2015-01-12 General Committee Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                    12 January 2015


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, including
Three-Year Maintenance Agreements, Annual Operating Costs Grants, Community Project
Grants and RADF Grants 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 event.
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.
• 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)

DEFINITIONS
Acquittal
The process by which a recipient demonstrates in writing to the funding body that it has
expended the funds in accordance with the terms and conditions of the funding agreement on
completion of the activity or project.
The acquittal process, when conducted correctly, demonstrates that these monies were being
used efficiently, effectively or that the community is getting value for money for services.
Auspice
Auspice means that an organisation takes responsibility for ensuring the funds are used as
specified in the grant allocation. An auspicing organisation will be responsible for:
• sign off on the funding agreement
• the receipt, banking and administration of all monies
• project monitoring and completion
• ensuring the applicant acquits the funding on time
• sign off on the acquittal form.

Business
For the purpose of this policy, business is defined as an organisation or enterprising entity
engaged in commercial, industrial or professional activities for profit.


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