Community Builders
The Area Assistance Scheme has been reshaped in response to recent consultations with community groups and council representatives. The revitalised program that has resulted from these consultations is COMMUNITY Builders.
What is the Community Builders program?
Community Builders is a community strenghthening and capacity building program. It has funds available on an annual basis for time-limited projects in particular regions of NSW. The program is funded by the NSW Department of Community Services.
Who Can Apply?
Non government not-for-profit organisations with an Australian Business Number and local councils can apply for funds. For-profit organisations can apply too if they have a separate not-for-profit arm of their business.
Where does Community Builders operate?
Community Builders is available in certain local government areas (LGAs) in the following DoCS regions:
Hunter/Central Coast
Illawarra
Metro South West - Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Camden, Campbelltown, Wollondilly, Wingecarribee - LGAs
Metro West
North Coast
How much funding can I apply for?
You can apply for a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $100,000 each year for between one and three years. You can only apply for funding for the same project in the same area once.
The focus is on community development and there are 3 areas that you can apply for funding under this program are:
Community capacity building
Community skills development
Community sector development
What types of projects can be funded?
Community Builders funds projects that aim to build strength and capacity within communities. Community Builders projects work within communities to enhance their capacity to deal with issues and respond to change. Direct service delivery to individuals or groups, or services/projects that are part of the work and responsibility of another government departmnet can't be funded.
What should my project look like?
Your project will need to operate in an area covered by Community Builders.
You will need to identify the community that will be served by your project and, within that community select a priority group that will have an opportunity to participate in your project. The priority group will be a disadvantaged group, though the project will be open to everyone in your chosen community.
It is important that Community Builders projects are based on needs identified in your community. You will have to demonstrate that you have consulted within your community and that your project idea is both supported by, and needed within that communtiy.
When will funding be available?
A funding round will open in the last quarter of each year and you should keep your eye on your local paper, Council's website or www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au for the official opening date.
The 2009/10 funding round commences on Monday 2nd November 2009 and closes 10 December 2009 at 12 Midnight. Applications will only be accepted electronically.
Community Information Session
The following information session on the COMMUNITY Builders program is being held at
Venue: Camden Civic Centre, Community Room, Undercroft
Date: Tuesday 29th September
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Information on the program, types of projects that would be eligible for funding and how to apply for funding will be covered at this session
