THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS POLICY REVIEW · Attachment 1 Review of Noosa Council Economic Development Grants Program

Recommendation 5: Remove the Grant categories and reduce
maximum grant value

To reduce the level of accountability and therefore the pressure on volunteer groups to complete the
application process, it is recommended that maximum funds available per application is capped at
$5,000, commensurate with the level of information requested, making it easier for proponents to
apply.
• Maximum grant value - $5,000 to facilitate lower value projects.
• Minimum grant value - $1,000.
• The maximum number of EDGP grants available annually is dependent on the Annual Budget
• One grant application, per organisation per annum, unless total funds are not expended in the
    financial year, at which time further applications may be considered


Recommendation 6:Simplify Wording in Application Template

•   The EDGP process is to continue to be managed thorough Noosa Council’s Smarty Grants Program.
•   Simple, straightforward language to be used in the application questions.
•   The Smarty Grants Program will incorporate a range of EDGP information including, criteria,
    supported projects, strategic and economic alignment, delivery, and outcomes, etc. Website to be
    updated accordingly.
•   Application process to include a number of tick box prompts to help applicants meet the EDGP
    criteria and guidelines when they register an ‘Expression of Interest”.
•   Responses to questions are restricted to no more than 200 words.
•   To simplify the EDGP application process, no additional application form outside the Smarty Grants
    Program process will be required.




     Noosa Shire Council | Economic Development Grant Program Review                                   12