Sponsorships and Contributions Program

Council is committed to supporting initiatives that enable community groups and organisations to provide opportunities for growth, sustainability, economic benefit, and encourage community participation within the Northern Grampians Shire.  

Purpose of the Sponsorships and Contributions Program:

 The Sponsorships and Contributions Program is an arrangement in which council provides financial support for a group or organisation which in return will:  

  • Enhance council's public image through association with a sponsored activity.
  • Deliver a community benefit.
  • Align with the Northern Grampians Shire Council Plan 2021-25 Strategic Objectives.
  • Promote council’s contribution through signs, naming rights/opportunities and in traditional and online media publications and promotions.  

The program supports events, projects, services or activities that will:  

  • enhance the health and wellbeing of the community
  • encourage community participation
  • encourage participation in education
  • bring economic benefit to the Northern Grampians Shire
  • enable quality tourism opportunities
  • support positive environmental outcomes.

Availability

Applications for the Sponsorships and Contributions Program can be up to $3000 with the option of requesting the funds to be distributed over a three-year term.  

The sponsorships and contributions funding stream is open throughout the year, until all funds have been expended. 

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria:

Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

All Sponsorships and Contributions Program applicants will:

  • Be a not for profit or Incorporated Body with an ABN. 

  • Be based in, or demonstrate their request has a direct benefit to the residents of the Northern Grampians Shire.  

  • Not already receive substantial support from council.

  • Work collaboratively with council. 

  • Align their request with at least one of the Sponsorships and Contributions Program's priorities.

  • Be able to be compliant with council's regulatory requirements.  

  • Commence the initiative once the funds are released.

  • Provide evidence of Liability Insurance. Events, activities, or construction that have a likelihood of causing damage or personal injury must have public liability insurance (of at least $20 million). Other amounts will be considered where there is no likelihood of damage or injury.  

  • Have the ability to undertake the initiative and acquit expended funds by the end of the financial year, unless provided with a written extension.   

Applications will not be eligible if:

  • Organisations or groups are based outside the Northern Grampians Shire, unless the initiative can be proven to still have benefit to residents of Northern Grampians Shire.  

  • Applicants have received considerable grants funding within the same financial year.

  • Applicants are an individual applying for funds.  

  • The funding is clearly the responsibility of Government departments or the business sector. 

  • The purpose for the sponsorship has commenced prior to the date on which the funds are released.  

  • The funds are to be used for ongoing or recurrent operations including wages (Professional services that support project capacity building i.e., Consultant fees, professional services, service, or product contractors that directly benefit the project will be considered). 

  • Previous funding received from council has not been satisfactorily acquitted. 

  • There is outstanding debt with the council. Council's financial hardship policy can be discussed in context with your application.

Apply

Application form

Before submitting your Sponsorship and Contributions Program application it is advised you:

  1. Check that you meet the eligibility criteria.
  2. Speak to a member of the council's Community Development Team to ensure you are applying for the most suitable grant.
  3. Read the program guidelines to understand your obligations and guide your application. 

You can complete the application form on the Smarty Grants platform at this link Sponsorship and Contributions application form

Acquittal

Acquittal

The appropriate acquittal form will be available in your Smarty Grants account once you have received the funds. The form is due one month after the specified sponsorship/contribution completion date detailed in your application form.