the funding body about their requirements for funding applications (an essential)
  • Be clear about the time frame for the grant funds to be spent within (usually 1-2 years) and what can be achieved in the required time frame
  • Ask yourself if the application is going to be worth the effort
  • Plan according to the time frame of the organisation's requirements, and design a project or phase of the project to fit in with this
  • Have a well planned broad project, with various stages to be funded over a few years or rounds of funding
  • Link in with local councils, agencies and other environmental organisations and demonstrate how the project fits in with regional frameworks and catchment management
  • Check to ensure your application has been received by the funding body

More information

Contact the agencies in each state responsible for managing the environment, sport and recreation, stormwater management, planning and heritage.

Envirofund Australian Government grants program for community groups www.nht.gov.au/envirofund

Department of Environment and Heritage Australian Government www.deh.gov.au

Volunteer Small Equipment Grants Australian Government www.facs.gov.au
These grants are designed to provide funding to help organisations purchase equipment for the direct support of volunteers whose work contributes to benefiting families and communities. For example, funding could be sought for a kit for use by the volunteers which includes a small gas stove, secateurs, hand saws, gloves, safety vests, goggles, tea, coffee and mugs.

Easy Grants Newsletter and Database Subscription to access the latest new and recurring Federal and State Government, philanthropic and corporate grants as well as email bulletins for important grants www.ourcommunity.com.au/funding

Grants Link Current and future national grants available to not-for-profit groups www.grantslink.gov.au

Philanthropy Australia Grants from Trusts and Foundations www.philanthropy.org.au

Australian Council for the Arts www.ozco.gov.au

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The Volunteer Coordinators Network (Natural Areas) Manual © 2004