An unincorporated community group can only apply for funding if they do so under the auspices of another incorporated organisation. The incorporated organisation will be responsible for receiving and managing the funds. Funds will be paid directly to the bank account of the incorporated organisation. It is the responsibility of the incorporated organisation and the applicant to negotiate and agree upon the conditions of the auspicing arrangement.
Can I get help if I'm new to this?
Do not be put off from thinking about and actually applying for funds. Some of the smaller grants do not require a great deal of information. There is support available to you from the Community Capacity Building Officer (9290 6678 or ccbo@mundaring.wa.gov.au)
Grant Writing Workshops are provided by the Shire to help you feel confident to get an application completed. Please let us know if you are interested in the workshop by emailing ccbo@mundaring.wa.gov.au
For more information on how to apply for funding for your group, see the Grant Writers Guide under How to Apply.
Can two groups apply together for a grant?
Yes, partnering with another group to apply for funding is likely to improve your chances of receiving funding, especially if you can show that the partnership will lead to better results for the community.
One group will however need to be identified as the "lead" group and will be responsible for the management and acquittal of the funds from the same grant pool.
Can we apply for grant funding more than once?
Yes, however this depends on the type of grant you are applying for. Please read the guidelines for the various grants that can be downloaded from the Community Grants web page. If you have un-acquitted funds from the Shire you will not be eligible to receive additional funds from the same grant pool.
Can we apply from other funding sources as well?
Yes, groups are encouraged to supplement Shire funding with support from other funding sources, particularly where the grant has a matching component. Funding sources could include (but are not limited to) sponsorship, donations, other grants and fundraising activities. Other funding sources should be included in the budget section of your grant application.
Do we need to provide receipts with our acquittal?
Yes, documentation to show how the grant has been expended is required, ie. invoices and receipts.
Does our group need to be located in the Shire?
Eligible organisations based outside of the Shire undertaking projects for the benefit of the Shire of Mundaring residents and places, and whose primary aim is the improvement of the quality of life of the community can apply for funding.
How do I put together an appropriate budget?
Many people have difficulty when it comes to providing a budget for their project. This simple example is designed to assist applicants to understand what is required of them when it comes to submitting financial details relevant to their proposal. In this example, the overall cost of the project is $800. The group intends to purchase $500 worth of equipment and spend $150 on printing and $150 on catering. To cover the costs associated with the project, the group plans to contribute $200 from their own funds, have a confirmed donation from a local business for $100 and are asking for a grant of $500. Any other sources of income, including grants sourced from elsewhere, should be included in the income column. The Income and Expenditure columns should total to the same amount so that it is evident that you can cover your costs and where the funds will come from to do so.
How do you become incorporated?
All the information you need is on the WA Department of Commerce web site, www.commerce.wa.gov.au , in the Consumer Protection section on the Charities and Associations page. The alternative is to Google "incorporation + WA" and you should find the information.
How is it decided whether a group is funded or not?
- Determine if the organisation is eligible for the funds
- Check against the particular grants lists of what will and will not be funded
- Check that you meet the assessment criteria of the grant, such as:
- The aim of the project meets an identified need of the group and the purpose and requirements of the grant program
- Demonstrates the benefits the project will bring to the local community
- Demonstrates the level of community consultation and support for the project
- Demonstrates the capacity of the community to contribute to the project
- In-kind contribution of the group
- Provides a detailed budget
- Outlines how the project outcomes will be evaluated.
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The Community Event, Matching, Milestone Event and InspireArts (over $1000) applications are presented to the Grants Selection Committee, comprised of Councillors who make the decision as to which applications are funded. All other grants are approved by the Chief Executive Officer.
There are further criteria for the Community Event Grant. This information is provided in the Grant Guidelines. It is very important that you read them before applying for funding. It is always a good idea to discuss your project with the Community Capacity Building Officer before submitting your application.
How long do we have to acquit a successful grant?
Acquittals are required for the following grants:
- Quick Grant
- Matching Grant
- InspireArts Community Creativity & Cultural Fund
- Community Event Grant
- Volunteer Milestone Event Grant
The acquittal report is to be provided within three months of the completion of the project or one month after the anniversary of notification of the financial assistance, whichever shall occur first. An acquittal form can be accessed through SmartyGrants once your grant has been paid.
What can we use the funding for?
Funding can be used for a range of activities, events and projects that are of a benefit to your group and the community. This could include things such as:
- Coaching clinics or workshops for your members
- Advertising materials to promote community awareness of your group
- Equipment, such as that used for catering or safety
- Minor capital upgrades
- Community gardens
- Cultural and sporting activities and events
- Projects that provide services and activities for seniors, families, young people and people with disabilities, or skills development initiatives where the activity is made available to the wider community.
Please read the guidelines for the different grants to identify which best suits your needs. If you require any further information contact the Community Capacity Building Officer.
What is access and inclusion and how do I address it in my application?
Access refers to physical access to the built, natural and virtual environment, including buildings, recreational facilities, parks, reserves, events, and media and communication.
Inclusion occurs when a diversity of people (e.g. of different age, sexual and/or gender diversity, culture and ability) feel welcome and respected, have access to opportunities, and can contribute and participate in activities and events.
Planning an accessible event improves the experience for everyone, including people with accessibility needs, families, carers, older visitors, parents with prams and the event performers and organisers who may be moving equipment.
When planning your event, consider one or more of the following:
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Providing accessible toilets
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Selecting an event location close to public transport, with available ACROD parking bays, drop off/pick-up points and bus bays
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Ensuring continuous, level pathways to and around an event (ensure ramp access and obstacle free pathways)
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Providing clear, easy to read directional signage
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Providing seating, resting spots and quiet or sensory zones
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Ensuring promotional material is easy to read and understand, available in alternative formats and actively promotes inclusion (e.g. add flags or icons to your poster such as the pride flag that represents the LGBTQIA+ community, universal access symbol or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander flags). List a contact person so people can call or email you should they need additional information or support to attend your event
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Providing Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN) interpreting and audio descripting
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Captioning of video content and the use of visual descriptions on images shared on social media platforms
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Monitor social media comments
For further information and assistance, see the Shire's Event Access and Inclusion Checklist.
If you require assistance to implement any of the above initiatives, please contact the Community Capacity Building Officer.
What won't be funded?
- Capital works being undertaken by the community group or the Shire of Mundaring through other budget processes/major capital infrastructure projects
- Corporate/profit making events or projects
- Recurrent operational and staffing costs
- Educational Institutions
- Deficit funding
- Sponsorship
- The purchase of alcohol
- Purchase of prizes and gifts
- Activities that are the core funding responsibility of other government agencies
- Equipment costs that are not an element of the event or the activity/purpose of the group
- Commercial projects for the personal or financial benefit of the applicant
- Faith-based activities of religious organisations (the welfare and community service activities of faith-based groups may be supported)
- Projects with a political purpose
- Lobbying activities
- Activities that duplicate an existing service
Who can I use as a referee?
A referee should be a person who is familiar with your group and its activities but is not a member of your organisation. Shire Councillors and Staff cannot be used as referees on grant applications. Members of the Shire's Cultural Advisory Group cannot be used as referees on applications to the InspireArts Community Creativity and Cultural Fund.