Community Small Grants Program

The 2013/2014 Community Small Grants Program

Opens: Monday 22 July 2013
Closes: Friday 9 August 2013

An information session will be held on Monday 22 July 2013 in the Iron Bark Room at Narellan Library from 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm.

You are encouraged to attend the information session to obtain more information on this year's program and discuss your project ideas.

Please email Josephine.roccisano@camden.nsw.gov.au to register your attendance.

Purpose

The Community Small Grants Program provides funding up to $5,000 per project to support work done by local community organisations based in, or providing events or services for, the Camden Local Government Area (LGA). the Community Small Grants Program is open for application annually.

Eligibility  

To be eligible for funding, an organisation must:

  • Be not-for-profit;
  • Be an incorporated body or be auspiced (sponsored) by an incorporated body;
  • Offer a project in the Camden LGA, or primarily for the Camden community (minimum of 75% participants from the LGA);
  • Acquit any previous Camden Council grants and have no outstanding debts to Council.

Ineligibility

Council does not provide grants for:

  • Projects that duplicate existing services or programs;
  • Projects that do not meet the identified priority needs;
  • Projects that directly contravene existing Council policy;
  • Projects previously funded.

Grant Categories

Please review the grant categories below as you will be required to make reference to the category your grant falls under. Grants are available in the following categories:

  • Minor Works - Projects which enhance our community infrastructure by aiding in the development of facilities, improvements or maintenance to existing facilities.
  • Culture and Events - Projects involving events or festivals that foster the region's cultural identity and activities that support an accessible, diverse range of community art and cultural activities.
  • Health & Well Being - Projects which support access to physical and social resources to promote quality of life and create an inclusive and cohesive community.
  • Sport and Recreation - Programs which increase or maintain participation within sport and recreation as well as projects which improve the quality, education/training, safety or range of participation.

Assessment of Applications

Council will consider all applications and determine successful requests in line with its operational plan and budget. Applications will be assessed on their merit. All grant applications received by Council are assessed by a panel of atleast three relevant Council Officers. Recommendations are presented to Councillors at a workshop and then to a full Council meeting for approval. If considered relevant, some applications may be assessed by external parties who have skills and professional expertise that beneficially adds to the assessment process.

While the following will form the basis for assessment, applicants and projects will not necessarily have to meet all criteria to be successful:

  • Demonstrate a considerable benefit to the community;
  • Establish new and innovative community projects or programs;
  • Demonstrate coordination with other groups in the community;
  • Show evidence of community support;
  • Demonstrate an ability to manage the project through allocation, effective planning, clear goals and evaluation processes;
  • Address local issues by attempting to meet a community need or short coming;
  • Show the contribution of the organisation applying to the project or activity through cash, in-kind or volunteer support; and
  • Demonstrate the organisation's ability to manage and deliver community or cultural services and not become dependent on ongoing financial assistance from Council.

Conditions of Grant

The following conditions apply to all financial assistance allocated through the program:
  • To use the grant only for the purpose approved;
  • To notify Council and seek approval for any changes to the project for which assistance has been approved. If the project is cancelled or modified without approval, Council reserves the right to seek full reimbursement of funds;
  • Successful applicants shall finalise the project within 12 months of notification from Council;
  • Should the project exceed the budgeted amount, applicants will be required to meet any additional costs; and
  • To ensure acknowledgement of Council is included in all promotional material and/or publications relating to the project.


Successful applicants shall undertake an acquittal process when the project is finalised and provide Council with:

  • A written report on the project;
  • An evaluation of the project;
  • Financial statements/invoices; and
  • A copy of any promotional/media material, booklets etc.

How to Apply

Applications for the Community Small Grants program must be submitted by completing the application form.

For further information on the Community Small Grants Program please contact Josephine Roccisano, Community Project Officer on 4645 5023 or email.

*** Please note: You are not able to electronically submit the application form above. Please complete the application form, save and attached to an email and send to mail@camden.nsw.gov.au or print and post to PO BOX 183 Camden NSW 2570