Funding Opportunities for Groups and Individuals
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How to get ahead with grant applications
- You can both identify a specific grant, and tailor the project development to suit the application, or you can design a project and search for opportunities to fund it. Most project funding applications end up being a combination of these two approaches.
- Hold a brainstorming session with group members to develop a list of things you want to do – if only you had the money.
- Compile the administrative information that granting bodies always ask for, such as group name and contact details, objectives, incorporation details or sponsor details if not incorporated – and have this ready for all applications.
- Keep in mind the project requirements, including budget, timelines and project outcomes to determine what grant may be most appropriate.
- Consider appointing a Grants Officer on your committee who can stay abreast of new funding opportunities as they arise.
- Be open to partnership opportunities for funding projects – government funding bodies like to see groups working together. Link up with other community organisations, landholders, local council, schools, your regional land and water management body and private sector organisations.
- Make sure you have existing resources to carry out the terms of any funding contract. You must be able to deliver projects on time and to budget, within the terms of the contract.
To operate a community group effectively, deliver on projects, and achieve your outcomes, you will need funding. There is also a limit to how much you can achieve if relying solely on the in-kind support of your members, and even the most committed volunteers should not expect to be out-of pocket for their efforts.
Millions of dollars are provided in grant funding each year to community groups and landholders from different sources, including government (federal, state and local), philanthropic foundations, and some private corporations.
In most cases, money is tailored towards specific projects and outcomes.These funding sources can be broken down into two broad categories:
- Funding for On-Ground NRM Activities
- Funding for Operational Activities and Capital Items
- Carbon Farming Initiative
