October 2014

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Community Grants Policy

PURPOSE

This Major Policy guides the delivery of the Brimbank City Council Community Grants Program, which provides one off

financial assistance to not-for-profit organisations that deliver services or undertake activities that benefit the Brimbank

community.

Council will actively support organisations to improve their capacity to develop and implement projects.

OBJECTIVES

The Brimbank City Council Community Grants Program aims to:

• Promote the active participation of the local community in events, initiatives and programs

•

Support the development of

projects which are consistent with the strategic direction of

the Brimbank Community Plan 2009 -2030

• Assist the community to reduce factors that lead to social disadvantage

MAJOR POLICY STATEMENT AND PRINCIPLES

Council is committed to delivering the Brimbank Community Grants Program to provide funding to community groups and

organisations that deliver services and activities consistent with Council’s strategic objectives. At least one grants round will

be held in each calendar year. In delivering the program, Council will ensure that decision-making is transparent, accountable

and equitable and that organisations are actively supported to develop their projects.

Transparency

Grant categories will be determined by Council annually in line with Community Plan and Council Plan objectives and

emerging community priorities.

This policy is a Major Policy, in accordance with the Governance (Major Policy Consultation) Local Law No.3. Council

considers this policy to be of major significance, and has committed to a public and transparent consultation

process that provides an opportunity for people affected by a major policy, to address the Council.

As a Major Policy, Council will, as a minimum, undertake a community consultation process as set out in its

Governance (Major Policy Consultation) Local Law No.3.

Council may, in addition to the mandatory process, consult individually with any person or group whose interests

are likely to be materially affected by this policy.

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Community Grants Policy

A set of guidelines will be developed by the Director Community Wellbeing in line with grant categories determined by

Council. The guidelines will be made publicly available and offered to each grant applicant. The guidelines will provide

detailed information about:

• The grant categories and supporting rationale

• The application process

• Support available for applicants

• Assessment criteria and the assessment process

• Timelines

• Feedback on application process and outcome

A Grants Assessment Panel made up of Council Officers, approved by the Director Community Wellbeing, will assess

applications against a set of predetermined criteria as follows:

1. Meet all the eligibility criteria

2.

C

ontribute to the Brimbank Community Plan 2009-2030

3. Show strong evidence of the need for the project

4. Show clearly defined project goals, planning, budget, timeline and outcomes

5. Show administration costs that do not exceed 20% of the total Grants budget requested from Council

6. Clearly identify in-kind, cash or a voluntary contribution in the budget

7. Actively engage community members in all stages of the project/event

8. Show support, cooperation and partnership of more than one group

9. Show evidence that applicant can deliver the project

10. Directly benefit and strengthen the Brimbank community

11. Show evidence that the project is accessible for and inclusive of people of all abilities and backgrounds

12. Show a high level of initiative, innovation and sustainability

A report containing details of successful grants applications will be provided as a Governance Report to Council at the

completion of each grants round.

Accountability

All approved grants will require a financial acquittal report of funds received. Any variation to the condition of the grant

approval is required in writing and requires approval. Failure to provide this report may impact on future funding.

Equity

Support will be provided to applicant organisations to minimise barriers arising from language, culture and mobility or where

access to and usage of technology creates difficulty.

The availability of community grants will be widely promoted including through advertisements in local newspapers, on

Council’s website and via email networks. Information will be provided in languages other than English where possible and

appropriate.

Applications must demonstrate that proposed projects are available in the community without discrimination on the basis of

access, equity, community participation and human rights and responsibilities.

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Community Grants Policy

Support

All grant applicants must make contact with a relevant Council officer who will provide advice and guidance to assist

applicants develop their project. Officers will support applicants to:

• Fully develop their concept in line with the Community Grants Guidelines

• Create partnerships with other organisations seeking similar aims

• Identify additional or alternative funding sources

ELIGIBLIITY

Incorporated, not for profit organisations that are based in, or otherwise service, the Brimbank Local Government Area are

eligible to apply.

Establishment Grants are available to support new community groups in their first two years of operation that are

permanently based in Brimbank. Applicants can be unincorporated at the time of application.

Applications for or by individuals will not be considered.

REVIEW AND EVALUATION

An annual process review will be conducted after the conclusion of each funding round. The review will be used to improve

the administration of the grants process and to guide changes to the grants guidelines.

Amendment of Major Policy

This Major Policy can only be made, amended, modified or revoked, in accordance with the requirements of the Governance

(Major Policy Consultation) Local Law No. 3

Date Approved by Council as Major Policy -

28 October 2014

Sunshine Office

Alexandra Avenue, Sunshine, Victoria 3020

T 9249 4000

F 9249 4351

W brimbank.vic.gov.au