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COMMUNITY GRANTS POLICY - REVISED · Attachment 1 - Community Grants Policy for Endorsement
Attachment 1
Council Policy
COMMUNITY GRANTS
Corporate Plan Reference: Theme 2: Liveability
Endorsed by Council:
Policy Author: Community Connection Manager
POLICY PURPOSE
The purpose of this Policy is to guide the administration of Council’s Community Grants to
ensure grant programs assist Council to achieve its strategic goals and identified initiatives. It is
aligned with the intent of the Local Government Act 2009 and the Local Government Regulation
2012.
This Policy is to be read in conjunction with any supporting guidelines for specific funding
programs which are published on Council’s website.
POLICY OUTCOMES
The outcomes of this policy include:
• Providing financial support to community projects that meet identified human social
community needs
• Building community connection, skills and resilience
• Providing opportunities for community projects to leverage Council’s funding assistance
to obtain funding from other sources e.g. co-funding
• Supporting the community to deliver on Council’s strategic goals and identified key
initiatives
SCOPE
This Policy applies to Councillors, all Council employees, and volunteers who conduct activities
and functions on behalf of Council and are involved in the administration and management of
community grants programs (collectively referred to as ‘employees’).
REVIEW
This Policy will be reviewed once per Council term (every four years) or as required from time to
time.
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WHO CAN APPLY
Applicants must meet the specified eligibility criteria outlined in the relevant community grant
guidelines and this Policy. At a minimum, applicants must:
• Be an incorporated not-for-profit community organisation, or have an auspice
arrangement with an incorporated, not-for-profit organisation
• Be applying for a project or event which benefits the residents of Noosa Shire
• Have no debt to Council, (unless an agreed payment arrangement with Council is
satisfactorily being met)
• Have appropriate insurances
• Have successfully acquitted any previous Council Grants
Individuals are eligible to apply through identified programs as outlined in the relevant
guidelines.
WHO CANNOT APPLY
Ineligible applicants are listed in the relevant program’s guidelines and include but are not
limited to:
• Local, State or Federal Government agencies/departments
• Commercial businesses and enterprises (with the exception of RADF applications)
• Foreign entities, such as charity formed or incorporated outside of Australia, even if it is
registered to carry on business in Australia
• Political organisations
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS, EVENTS OR PROGRAMS
Applications for community grants must:
• Demonstrate a purpose that is in the public interest
• Address the purpose and/or priorities of the grant category identified in the relevant
guidelines
• Align with Council’s priorities as described in current Council strategies and plans
• Adhere to the terms and conditions set out in the supporting guidelines for the specific
funding program
INELIGIBLE PROJECTS
Applications that request funding for:
• Religious or faith-based activities
• Political or lobbying activities
• Primary heath or medical care
• Core education or curricula activities
• Payment of debt
• Projects intended to make a commercial profit
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• Projects which intend to gift, sponsor or grant the money to another person or entity
• Items or services purchased or any project activities delivered prior to notification of the
grant outcome
Other eligibility restrictions may apply for specific funding programs. Projects that are ineligible
for funding are detailed in the relevant guidelines for each program.
FUNDING PROGRAMS
The below list outlines Council’s various grant funding programs:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Funding for projects, programs, events, equipment purchases and
Community Project Grants building/ground works. This may include the option for a quick
response grant for emergent or time-sensitive matters.
Supports local arts and cultural development opportunities by providing
Regional Arts Development project-based financial assistance to groups, individuals and
Fund (RADF) businesses. This may include the option for a quick response grant for
time-sensitive items.
Individual Sport Development Support Noosa residents who are performing, competing or coaching
Grants at recognised national or international competitions and events.
Signature Community Events Supports established not-for-profit organisations to deliver community
Grants events that provide significant benefit to the broader community.
Supports not-for-profit community organisations whose services
Community Alliance
provide significant benefit to the Noosa community beyond their
Agreements
membership base.
Support for not-for-profit community organisations that maintain a
Maintenance Agreements
Council hall or centre, or sports field that is open to the public
Water Rebates Support for not-for-profit community organisations
Supports not-for-profit community organisations that are based on
Building Insurance Cover
Council land.
Community Disaster
Supports not-for-profit community groups in their efforts to respond
Response and Recovery
and recover from natural disasters.
Grants
Support to address significant identified community need that is
Other (as required)
outside the standard grant funding rounds.
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APPLICATION PROCESS
Specific instructions on how to apply for each program are available in the relevant program
guidelines. Applications must be submitted by the advertised closing date and time. Late or
incomplete applications will not be accepted unless approved by the Community Connection
Manager because of exceptional circumstances.
CONDITIONS OF FUNDING
Successful applicants will be required to enter into a funding deed of agreement with Council.
Any special conditions or requirements will be outlined in this agreement.
Applicants are required to publicly acknowledge Council’s contribution to their project and must
meet the acknowledgement requirements outlined in the program’s guidelines.
Successful applicants are required to acquit their projects within the timeframes specified in the
program’s guidelines. Acquittal requirements for each grant type are outlined in the relevant
guidelines.
Council reserves the right to conduct random audits of grant acquittals to ensure the grant was
used by the recipient according to the funding agreement. All grant recipients must maintain
accurate financial records for their funded projects and make these records available to the
Council as part of their acquittal. Additional financial information may be requested by Council if
selected for an audit.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Councillors
Councillors will consider and adopt Council’s Community Grants Policy.
Councillors will consider and adopt an appropriate budget allocation to support the Community
Grant program
When making decisions related to grant allocations, Councillors will comply with relevant
legislation, Council’s Community Grants Policy and associated guidelines.
Councillors will identify and declare any conflicts of interest in relation to grant decision making
in alignment with their legislative obligations.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Team
The CEO and Executive Team will endorse Council’s Community Grants Policy for Council
adoption and provide leadership and commitment in its implementation, as well as complying
with other relevant legislation and documents.
Council Employees
When managing and assessing grant applications, Council employees will comply with the
Community Grants Policy, program guidelines an associated legislative requirement.
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Council employees will identify and declare any conflicts of interest when providing advice to
applicants and assessing grant applications. Council employees will immediately notify their
Supervisor / Manager / Director if they suspect any non-compliance issues or breaches of the
Community Grants Policy.
Community Services Department
The Department will periodically review Council’s Community Grants Policy, educate
employees on the application of the Policy and provide advice to Council employees on
community grants related matters.
For grants under $2,500, the Department will provide grant recommendations to Council’s
delegated officer for consideration and approval. For grants over $2,500, Council officers will
provide grant recommendations to Council for consideration and approval by resolution.
Grant Applicants
All grant applicants are entitled to a prompt response to their application in accordance with
Council’s Community Grants Policy and to be kept informed of the progress and outcome of the
application.
HUMAN RIGHTS
In developing the Community Grants Policy, the subject matter has been considered in
accordance with the requirements of the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. It is considered
that the subject matter does not conflict with any human rights, including the right to take part in
public life, and supports a human rights approach to decision making by Council. Council
representatives will endeavour to act and make decisions under this policy in a manner that is
compatible with human rights. In particular, representatives will endeavour to:
• Identify relevant human rights which may be affected by the action or decision;
• Give proper consideration to the impact of its actions and decisions on human rights;
and
• Ensure that any conduct or decision by Council which limits an individual’s human rights
is reasonable and justifiable. The Community Engagement Policy should be read in
conjunction with Council’s Human Rights Policy
RELEVANT DOCUMENTS
• Noosa Council Corporate Plan 2023-2028
• Noosa Council Annual Operational Plans
• Approved budget and revenue statement for the financial year
• Associated grant guidelines and application forms
RELEVANT LEGISLATION
• Local Government Regulation 2012
• Local Government Act 2009
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• Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982
• Integrity Act 2009
• Public Sector Ethics Act 1994
• Public Records Act 2023
• Right to Information Act 2009
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DEFINITIONS
The process by which a recipient provides written proof that grant funds were
Acquittal used according to the funding agreement, ensuring efficient and effective use or
demonstrating community value.
An organisation that takes responsibility for ensuring grant funds are used as
Auspice specified, including signing the funding agreement, managing funds, overseeing
the project, and ensuring timely acquittal.
Business An entity engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities for profit,
including sole traders, companies, or partnerships.
Community A group of people residing within the Noosa Shire local government area.
Community
Purpose A purpose that serves the public interest of Noosa Shire residents.
Funding A legal agreement entered into by the successful applicant and Council noting
Agreement the obligations of both parties.
Funds awarded through a formal program for a specific purpose aligned with
Grant Council policy, based on merit and subject to a written agreement outlining
accountability.
Instructions outlining the purpose, key dates, assessment criteria, application
Guidelines process, and acquittal requirements for a grant.
Individuals A single person engaged in activities that benefit the community.
Not-for-profit
An incorporated organisation focused on providing community services,
community operating without direct or indirect profit for its members, both during operations
organisation and upon winding up.
Incorporated Associations (under state legislation, often with 'Association,'
'Incorporated,' or 'Inc.' in their name); Incorporated Cooperatives (under state
Organisations legislation, typically with 'Cooperative' in their name); Companies (under the
Corporations Act 2001, either proprietary or public); and Aboriginal Corporations
(under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006).
Public Interest The welfare of the general public, as opposed to the interests of an individual or
group.
Transparency The openness in administering funds and fulfilling obligations between entities.
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Version control:
Version Reason/ Trigger Change Endorsed/ Reviewed by Date
(Y/N)
1.0 New Policy N Noosa Council 3 April 2014
2.0 Policy review after 2 grant rounds Y Noosa Council 15 January 2015
3.0 Policy review after completion of Y Noosa Council 11 February 2016
2015/16 grant rounds
4.0 Amendment to Policy Y Noosa Council 16 June 2016
5.0 Amendment to Policy Y CEO 5 January 2017
6.0 Amendment to Policy Y Noosa Council 21 February 2019
7.0 Amendment to Policy Y Noosa Council 21 May 2020
8.0 Amendment to Policy Y Noosa Council
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