The RDA Illawarra endeavours to ensure the Illawarra region is aware and able to take advantage of funding opportunities and services offered through Government policies and initiatives. There is a range of funding opportunities available, depending on the needs of each individual project. If you have an idea, the RDA Illawarra can assist with further information regarding all the programmes listed on this site.
- Small Business Enterprise Cultural Programme (SBECP)
- Indigenous Small Business Fund (ISBF)
- Stronger Families, Better Communities
- Small Business Incubators
- Networking the Nation
- AusIndustry
In addition to these programmes, the RDA Illawarra has a broad network of contacts with other funding bodies and business assistance providers in the region. If your idea does not fit within criteria set down through those programmes above, the RDA Illawarra may be able to assist you access these other options. Some examples of other funding programs are set out below.
You can also find other potential sources of funding by viewing www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au or www.grantslink.gov.au
Before starting your funding application, why not check out our tips for good grant writing further down this page
Some Funding Programs Closing Soon
Refugee Week 2008 Small Grants Program - closes 30 April 2008
To encourage community groups and organisations to hold events and functions during Refugee Week, the Refugee Council of Australia and the Refugee Week Committee will be administering a limited number of small grants of $250 and $500 each. These grants are made possible through the generous support of the NSW Community Relations Commission.
CASP (Regional Arts NSW) - closes 14 February 2008
If you have an idea for an arts project in your community and would like some help to pay a local or visiting artist, run a workshop or create a piece of public art then you may like to consider applying for funding from the Regional Arts NSW Country Arts Support Program. www.regionalartsnsw.com.au
Indigenous Funding Opportunities- closes 22 February 2008 for 2008-2009 Financial Year
The Australian Government is calling for submissions from eligible organisations for funding for services to Australians under the following programs
- National Arts & Craft Industry Support Program
- Indigenous Sport & Recreation Program
- Maintenance of Indigenous Languages & Records Program
- Indigenous Culture Support Program
- INdigenous Women's Program
- Indigenous Broadcasting Program
- Law & Justice Advocacy Development Program
- Prevention, Diversion, Rehabilitation & Restorative Justice Program
- Indigenous Heritage Program
- Family Violence Prevention Legal Services & Early Intervention & Prevention
www.icc.gov.au
Perpetual Foundation - closes 28 February 2008
Funding opportunity designed to assist various causes including animal welfare, medical research, people with disabilities, children, aged & infirm amongst others. www.perpetual.com.au
NRMA CommunityHelp Grants Program - closes 28 March 2008
Aims to support community organisations that are dedicated to making our society a safer place. www. nrma.com.au
Small Grants for Small Rural Communities - closes 28 March 2008
For projects that contribute to the social and community welfare, economic environment, health or education opportunities of small rural towns. www.frrr.org.au
Law & Justice Foundation Grants - close 31 March 2008
For projects that meet the Foundation's objectives of improving access to justice, particularly for socially and economically disadvantaged communities. www.lawfoundation.net.au
Farm Help
Offers financial assistance to farmers and their families who are suffering financial hardship and have no capacity to borrow against their assets. Farm Help is part of the Australian Governments Agriculture - Advancing Australia package http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/services/farm_help.htm
Community Development and Support Expenditure
Last year registered clubs in NSW supported community and sporting groups t the tune of more than $100 million. Applications are now open to community groups requiring funding for programs this year. Applications are now open to community groups requiring funding for programs this year. Projects in the following categories may qualify
Category 1
· Community welfare and social services
· Community development
· Community health services
· Employment assistance activities
Applications for Category 2 grants which include sporting, cultural and other activities are also invited. http://www.clubsnsw.com.au
Other Funding Opportunities
YOUTH FUNDING
ANZ Foundation Assisting disadvantaged people, children with disabilities, unemployed youth & community groups. applications accepted twice a year. next application date 15 July 2006. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Foundation for Young Australians Funding Programs Initiatives that aid youth with opportunities to reach their full potential & make a valuable contribution to the community. Applications accepted twice a year. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Links to Learning Community Grants Program Assists young people 12-24 yrs who experience multiple barriers to and significant difficulties participating in mainstream education & training, or return to education & training. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
The Myer Foundation Education grants ongoing, grants regarding poverty and the disadvantaged available latter 2006, art & humanities close 24 August 2006. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
CULTURE & RECREATION FUNDING
Festivals Australia To assist festival organisers to present specific cultural projects which will add to the cultural program at the festival or enhance the local community's cultural image. http://www.dcita.gov.au/arts/arts/festivals_austra
Playing Australia Provides grants to companies, producers, venues, presenters and tour organisers to tour performing arts where this is not currently commercially viable and there is demonstrated public demand. http://www.dcita.gov.au/arts/arts/playing_australia
International Sporting Events Program Supports and attracts international sporting events to NSW in an effort to provide high level opportunities for NSW athletes, coaches & officials. . http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Regional Sports Facilities Program To assist with the construction or upgrading of major sport and recreation facilities throughout NSW. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Visions Australia Provides grants to cultural & community organisations to develop & tour exhibitions of historic & scientific material, visual arts & crafts, multimedia and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander culture throughout Australia. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Workplace English Language & Literacy Program (WELL) Designed to provide workers with the English language and literacy skills required to meet the demands of their current employment & and any training requirements, particularly in regard to workplace reform. Applications for funding are ongoing. http://www.dest.gov.au/ty/well
Holden Community Support Program The company donates cash, goods & services in-kind to community groups, non-profit organisations & educational institutions across Australia. Various closing dates or always open. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Mercy Foundation Grants Provides practical support for people working together to eliminate poverty and create a more just social order. Currently funding is available for major grants and environmental grants for schools. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Adult Literacy Innovative Program Grants Provides funds for a number of strategic initiatives in the field of adult literacy, ie, developing learning materials, research literacy needs, improving access to literacy programs & increasing public awareness. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Danks Trust & Annie Danks Trust Funding for projects/programs that fit the categories of religion, education or the relief of poverty, can be disbursed to any charitable cause. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.auu
INDIGENOUS FUNDING
Indigenous Small Business Fund Funding for Indigenous community based organisations to assist Indigenous people to learn about business, develop business skills & expand their business. Various closing dates or always open. http://www.workplace.gov.au/Workplace/ESDisplay/O
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Housing & Infrastructure Program Seeks to improve the living environment of Indigenous Australians by providing people in need with housing and associated infrastructure. Funding is ongoing. http://www.facs.gov.au/internet/fascinternet.nsf/i
Fellowships Provides financial support for 2 yrs for artists to enable them to undertake a major creative project or program in their art form. http://www.ozco.gov.au/grantFinder.aspxx
Skills & Arts Development To assist artists and arts organisations to develop ideas & skills. This includes mentoring programs, professional development projects, management planning & development. http://www.ozco.gov.au/grantFinder.aspxx
New Work Assists artists, arts organisations or community organisations to create new work on an expected public outcome. http://www.ozco.gov.au/grantFinder.aspx
Presentation & Promotion Supports projects that promote Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander artists and their work regionally, internationally. http://www.ozco.gov.au/grantFinder.aspxx
Program for Indigenous Artworker Support for 1 year towards the costs of an organisation wishing to employ an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander arts worker. http://www.ozco.gov.au/grantFinder/aspx
Red Ochre Award to pay tribute to an Aboriginal or Torress Strait Islander artist who has throughout their lifetime made outstanding contributions to the recognition of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander arts. http://www.ozco.gov.au/grantFinder.aspxE
ENVIRONMENTAL & HERITAGE FUNDING
Program of Grants to Voluntary Environment & Heritage Organisations To help eligible and community based environment & heritage organisations to value, conserve and protect the natural environment & cultural heritage by assisting these organisations with their administrative costs. http://www.deh.gov.au/programs/gveho/index.html
Environmental Management Systems Incentive Programs Provides primary producers with a taxable cash reimbursement of up to 50% of the costs of developing & implementing an environmental Management System. http://www.daff.gov.au/ems
Energy Savings Fund The NSW government has established two new funds to provide incentives for water & energy savings. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Australia's Open Garden Scheme Provides funding for garden related community projects. The Scheme is a self-funding, not for profit organisation that promoted the development of garden related projects. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Community Heritage Grants Aims to preserve and provide access to locally held nationally significant cultural heritage collections. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Environmental Research Supports research projects that help address environmental problems in NSW. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Environmental Restoration & Rehabilitation Aims to facilitate projects of significant environmental benefit to NSW, and to improve the capacity of communities and organisations to protect & restore the environment. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Heritage Grant Program & Funding Supports groups that are taking on-ground action in their own backyards. Various closing dates, always open. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Ian Potter Foundation Grants available for charitable purposes. Areas of interest are the arts, education, the environment and conservation health and social welfare. Various closing dates, always open. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Macquarie Bank Foundation Program benefits the communities in which Macquarie has a presence, in the areas of education, the arts, health care and research, welfare and the environment. Various closing dates, always open. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
IT & Communications Funding
Telecommunications Consumer Representation Program for financial assistance to a consumer body for representation of consumer interests & to a person or body for research in connection with technological implications of developments relating to communications. http://www.dcita.gov.au/tel/consumer_centre/teleco
Unlimited Potential Software Donation Program Delivers software & technical support to registered non-profit organisations that provide services for disadvantaged groups or individuals throughout Australia. Various closing dates, always open. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Science & Industry Funding
National Innovation & Awareness Strategy Aims to increase the understanding of the importance & commercial potential of innovation & science, especially among small to medium enterprises & young Australians. http://www.industry.gov.au
National Science Week 2007 Grants Focuses on the role that science, engineering, innovation, technology & entrepreneurship play in our lives. http://www.industry.gov.au
Tourism
Australian Tourism Development Program Aims to assist in the development of a continuous tourism experience throughout Australia. Two categories, One aims to support businesses that are in tourism and wish to expand their tourism activities or existing businesses wishing to enter tourism. Category two is for large scale, multi-faceted activities that involve collaboration in the development or implementation of effective strategies for tourism market development. http://www.ausindustry.gov.au
Community Funding
Local Answers funds are designed to support community organisations develop and implement projects that have helped disadvantaged communities to build skills & capacity to identify opportunities. Is being funded 2004-2009. http://www.facs.gov.au/sfcs
Australian Immigration - Grants to Community Organisations Being replaced by Settlements Grants. Links to a series of web pages listing grants or related information for community organisations to assist migrants & refugees. http://www.immi.gov.au/grants
Community Broadcasting Foundation Grants Solicits and distributes funds for the maintenance & development of community broadcasting in Australia including specialist services for Ethnic, Indigenous & Radio for the Print handicapped audiences. Assists community stations and broadcasters in urban, regional, rural & remote Australia to promote media by and for their communities. http://www.cbf.com.au
Living in Harmony Community Grants Program Primarily a community based education program. The objectives of the program are to develop more harmonious community relations, to improve communication & understanding between people from diverse ethnic, religious & indigenous backgrounds and the wider community. http://www.harmony.gov.au
Area Assistance Scheme A regional community program providing grants to local councils and non-government organisations for projects that improve community well being. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Law and Justice Foundation Grants Supports projects that meet the Foundation's objectives of improving access to justice, particularly for socially & economically disadvantaged people. General grants, Legal Information grants, In-Kind grants and Small Grants. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Perpetual Foundation Annual funding to support a wide range of charitable purposes and projects within the community. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Sisters of Charity Foundation & Ministry Fund Primarily concerned with funding porjects/programs that respond to the needs of eth poor, people with special needs and where such support is inadequately funded from other sources. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
STA Travel Funds individuals and groups who require financial support for travel. http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au
Business Funding
Foundation for Rural Renewal (FRRR) Provides a mechanism for the private sector to work with communities in Regional Australia through grants for community capacity building, project facilitation and seeding grants for community & economic development initiatives. http://www.frrr.org.au
Seeds of Renewal Small grants program for rural and regional not-for-profit organisations that have projects and activities that aid growth in the community.
Pooled Development Fund Designed to increase the supply of equity capital for growing small and medium enterprises. Applications always open. http://www.ausindustry.gov.au
Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business To support a new culture of entrepreneurship by providing competitive, merit-based grants to improve small business operating skills. http://www.ausindustry.gov.au
Certain Inputs to Manufacture (CIM) Provides import duty concessions on certain imported raw materials, intermediate goods as well as prescribed metal materials and goods. Applications to be lodged on-line and always open. http://www.ausindustry.gov.au
Are you about to write an application for a grant? Check these few tips first!
Think
about your application from the point of view of
the funding body. What is so special about
your application? Why would they choose your
project for funding? Does it offer good value
for money to the funding body? Remember that
you may be competing with other applicants for a
limited pool of funds.
Make it very clear what they will get for their
‘investment’. What benefits will the project
bring to the community. Make sure any outcomes
are sustainable, measurable, achievable and
targeted (SMART)
Read the guidelines well, and always ring the
contact person. Talk to them about your idea.
Is this the sort of thing they would consider
funding? If not, why not? What are their
current priorities? How much do they normally
fund? How long does it take for a decision to
be made? Check anything else you are not sure
about.
Make sure you don’t assume knowledge on behalf
of the funding body. They probably don’t live
in your town, won’t be aware of local issues,
and probably don’t understand the environment
the project will be operating in or the people
it is hoped to benefit. Explain it and use
evidence wherever possible.
Check your application when it is finished, and
get someone independent to check it as well. Do
they understand the project? Are they excited
about the application? Have you actually
answered the questions that were asked?
Ensure that the amount of funding you are asking for
is supported by your project budget and that your
budget is accurate
Check your spelling and grammar and the overall
presentation of the application. A poorly presented
application will reflect poorly on your organisation
and make the funding body wonder if they want to
hand over large amounts of money to you. Is it easy
to read and easy to use, with the attachments
clearly indexed?
Last updated 12 February 2008
