Expression of Interest for Stronger Communities Grants Round 8 (2023)

What you should know

The Stronger Communities Programme funds small capital projects that will support and encourage community participation in local projects and deliver social benefits to local communities.

Grants are available to community organisations for funding between $2,500 and $20,000, with a maximum of 20 projects able to be funded per electorate. You should read the Grant Opportunity Guidelines at business.gov.au to find out if your project is eligible and to understand what will be required if you are successful.

What is the process?

1. Complete the expression of interest (EOI) form below before 5:00pm AEST on Friday 24th March 2023 to be considered by the electorate’s consultation committee. Please note, the EOI is not a formal grant application. It is expressing your interest to the consultation committee to be nominated to formally apply.
2. If your organisation is nominated for funding, you will be notified by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources on behalf of Phillip Thompson and invited to apply.
3. You will be required to register in the grants portal and complete an online application form. Being invited to apply does not guarantee that your application will be successful. All applications will be assessed by the department for eligibility and completeness.
4. If your grant application is approved you will be notified by Phillip Thompson and will be issued a grant agreement by the department.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for funding your organisation should

• have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• be not-for-profit
• be invited to apply by your MP – (you do not need to be invited to submit an expression of interest)

and

• be one of the following incorporated entities:
  • an incorporated not for profit organisation including:
    • incorporated associations, such as,
    • Police and Citizen Youth Clubs
    • child care centres
    • surf clubs
    • local aged care bodies
    • Parents and Citizens, Parents and Friends groups and equivalent bodies
    • A Commonwealth, state or territory government agency or entity that is a fire service, rural fire service, country fire authority, state emergency service or similar.
  • non-distributing co-operatives
  • companies limited by guarantee
  • Indigenous corporations
  • religious organisations incorporated under legislation.
• an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust with responsibility for a community asset or property. You will be required to provide relevant trust documents.
• a local governing body as defined by the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995.

What type of projects may be funded?

Small capital works or capital expenditure projects that are able to be completed by 31 December 2023 (with a maximum project cost of $50,000) such as:

• fit out, alterations and/or extensions to existing premises e.g. air-conditioning, kitchen upgrades, fixtures and fittings, painting
• acquisition and installation of equipment, including ICT hardware and associated operating software that is to be used by your organisation for the benefit of your community. Examples may include:
  • software to support and operate eligible purchased equipment e.g. software required for camera equipment, virtual reality equipment, electronic information boards
  • initial software license, purchase, customisation and installation of customer relationship management (CRM), database, booking and scheduling software
  • creation of a website that facilitates community access to information or services provided by the organisation
• modifications and refurbishments to leased buildings or grounds, providing approval has been given by the owner and you can provide confirmation of this approval.
• upgrades, construction and fit-out of community spaces, e.g. men’s sheds, community centres, scout halls etc.
• development or upgrade of bike paths, streetscapes, skate parks or community gardens
• upgrades of sporting facilities and fields including new scoreboards, spectator seating, goalposts, fit-out of change rooms, new canteen, new lights, medical equipment, upgrade drainage and water systems, gymnasiums
• the purchase of musical instruments, sports equipment and uniforms that remain the property of the organisation
• upgrade of facilities to provide inclusive access
• upgrade or installation of park furniture including shade/shelters, BBQs, toilet facilities, drinking fountains
• acquiring equipment for the local State Emergency Service and rural fire brigades
• acquiring vehicles and trailers (and their modification) for community transport/services, surf lifesaving, medical transport.

If your project will be located on school grounds or involves school property, the project must deliver social benefits to the broader community. Projects that involve upgrades or provide equipment and other items to be used within the school, must be able to demonstrate social benefits to the broader community outside the school.

The eligibility criteria for entities and projects is outlined in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines at business.gov.au. It is strongly recommended that you read and understand the guidelines before submitting this EOI, as projects which do not meet the requirements cannot be considered.

If you have any questions, or are experiencing any problems with the online form, please email [email protected] or call 07 4725 2066.

Sorry, EOIs have now closed for this opportunity.