FAQ's for Applicants

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• Is there a deadline for applications?

  There is no standard statewide closing date for ClubGRANTS Category 1 or 2 funding. Category 1 funding is allocated on the basis of local government (council) areas, and Local Committees set their own deadlines, which vary from area to area. Clubs allocate Category 2 funding and while some clubs set deadlines, most accept and consider Category 2 applications year-round. Category 2 applicants should contact the individual clubs for more information.

• I am based in a council area that isn’t listed on the clubs list. Can I still apply?

  Applicants in areas without ClubGRANTS clubs have two options:

  You may wish to apply for general funding (ie, not under ClubGRANTS) from registered clubs in your area

  AND/OR

  Depending on the nature of your project/service (ie, whether it delivers services on a regional rather than local basis, etc), you may also like to consider applying for ClubGRANTS funding from clubs in neighbouring council areas.

  The emphasis in ClubGRANTS, particularly with Category 1 funding (which has stricter requirements), is on projects and services that assist people within a club’s local area, and funding preference is generally given to these applications, although applicants from other areas are still eligible under the ClubGRANTS Guidelines.

• I work for an organisation based in another state. Can I still apply?

  ClubGRANTS, particularly Category 1, is specifically aimed at promoting community support at a local level and as a result, interstate projects are allowed as Category 1 funding only in the cases of:

  services to disaster victims in other Australian states or territories;

  local activities in border areas, such as a facility located on the Gold Coast that provides substantial services to the Tweed area and other NSW residents; OR

  national organisations with a presence in NSW; this category includes many of the major charities in Australia.

  Applications from interstate or nationally based organisations should specifically address these requirements.

• Why does the Application Form ask whether applying organisations are “non-profit” and “incorporated”?

  This is to prevent for-profit organisations from applying, as the ClubGRANTS scheme is not intended to support private enterprise, and also to ensure that funding recipients are more accountable. The question as to whether an organisation is incorporated is to ensure that funding recipients can be accountable for monies received. If an unincorporated organisation wishes to apply for funding, the applicant may form a link with an incorporated organisation – such as a local Council or a larger community group – that is able to endorse or “auspice” the application, and assumes legal and financial responsibility for the grant.

• Does ClubGRANTS funding have to be for a project?

  Not necessarily. Eligible expenditure can take many forms, including (but not limited to):

  one-off funding to buy equipment, such as a vehicle for an aged care centre;

  extended or one-off staffing costs, such as training or wages for a new counsellor for a youth drop-in centre; and

  in-kind support, such as occasional or ongoing use of club facilities for meetings or other activities.

  However, it is important that funding be assigned to a specific purpose. General, non-specific allocations are not appropriate, and applicants need to identify how any funding sought under ClubGRANTS will be expended.

• How much funding can I apply for?

  Due in part to the different sizes of ClubGRANTS clubs, there is no standard limit on the amount clubs may provide. However, it is advisable for applicants to contact the Local Committee or clubs for information on the amount of funding available in their area, and any limits on funding amounts.

• Is it compulsory for Category 1 applicants to use the Standard Application Form?

  It is strongly recommended that the form be used wherever possible. This enables clubs and Committees to assess all applications on an even footing, increasing the transparency of the ClubGRANTS process. It also makes the ClubGRANTS application process as simple as possible for applicants. Using the standard form also ensures that Committees have adequate information on which to base their priority rating and recommendations, and that club boards are fully aware of how their funding will be applied. The Application Form has been developed to ensure that applicants address all the Category 1 criteria under the Guidelines.

  Some Local Committees have agreed not to accept applications that do not use the form and have publicised this to potential applicants. Others may decide to add one or two questions to the form to address particular local needs. Applicants should check with the Committee before applying to see if this is the case.

• Is funding for hospitals and medical research allowed under Category 1?

  Funding for hospitals and other community health services is allowable as a Category 1 expense. However, if it is to be claimed as Category 1 funding the ClubGRANTS Local Committee must formally endorse any funding for buildings or in-patient care equipment as being “of considerable local importance and priority”. Grants not endorsed by the Committee will only be recognised as Category 2.

  The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (previously known as the Casino, Liquor and Gaming Control Authority) has made a number of specific rulings disallowing medical research as Category 1 expenditure, and this is now explicitly reflected in the Guidelines. Expenditure on medical research is not seen as a form of community development and support and is therefore eligible only for Category 2 funding.

• We receive some Government funding. Does this mean we can’t apply?

  The Guidelines state that “It is important that [Category 1] funding preference is not given to projects or services that can be readily assisted by an existing Government funding program.”

  This is meant to prevent funding of core Federal, State or Local Government responsibilities, but does not rule out funding of other programs or services with Government involvement. For example, a project that has received one-off grants or is only partially supported by Government funding would generally be allowable under Category 1.

• Does funding for schools and TAFEs come under Category 1 or 2?

  It depends on the project being put forward. Schools are generally ineligible for ClubGRANTS Category 1 funding, being core budget items for State Government. Also, general education would not fulfil the definition of Category 1 expenditure (in Section 3.1 of the Guidelines) as:

  “projects/services that contribute to the welfare and broader social fabric of the local community and are aimed at improving the living standards of low income and disadvantaged people” However, some activities could qualify as Category 1, when a P & C may be running an extra curricular service or activity above their “core business responsibilities,” that helps low income, disabled or otherwise disadvantaged students, or contributes to their welfare. This would generally cover activities such as out-of-hours programmes for troubled students, counselling, or drug and alcohol services.

• How do I find out more about ClubGRANTS funding?

  The ClubGRANTS website should contain all the information you need in developing your application. However, applicants may contact the Local Committee or clubs to which they are applying in order to find our more information. Many ClubGRANTS Local Committees also hold ClubGRANTS information sessions where you can find out more about the amounts of funding available, local priorities and assessment criteria, and other related information.