2014-03-31 General Committee Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT                                                    31 MARCH 2014


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 and particular assessment criteria, as set out
    in the grant guidelines; and
   Seek recommendations from an expert panel which can comprise Council officers or
    community representatives.
All community grants funding must be acquitted. Timeframes and acquittal requirements are
outlined in the supporting grant guidelines for the specific funding program.
The number and types of grants approved will depend on the demand for funding, available
program budget and corporate priorities. In some instances, part funding may be offered.
Funding priorities for individual grant programs will be reviewed to ensure relevance to achieving
Council objectives.
Council determines the total allocation of funds to the community grants program through its
annual budgetary processes. Council officers are available to provide advice to community
organisations to help develop Council grant applications. They will also assist organisations to
identify additional and alternative sources of funding relevant to their project or program.
Council officers are to follow this policy when supporting, facilitating, or delivering grants-related
activities. It is the responsibility of Council officers to ensure that grants and funding provided
from public monies are:
   Administered transparently and accountably;
   Aligned with Council’s objectives, goals and priorities;
   Communicated effectively to the community so that all potential applicants have equal
    opportunity to apply for funds; and
   Monitored for compliance against set performance measures.
All officers or Councillors are responsible for recognising and declaring any actual or potential
conflicts of interest. This may include, but is not limited to, personal connections with the
applicant. Anyone having a determined conflict of interest should not debate or be involved in any
discussions on any matter relating to that application. Final decisions in the community grants
program are made by Council, CEO or delegate.




RELEVANT LEGISLATION
Queensland Government
   Local Government Regulation (2012)
   Local Government Act (2009)
   Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act (1982)




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