The following advice applies
to all grant funding opportunities and will help you with the application process.
The Scouts Queensland Grants Officer, Belinda Anderson, administers all Scouts Queensland Formation grants to ensure that we adhere to Fund, Government, and Scouting guidelines and legislation and is she is here to assist you with your grant applications.
Contact:
Belinda Anderson - Grants Officer
07 3721 5734
The rules for grant applications are outlined
in QBSI 6.5 Grants and further guidance regarding the processes, links and tips are available on the Scouts QLD Grants Homepage. Formations eligible to apply for grant funding must have submitted the latest Finance and Property Returns and must not have any un-managed debt.
How to write a successful grant application:
Once you have your project plan, project budget, quotes and approvals you will be ready to apply for grant funding when the right grant fund opens for your project objectives and outcomes.
Find a grant program that fits – take time to understand the Fund Providers own vision and objectives, the money is made available to serve a purpose — you will need to demonstrate how your project will deliver their objectives so read the guidelines carefully.
When applying for grant funding all Scout Formations do so under the Auspice / Sponsorship of the legal entity, The Scout Association of Australia Queensland Branch Inc. Therefore, the applicant is 'The Scout Association of Australia Queensland Branch Inc - xxxxx Scout Group'.
The ABN is that of the organisation as is the Certificate of Incorporation, Charity Status and Insurance all of which can be obtained from the Grants Officer.
Every grant application form is different so there is no one way to complete a grant application however the following principles should be followed:
- Define your Project
- Target the Audience
- Demonstrate the Need
- Provide supporting Data
- Write to the Criteria, use the Funds own Language
- Write ‘SMART’ specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely
- Identify possible Partnerships and Collaborations – canvass local community and political support for your project
- Sustainability, demonstrate ability to continue after the funding
- Budget should be Reasonable, Realistic and Relevant
- Presentation should be clear and concise, avoid jargon and ensure grammar and spelling are correct
If asked to provide bank account details these should be for the Scouts Queensland bank account and not your Group bank details. Successful grant funds will be held in individual accounts by Scouts Queensland and the GST will be accounted for on your behalf against tax invoices submitted for payment from grant funds.
The person authorised to apply for grant funding on behalf of the organisation is the Chief Commissioner and they are the Approving / Authorised Officer for your application. The Grants Officer will liaise with the Chief Commissioner to obtain support for your grant applications.
Do's and Don'ts:
- Don’t start by saying ‘We need money’!
- Do start with a statement summarising the project that you need to deliver for the benefit of the community.
- Don’t be too emotional with pleas for funding or suggest that the Group is struggling.
- Do communicate a genuine need and emphasis the solution rather than the problem.
- Don’t waste time applying for grants where your Group or your project does not meet the Fund guidelines.
- Do follow the guidelines and align your application to the Funds objectives, state how your project will help deliver their mission.
- Don’t provide unnecessary attachments and lengthy explanations.
- Do keep it brief, informative and concise. The Assessor will be reviewing a lot of applications so make it easy for them to prioritise your application.
If in doubt ask, contact the Grant Fund Support Team, they are always happy to answer your questions as they would rather receive good quality, relevant applications.
Example Statements:
No two grant application are the same because the fund, venue, project, need and community will differ, however the following are examples of statements made in successful grant applications:
Repairs and Maintenance example:
"Over the past four decades the xxxxxx
Scout Hall has been serving the local community through the delivery of the Scout
program as well as providing a facility for other community based
organisations. Our group is always looking for new ways to deliver exciting
programs and ensure we have the best facilities for our youth members and
volunteers. Currently
the hall has a water leak to an exterior wall that we need to rectify. We are a
beachside property and having been built on sand, water is pooling with
moderate to heavy rainfall on a regular basis. This is causing water damage to
equipment and black mould which is difficult to clean and may pose health
risks. With this
funding we will be able to carry out essential safety repairs and ensure our
property and equipment are kept dry and is fit for purpose in order to deliver many
more years of scouting in our community. Repairs will include water proofing at
ground level and roofing replacement to seal the affected area."
Infrastructure example:
"xxxxxx has the
opportunity to provide a fixed infrastructure climbing and abseiling tower to
the property. The shell of this tower has been donated and needs to be
repurposed and refurbished for its safe use during climbing and abseiling
activities. The xxxxxx has engaged with the local council for approvals to
ensure this project is supported by the community and council and the relevant
safety processes are followed. To support this project xxxxxx has
funding available to arrange planning approval and safety compliance
certification once the project is complete. The footings will be financially
supported through xxxxxx funds and in-kind support to install surfaces. Xxxxxx seeks financial support from the xxxxxx fund for the installation and
materials required to repurpose and refurbish the tower. This project will benefit local, regional or interstate Scout Groups who wish to hire the facilities and who have access to trained guides to ensure the safety of
participants."
Trailer example:
"We are requesting funds to purchase a heavy-duty
trailer, ideally with brakes, to service our ongoing activities and support our
outdoor activities programme. Our current trailer is approaching the end of its
serviceable life and a new trailer will enable us to support all the outdoor
activities enjoyed by our youth members. A good quality trailer that can be
safely towed by leaders and parent volunteers is a key requirement to the
successful delivery of most of our outdoor activity programmes as it enables us
to transport equipment between the Scout den and activity venue. It also frees
up car space for passengers to ensure all members can get to more distant weekend
events."
Marquee example:
"Our Scout Group wishes to purchase two new branded marquees
for portable sun shelters to use at upcoming scouting activities including
camps, school fairs, sausage sizzle, Clean Up Australia Day and Park Events.
Included in our grant request is two 3m x 3m marquees and four branded walls,
gutters and carry bags. The marquees will all be branded in the new Scout logo
and colours to further promote Scouting to the broader community."
Remember:
Draft your application first and share access with the Grants Officer who can provide guidance and feedback on content, also forward a copy of all the grant application documents; quotes and approvals (confirmation of your District and Region Commissioners' support.) to the Grants Officer prior to
submission.
Grant applications require 80% Planning & Consultation and 20% Writing