THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS POLICY REVIEW (Referred from Planning and Environment Committee dated 8 August 2023 - Item 5.3) · Attachment 5 Guidelines - Economic Development Grant Program

                                                                Economic Development Grant Guidelines


    •

Ineligible Projects

Ineligible projects or programs include, but are not restricted to:
   • Projects that do not contribute towards Council’s key economic development strategies &
        plans
   • Projects that do not have a clearly identifiable benefit to the Noosa Shire business community
   • Projects, events or programs primarily (?) run for commercial profit of an individual business
   • Projects where most of the benefit will be outside the Noosa Shire
   • Activities that have already commenced prior to the grant application being submitted.
   • Payment of debt and loans
   • Political activities and charitable fundraising
   • Events that do not have a clearly identifiable benefit to the business community
   • Items funded by other Council grants


Application

The Economic Development Grants Program opens for application on a nominated date and remains
open until the end of the financial year in which it opened or until all funds are expended.

After reading these guidelines, organisations intending to apply must speak with a member of
Council’s economic development unit prior to making an application to ensure their organisation is
eligible and that their project is a good fit. You can make contact by calling 5329 6500 or emailing
[email protected]

Grant application forms are completed and submitted online. Step by step advice, sample forms and
the link to the online application are found at www.noosa.smartygrants.com.au

Assessment Criteria

In assessing the grants, Council will:

•   Ensure public monies are allocated in a fair and equitable way;
•   Ensure best possible value for money;
•   Check each application against eligibility criteria as set out in the Grant Guidelines;
•   It is expected that the applicant will make both a cash and in-kind contribution to the project.
    Applicant cash contributions could consist of either direct cash injection, ticket sales,
    sponsorship, other grant funds.


Council will determine the total allocation of funds to the Economic Development Grants Program
through its annual budgetary processes.

The number and types of grants approved will depend on the available program budget,corporate
priorities and grant funding available.

To ensure that the Economic Development Grant continues to meet Council objectives and is
responding to current economic conditions, Council will identify its funding priorities annually.

Council officers are available to provide advice to applicants and help develop grant applications.
They will also assist organisations to identify additional and alternative sources of funding relevant to
their project or event.



                                                                                                        5