Community Grants 2018/19 - Guidelines for Applications - Melbourne Water
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Community Grants 2018/19 Guidelines for Applications
To support community groups
and volunteer-based
organisations to improve the
health of waterways, Melbourne
Water offers annual grants for
waterway improvements in the
Port Phillip and Westernport
region. These guidelines are
designed to help groups to apply
for these grants.
What is the intention of the For Project Grants, applicants are required to
grants? contact a Waterways and Land Officer to discuss the
The grants are intended to help community groups application before applying. See page 4 for more
information.
carry out projects and activities, such as weed
control and revegetation, to improve the health of
How to Apply
their local waterway. Working in partnership with the
This year, applicants will be required to complete an
community, this supports Melbourne Water to deliver
application online, using SmartyGrants. To apply for one
the Draft Healthy Waterways Strategy.
or both of the grants, please access the application forms
below:
What types of grants can you apply for?
There are two types of funding:
Project Grant:
1) Group Support Grant
2) Project Grant https://melbournewater.smartygrants.com.au/PG1819
Your group may apply for one or both of these
grants. Group Support Grant:
https://melbournewater.smartygrants.com.au/GSG1819
Group Support Grant – up to $1,000
A Group Support Grant provides volunteer-based If you have concerns about applying online or for
organisations with funds for general administrative specific help and advice, please contact 131 722. More
assistance, insurance, incorporation and/or information is available in the section ‘Applying for a
promotional activities. Group Support Grants are also Grant’.
for specific promotional or capacity building activities
that will increase community participation rates in What type of groups and
project activities, raise public awareness of a local organisations can apply?
waterway, and support groups to undertake training We encourage applications from community groups and
relevant to waterway improvement activities. Eligible volunteer-based organisations. Grants will only be paid to
organisations may apply for up to $1000 (excluding incorporated groups and organisations.
GST). Organisations do not need to provide matching
funds for this grant. If your group is not incorporated, you may be able to
seek support from a sponsoring organisation, such as a
Project Grant – up to $20,000 council or another incorporated organisation. You will
Project Grants support projects that address priority need approval from the sponsoring organisation before
waterway improvement issues on Melbourne Water applying, as that organisation will be legally responsible
waterways. Projects must be on public land with for administering any grants on your group’s behalf.
the approval of the land manager and have a focus
on improving the condition of the riparian zone of a If your application is successful, the sponsoring
waterway, or a natural wetland. Projects should be organisation will be required to sign the project
completed within 12-18 months from receipt of agreement and manage the grant funding. Information
funding for the project. on how to incorporate your group is available from the
Department of Consumer Affairs
Eligible organisations may apply for funds for (www.consumer.vic.gov.au).
more than one project at a time, up to $20,000
(excluding GST) per project. Applicants must
show that they will contribute an amount equal to
the funds requested in the form of cash or in-kind
contributions.
2
How are Project Grant applications assessed? Grant opportunities for non-riparian projects through
other organisations may be explored through the Find
Project Grant applications are assessed by Melbourne
Grant Hub:
Water. Preference will be given to projects that:
http://app.thegrantshub.com.au/melbourne-water
• have been discussed with your relevant How and when will you find out if your
Waterways and Land Officer; application is successful?
• demonstrate that they will deliver public If your grant application is approved for funding, you will
and environmental benefits to the be contacted in writing by Melbourne Water and invited
waterway; to enter into an agreement for the grant. At that time
• are strategic in their approach, for example they
you may accept and return the signed agreement by the
will have long term benefits and complement
given deadline or decline the funding by notifying
other works in the area; Melbourne Water. The agreement will include a schedule
• involve achievable activities aligned to the of grant payments to the group or organisation. Your
funding priorities for the Healthy Waterways agreement must be returned by the due date shown on
Strategy; your agreement letter or the funding offer may lapse.
• are realistically costed and represent value for
money.
Reporting
Preference will be given to projects on waterways in Groups and organisations that receive Project Grants
Priority Areas or that contribute to the improvement will be required to submit a report within 30 days of
of waterway and riparian habitat for key values completion of the project. The requirements for the
identified in the Draft Healthy Waterways Strategy. report will be sent towards the end of the project.
Projects must include works activities that are eligible Please contact you relevant Waterways & Land
for funding by Melbourne Water. These activities Officer on completion of your project.
include:
When are applications due?
• vegetation establishment (eg. planting or Applications should be submitted online via
direct seeding) SmartyGrants before 15th October 2018 at 11pm.
• vegetation management (eg. weed control) Applications submitted outside this period may still be
and/or fencing to protect the waterway. considered by Melbourne Water and will be assessed
and funded at Melbourne Water’s discretion, subject to
Other funding opportunities available funding and priorities.
Applications for projects on non-riparian/waterway
Applications are to be submitted online via
areas on either Public or Private Land may be funded
SmartyGrants. For advice on setting up an account and
through the Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment
for FAQs: http://applicanthelp.smartygrants.com.au/.
Management Authority (PPWCMA). Please note that
the grant round for 2018/19 was held earlier than in
If you have specific concerns about applying online
previous years and closed 12th June 2018.
Successful applications are expected to be please contact 131 722.
announced in late August. For more information on
PPWCMA grants please go to:
http://www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au/grants/
3
Applying
for a
grant
This section provides information about the The following important information will also help you
application form. It will help you to ensure complete your application. We have included some
that your application fulfils the requirements excerpts from previous successful applications as a
of each grant and includes all necessary guide.
information.
All applicants must complete and upload the tax forms
General and payment information with their application. These
Decide what type of grant you wish to apply for: forms are located in a PDF on the community grants
Group Support Grant, Project Grant, or both and plan page of the Melbourne Water website. Please see page
the details. Prior to submitting a Project Grant, it is a 12 for details relating to community group type and tax
requirement that all applicants contact a Waterways form requirements. If you require assistance with
and Land Officer to discuss the details of their completing any of these forms, please call 131 722.
application, including:
EFT form
• eligibility of your organisation This form is for your payment information. Please
complete in full for payment to be processed.
• project feasibility
• whether the project is focused on a Melbourne
Recipient Created Tax Invoice Agreement
Water river or creek
Please complete the Recipient Created Tax Invoice
• whether the project is meeting the aims of the
Agreement form with your ABN. This form is available
Draft Healthy Waterways Strategy
as a PDF on the Community Grants page of the
• intention to apply for funds to cover capital items
Melbourne Water website. If your Group is not
(e.g. tools)
incorporated, this form and the EFT form will need to be
• intention to apply for funds for a consultant to
filled out by your sponsoring agency. They will be
conduct a cultural heritage assessment (see page
required to accept the funds on your behalf.
9)
• intention to apply for funds for a Site Specific
Statement by a Supplier
Management Plan (see page 11) If you do not have an ABN but are incorporated, fill
• intention to apply for multiple project grants or in this form and attach to the online application form.
• any safety issues that may be present This form is available in a digital and standard PDF
• all groups proposing projects on Parks Victoria on the Community Grants page of the Melbourne
land must obtain written approval from Parks Water website.
Victoria to apply for a grant. Parks Victoria will
need to view the grant application before
providing approval, a draft of the application can
be emailed to the groups Parks Victoria Contact
Ranger.
To speak to a Waterways and Land Officer please call
131 722.
4
Group
Support
Grant
You may only apply for this grant if your
group is volunteer-based and is undertaking
works on waterways on public land. The
The maximum funding for the Group Support Grant is
Group Support Grant combines funding for
$1,000 (ex GST). You do not need to provide
group promotion, administration,
matching funds for this grant.
development and educational activities.
APPLICATION FORM Eligible activities include contributions to the cost of
activities which support the group or enhance the group’s
Question 1 capacity to deliver a successful on-ground project. Items
Details of the Organisation considered eligible for funding include: insurance,
Provide the name of your organisation, postal address incorporation fees, advertising and printing costs, project
and ABN. site signs, and relevant workshops/training events for
improving knowledge
of river health.
Question 2
Incorporation status Example: “Our group wishes to increase awareness in the local
Please provide your incorporation status. If your community of the works we are doing along Brushy Creek. We
group is NOT incorporated, you need to be will hold an open day along the creek, which will include guided
sponsored. Please note if the location of your project short walks, a BBQ lunch and information displays showing
is on Parks Victoria land and your group is not before and after photos. The open day will be advertised via
incorporated, Parks Victoria is required to be your the local paper and a letter drop to neighbouring
sponsoring agency. If you are a volunteer group that households/properties. It is hoped that the day will encourage
is not incorporated, please indicate if you are more local residents to participate in working bees as well as
incorporated through Landcare Victoria Incorporated. reduce the occasional vandalism along this waterway”.
Question 3 Question 5c, d
Project contact person Previous funding
Provide the name and contact details of the main
If you received a Group Support Grant in the previous
contact person for correspondence on the project.
financial year, provide a brief description of what you
did and highlight the major achievements. Write about
Question 4 the activities you undertook and whether or not you
Sponsoring Agency achieved your aims.
Provide the details of your sponsoring agency. If your
group is NOT incorporated, you need to be sponsored. Example: “Our group held an open day along Brushy Creek,
which included guided short walks, a BBQ lunch and
Question 5 information displays showing before and after photos. The
Project Information day was very successful, with over 25 visitors (non-
What do you intend to do with the grant? members) attending from the local neighborhood. All
provided positive feedback on the works undertaken along
Briefly explain why you are applying. Provide details
the creek and seven of them have now joined the group and
of the activities you will undertake and how they will participated in subsequent working bees. The events of the
help your organisation achieve the aims of the day featured in an article in the local paper.”
project. Melbourne Water must be confident that
grants will fund distinct and well planned activities.
5
Question 6 Question 8
Group Details Support grant budget
Please fill in the information relating to Give a broad description of what the grant money will
volunteer group members and average be spent on. Organisations do not need to provide
working bee attendees to support our matching funds. The maximum funding for the Group
reporting. Support Grant is $1000 (ex GST). See below for
example.
Question 7
Main location of activities or work Question 9
Please indicate the main Melbourne Water Declaration by group members
catchment which is the focus of your work i.e. All applications require the approval of two
Yarra etc. members from the group or organisation.
Group
Support
Grant
6
Project
Grant
You may only apply for this grant if your group is
Question 6
volunteer-based and is undertaking work
adjoining a waterway on public land with the Project Summary
approval of the land manager and with a focus on Enter the name of your project. It must be no more
improving the condition of the riparian zone of a than 10 words.
waterway, or a natural wetland.
Question 7
APPLICATION FORM Group Details
Please fill in the information relating to volunteer
Question 1 group members, attendees and volunteer hours
Details of the Organisation delivered by the project. Volunteer hours delivered by
Provide the name of your organisation, postal the project includes project management and
address and ABN. physical on ground hours.
Question 2 Question 8
Incorporation Status
Project Location and Map
Please provide your incorporation status. If your
group is NOT incorporated, you need to be sponsored. Provide details of the location of your project, b)
Please note if the location of your project is on Parks melways reference or c) vicroads reference or d)
Victoria land and your group is not incorporated, Latitude/Longitude . To provide your project location
Parks Victoria is required to be your sponsoring latitude and longitude as decimal degrees open a
agency. If you are a volunteer group that is not google maps page, navigate to the location of your
incorporated, please indicate if you are incorporated project, and RIGHT click on the project location. From
through Landcare Victoria Incorporated. here you will see a dialogue box appear, click on
“Whats here?” and your project location Latitude and
Question 3 Longitude will be displayed at the bottom of the page.
For more instructions see google instructions here.
Project Contact Person
Provide the name and contact details of the main Please provide a description of the site location
contact person for correspondence on the project. including nearest road and site access details.
Question 4 Provide a project map that indicates the length of
Sponsoring Agency waterway enhanced by your project in metres. It is a
Provide the details of your sponsoring agency. If your requirement that you attach a project map with your
group is NOT incorporated, you need to be application that clearly indicates the extent of the
works to be carried out. This may be a sketch or
sponsored.
Google Map showing the following features:
waterway, approximate location of proposed works
Question 5 and any other major features such as roads.
Liaison with Melbourne Water
It is a requirement that all applicants contact a
Waterways and Land Officer to discuss the details of
their application. To speak to a Waterways and Land
Officer please call 131 722.
7
Project
Grant
Question 9 and 10 Example: “Emerald Creek, located north east of Melbourne,
contains some remnant vegetation worthy of protection. The
Project details table most common Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVC) are
The project details table has four sections that Herb- rich Forest and Grassy Woodland Complex. There are
need to be completed: also significant patches of the endangered Grassy Herb
• asset; Woodland. These remnants provide a ‘stepping stone’ link
• threat; between the headwaters of Emerald Creek and the Big
• activity/management action Forest National Park.”
• desired outcome.
Threat
A ‘threat’ is an action or process that is causing
Asset
damage to the health of an asset or assets. Describe
Briefly describe the assets you wish to protect and
in point form what the threats are and how they are
explain why it is important. An ‘asset’ refers to
causing damage to the asset or assets.
natural assets associated with a waterway, such as
native vegetation, creeks and rivers, soil or native
Example: “Weeds species, primarily Blackberry and Gorse,
fauna. It can also refer to human assets, such as
are competing with native vegetation and reducing habitat
volunteers and their capacity, or cultural heritage quality.”
sites.
8
Activity/management action
Describe in point form the activities your If your project site is within a sensitive Aboriginal
organisation will do with the funding to address the cultural heritage area, you will need to contact
threat to assets. Aboriginal Affairs Victoria or seek the advice of a
Cultural Heritage Advisor. A separate activity/budget
Example: item for a consultant to assess your project area for
• “Weed control works will be undertaken in all five sites of Indigenous Cultural Heritage can be included
remnants. Weed control contractors will be engaged to do the in your project.
initial removal of woody weeds, using cut-and-paint
techniques. All woody debris will be removed by group
members, who will also participate in manual removal of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria
smaller weed infestations, such as thistles and broom. GPO 2392
• Enhancement planting will be conducted in four of the Melbourne VIC 3001
remnants within 20m from the top of bank of the creek. These Telephone: 1800 762 003
four remnants all have abundant over-storey, so revegetation
will focus on planting understorey species to improve riparian Aboriginal Affairs Victoria and/or a Cultural Heritage
vegetation. A total of 4,500 shrubs and grasses will be Advisor can provide advice on the location of
planted. The fifth remnant has a healthy understorey and is
registered sites or places of cultural heritage
expected to naturally regenerate in rehabilitated areas.
significance.
• Each remnant will be monitored and follow-up weed
control and revegetation undertaken by the group members
as required.” If your project site is within an area of historical
cultural heritage significance i.e. a Heritage overlay
Desired outcome is present where you would like to work, then you
Briefly describe the desired aim/outcome for the will need to contact the relevant Council planning
project. It is assumed that the project is intended to department for advice.
protect an asset or assets by addressing the threats;
however, it may be beyond the scope of this project If registered sites or places of cultural heritage
to address all the threats and protect all the assets significance are within or near the project site, you
described in the Project details table. Identify what will need to attach a copy of the relevant online map
outcomes you realistically expect to achieve with this indicating the location of the project site.
grant.
Evidence that your project will not adversely affect
any sites and/or places of cultural heritage
Example: “This project will focus on increasing the quality of
five patches of remnant vegetation on the eastern bank in the
significance must also be included in the application
Emerald Creek Reserve for a distance of 500m, 30m from the form. This may include avoiding areas to work on
top of the bank.” within or adjacent to a registered site, application for
a permit or further advice from a cultural heritage
Question 11 advisor.
Links to regional priorities
Land managers and organisations can make use of
Indicate which of the listed outcomes your project the information and resources:
contributes to. Preference will also be given to https://www.vic.gov.au/aboriginalvictoria/heritage/h
projects on Melbourne Water designated waterways eritage-tools-and-publications/heritage-tools.html
that are in Priority Areas as identified in the Draft http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/
Healthy Waterways Strategy or that contribute to the http://planning-schemes.delwp.vic.gov.au/
improvement of waterway and riparian habitat for and the mini poster series for Aboriginal Heritage:
Healthy Waterways Strategy Key Values. https://www.vic.gov.au/aboriginalvictoria/heritage/h
eritage-tools-and-publications/heritage-
Question 12 publications.html
Sites and places of Cultural Heritage Significance
It is important that you ensure your project complies Example: “The scar tree site is located 30 metres
with State legislation (Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006) upstream of the project site, on the eastern bank of the
regarding the protection of significant cultural heritage creek, outside the main project area. All volunteers and
(historical and Aboriginal) sites and places. The onus is contractors working on the project will be advised of its
on the land manager/organisation to identify any locality and informed not to go near or disturb it. On
working bees, the prohibited area will be cordoned off to
cultural heritage sites and prevent damage to those
avoid accidental damage.”
sites. Penalties apply if the correct process is not
followed.
Question 13
To determine whether your project is in an area of Safety
cultural heritage sensitivity, review the following online It is common for hazards to be present on a project
maps: site and that pre-project planning is undertaken to
1. Areas of Cultural Heritage Sensitivity on the reduce these risks. Undertake a site inspection to
Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) website. determine where you will be working on-ground,
https://www.vic.gov.au/aboriginalvictoria/heritage.html how access will be obtained and the task/s that will
2. Planning maps showing Heritage Overlays via the be performed.
Planning Schemes Online website for the Council area
in which the project resides. http://planning-
schemes.delwp.vic.gov.au/
9List any hazards that could affect the delivery of the owner/manager who will ensure that
activities proposed on this site on your application relevant occupational health and safety
form (e.g. steep slopes, rocky or uneven ground). requirements are considered, as well as
The Waterways and Land Officer for your project will agree to maintain the project site for a
also have a safety conversation with you out on site. minimum of five years following the
cessation of the project.
Question 14
Please submit a signed document from the
Project budget land manager as evidence of support when
Provide as much detail as possible about the cost of filling out your online application form.
each activity for your project. This should include Where Melbourne Water is the land owner,
brief details about the activity, such as the area to be please contact the Waterways and Land
sprayed, length of fencing, number of plants or Officer to discuss your project. A template
number of people involved. Where appropriate, declaration that can be used in your
specify both the quantity and rate used to calculate application can be found on the
the costs. Community Grants page on the Melbourne
Water website.
Contributions to the project from either your group or If you have any concerns or questions
another organisation should be recorded as either regarding working on Parks Victoria land,
cash or in-kind. These should be spread over please refer to Bernice Dowling – Parks
separate lines in the budget. To calculate hours of Victoria Volunteer Program Coordinator
voluntary time, use $30 as a standard hourly rate (Melbourne Division) on (03) 8427 3089.
(excl. GST). See below for example.
Question 16 Question 17
Declaration by land owner/manager Declaration by group members
for projects on public land All applications require the approval of two
All applicants must obtain written members of your group or organisation.
approval from the relevant land
Project
Grant
9This section explains some important terms and
conditions about the grants Group Support grants do not require matching
funds.
Incorporation Status
Group incorporation is required for us to issue Contractors
your organisation a payment. If you are not Funding is available to engage contractors to assist with
incorporated, please specify who your sponsoring site preparation, weed control and pest
organisation will be at Question 3 on the animal control if your group does not have the capacity
application form. Public schools are or expertise to undertake these activities.
exempt from this requirement and are
eligible to receive community grants
Capital items
without the need to be sponsored by
Generally, capital items required to deliver the
another legal entity such as the
project works are eligible for matched funding,
Department of Education.
up to the value of $2,000 (excluding GST) per
item.
Your organisation may become
incorporated as a member group of We will only fund capital items if they are
Landcare Victoria Incorporated – for essential to achieving the aim of the project
more information go to: www.lvi.org.au/ and the items cannot be hired.
or contact Landcare Victoria
Incorporated on P. 9207 5527 F. 9207 You must include with your application a quote
5500 E. info@lvi.org.au for the purchase of each capital item included
in the application. We will only consider
As part of the continuous improvement funding capital items that cost more than
of the program, Melbourne Water $2,000 (excl. GST) if the application
together with Landcare Victoria have demonstrates the need sufficiently e.g.
confirmed an arrangement whereby ongoing management.
groups incorporated under Landcare
Victoria Membership may be paid GST
directly. Do not include GST in your application’s
project budget. All costs should be exclusive
For more information on incorporation of GST. If your group or organisation is
status and resulting requirements see registered to collect GST, the required 10%
the table below. will be added to the allocated funds.
Matching funds Management and facilitation costs
Budgets in Project Grant applications must include Community groups can seek funding towards
matching funds, that is cash or in-kind project management of a waterway
contributions from the applicant or project improvement project.
partners that equal or exceed the total amount
you apply for. In-kind contributions include Funding for project management is limited to a
voluntary time, but not time given by school maximum of 15% of the total grant requested
children during school hours. and not all applications will be able to be
funded. Priority is given to applications that will
To calculate hours of voluntary time, use $30 as a deliver important, strategic, on-ground works in
standard hourly rate (excl. GST). If you are an efficient manner. It is therefore essential to
considering using funds from other grant programs clearly link any funding request to the delivery
as matching contributions, we recommend that you of on-ground works.
contact a Waterways and Land Officer to check if
this is permitted.Incorporation Status continued
The below table is designed to help guide you on
who is required to sign the Electronic Fund If your community group is NOT
Transfer, Taxation and Agreement forms. incorporated your auspicing agency is
If you are a school who is registered with the required to sign your your Taxation and EFT
Department of Education you are able to receive forms and receive the grant on your behalf.
your funds directly and therefore complete your
own taxation and EFT forms. If your group is working on Parks Victoria
Land and is NOT incorporated, Parks Victoria
If you are a group which is incorporated you are is required to sign your Taxation and EFT
able to receive funds directly and therefore fill in forms and receive your grant funding on
your own taxation and EFT forms. your behalf.
If your group is incorporated through Landcare If your group is working on Parks Victoria
Victoria Incorporated you are able to receive your land and is incorporated your group is
grant funds directly and are required to fill out required to sign the Taxation and EFT forms
your own Taxation and EFT forms. and will receive the grant directly.Terms and
conditions
Safety and protection of your staff and Project Grants for site specific management
volunteers plans
For the safety of you, your staff and volunteers, no In order to identify appropriate actions for on-ground
work is permitted in or on the banks of any works, a site specific management plan is useful. A
waterway in the Port Phillip and Westernport region group or organisation may apply for funding up to
without prior approval from Melbourne Water. If $2,000 (excluding GST) to develop a plan if there is no
your waterway improvement project application is plan available for that area. Application can be made
successful, Melbourne Water may undertake work in for a Project Grant to support the employment of a
these locations to complement your project. The consultant and/or costs to prepare the plan. We may
application form for Project grants includes a consider a grant in excess of $2,000 (excluding GST)
requirement for managers of public land to declare to develop a plan if the application demonstrates
that they agree to ensure safe work practices while sufficient need. Please contact a Waterways and Land
funded work is taking place. Officer to discuss site specific management plans
before you apply.
Future maintenance of project site on public
land Returning your agreement
The application form for Project Grants includes a A due date for the return of the agreement is included
requirement for managers of public land to declare with the agreement paperwork and accompanying
that they agree to maintain the project site for a documentation. If your signed agreement and all
minimum of five years after work is complete. accompanying paperwork is not returned by this date,
Melbourne Water cannot guarantee that the funding
will still be available.
How to contact a Waterways and Land Officer
You can contact a Waterways and Land Officer by
calling 131 722 or by emailing us at
river.health@melbournewater.com.au
For more information visit
www.melbournewater.com.au
To download these guidelines from the internet, visit the Melbourne Water is owned by the Victorian Government.
community grants webpage. We manage Melbourne’s water supply catchments, remove
and treat most of Melbourne’s sewage, manage rivers,
Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance to you but creeks and major drainage systems throughout the Port
Melbourne Water and its employees do not guarantee that this Phillip and Westernport region. We are responsible for
publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for managing $8.4 billion in water supply, sewerage and
your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any drainage assets, and we are committed to looking after
error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying
these in a way that protects and improves their
on any information in this publication.
environmental, social and financial values.You can also read
