Tasmanian Community Fund
Up to $ $2.5 million is available for allocation this round across all three funding streams for projects that demonstrate achievable community outcomes, support and sustainability.
About
The Tasmanian Community Fund was established in 1999 from the sale proceeds of the Trust Bank to directly benefit the community by making grants to community organisations.
The Tasmanian Community Fund receives an annual amount from the State Budget in perpetuity. In 2012-13, the appropriation is $5.8 million. This appropriation covers all Tasmanian Community Fund costs, including grants and administrative expenses.
Since 2000, the Tasmanian Community Fund has allocated $63 million to more than 1 900 projects in all areas of the State, making it Tasmania’s most significant grant-making body. The Tasmanian Community Fund provides grants to not-for-profit organisations and is administered by an independent board.
The Board will manage the Tasmanian Community Fund in the best interests of the community by ensuring:
- we meet our obligations under the Tasmanian Community Fund Act 2005, the Board’s Code of Conduct and appropriate standards regulating the granting and accounting of public funds, and our actions are consistent with grant-making best-practice;
- we are informed about community issues and build relationships with community organisations;
- our funds will be used to maximise the value of projects to the Tasmanian community;
- funding decisions will be made through a fair, consistent, objective and rigorous assessment of applications against published criteria;
- funds are distributed to a broad range of community organisations and projects throughout Tasmania;
- information about our operations and processes is provided in an accessible, accurate, timely and courteous manner; and
- we will make publicly available our assessment guidelines, list of grants awarded, audited annual report and newsletters.
From Grant Round 26 (February 2013) the Tasmanian Community Fund will only accept large and medium applications lodged electronically through the system. Small applicants (up to $10 000) will have the option of lodging their application electronically or in hard copy until 2014. The Tasmanian Community Fund believes that the new system will create a more streamlined process for applicants, proponents and the Tasmanian Community Fund.
Eligible Applicants
To be eligible to apply for the Tasmanian Community Fund , organisations must be:
- not for profit;
- incorporated or be a not-for-profit legal entity, or sponsored by an incorporated organisation or a not-for-profit legal entity; and
- based in Tasmania, or proposing to undertake a project in Tasmania.
Eligible Projects
Preference in funding will be given to Tasmanian Community Fund projects that best demonstrate:
- benefit to the Tasmanian community;
- innovation and proactivity;
- an integrated and collaborative approach, avoiding duplication;
- value for money;
- community support for the project, particularly from any partners;
- high levels of other financial or in-kind contributions;
- the ability to build and strengthen community capacity;
- good prospects for successful implementation; and
- volunteer and community involvement with the project.
Tasmanian Community Fund exclusions:
- organisations with overdue reporting obligations for completed TCF projects;
- projects where funding is more suitably sourced from another organisation;
- projects which produce a private benefit to a specific business or person(s);
- projects that replicate services or programs that already exist within the community of interest;
- retrospective funding ie for costs already incurred before approval of funding is given;
- ongoing operational costs;
- conferences or festivals or anything associated with the running or attendance at such events;
- projects where the only outcome is an outing by bus or any other conveyance;
- loans; or
- where it is apparent that the applicant is becoming dependent on TCF funding.
The Board noted that stronger applications:
- demonstrated strong value for money;
- showed a clear need in the community;
- provided evidence of community support;
- provided a clear explanation of project objectives;
- referred to research or other evidence to support the application;
- included a clear and detailed budget;
- showed the applicant had considered any risks associated with the project; and
- demonstrated organisational and/or community capacity to complete the project.
Funding
There are three funding streams:
- small grants up to $10 000;
- medium grants $10 001 to $90 000; and,
- large grants $100 000 to $300 000.
Top Ten Grant Application Tips
- Read and follow the Tasmanian Community Fund guidelines and application questions carefully – they will help you put your best case forward;
- Discuss your project with Tasmanian Community Fund staff;
- Aim to complete the Tasmanian Community Fund application at least a few days before the closing date to address any last-minute issues. Late applications are not accepted;
- Check and double-check your budget figures and GST status;
- Make your application easy to read – short, sharp and succinct and avoid using industry jargon;
- Be realistic – with project benefits, timeframes and the budget;
- Provide evidence to support your Tasmanian Community Fund proposal;
- Ask a person unfamiliar with the project to read the Tasmanian Community Fund application with a critical eye;
- Provide the Tasmanian Community Fund requested information and number of copies; and
- Aim for your Tasmanian Community Fund application’s full approval, but plan for other results.
Timing
Applications for small grants close on 20 March 2013.
Applications for medium grants close on 3 April 2013.
Expert Assistance
Writing a good quality grant application is a critical element in the application process. An application needs to be well thought through, written concisely, have clear objectives and purpose, and show clear links to the objectives of the grant guidelines.
The grant application must answer all questions, provide all required information and respond to the merit criteria. It should also reflect your organisation’s business strategy.
Writing a good application takes time and effort, and requires particular writing skills.
Bulletpoint are expert grant consultants and can assist with all aspects of grant preparation.
Call us on (03) 9005 6789 or email to discuss further.
We have significant experience in applying for grants. Typical areas where we can be of assistance include:
- Demonstrating the identified need;
- Highlighting the relevance to current government policies and priorities;
- Complete the Project Plan and Budget Projections;
- Identify Outcomes that are measurable;
- Detail the applicant organisation’s experience or expertise in undertaking the project/s;
- Calculating the value for money; and
- Demonstrating capacity to deliver quality outcomes
Additional Information
