Environment grants

• Grant round opens on 14 July 2020 and closes on 13 September 2020.
• Assessment and decisions made in September.
• Successful applicants announced on 27 October.
• Projects must be acquitted by 10 December 2021.

Applicants must:

• have a project taking place 2020/21
• be a not-for-profit organisation/community group, individual or incorporated body that has been established for at least 12 months
• have appropriate auspice support (where applicable)
• be based within Banyule Council or propose to provide services and activities within the community
• have an ABN, or be willing to complete a statement by supplier
• follow equal opportunity principles and work place health and safety practices.

You can speak to a Council officer if you would like to discuss insurance options.

Auspicing

The auspicing entity must accept responsibility for the management of funds and acquittal requirements, as well as all insurance risks of the project.

Additional conditions

Planting projects must use indigenous plants of local province. A detailed species list can be provided by contacting the Environment Grants Officer or Bushland Management Team about plant selection. Demonstration of site considerations, preparation and ongoing maintenance should be included in the application.

Our approval (including necessary permits) must be gained for any projects being undertaken on Council-owned or managed land.

Applications for projects on private land may be considered, but must fulfil the existing assessment criteria and demonstrate benefit to the wider community, or positive impacts to public land.

To receive grant funds, successful applicants must enter into a funding agreement with Banyule Council and adhere to all conditions outlined in the agreement.

Applications must be submitted through Smarty Grants. Register and start a new application: you can save and return to your application at any time.

Requirements for your budget

You will need to submit a balanced budget that includes any other sources of public or private income, in-kind contributions and detail of your project expenditure.

You are required to include quotes for all purchases that grant funding will cover. Quotes should be attached in your online application.

We require:

• confirmation of a verbal quote for purchases that are $1,000 or less; and
• a minimum of one email or written quotation or supporting catalogue price for purchases between $1,001 and $10,000.

Quotes can include screenshots or attachments from a website, but need to include an itemised figure and the supplier details.

Apply for an environment grant

Submissions will be assessed by the Banyule Environment Advisory Committee (BEAC, a community advisory committee established to advise us on environmental issues) and 3 main criteria.

Project idea

• Does the project align with our planet priorities as outlined in the Council Plan 2017-2021?
• Is the project creative and innovative?
• Does the project have a good chance of meeting its environmental aims?

Application

• Is the project clearly outlined?
• Does it include a description of the project management team?
• Does it include defined accountability and project roles?
• Is there a detailed budget which shows all income and expenditure?

Community benefit

• Have partnerships been explored for collaboration with other community groups to deliver the project?
• Does the project address issues of access, equity and provide opportunities for our diverse community?
• Has the application made efforts to procure from local businesses?

The due date of your acquittal will be included in your agreement, typically 12 months after any grant money is awarded.

All successfully funded projects will submit an online acquittal form detailing:

• evidence of your receipts from spending;
• marketing materials and channels used; and
• detail about any in-kind contributions.

You must get our consent to any project variations that will alter the original funding approval before you proceed (we reserve the right to cease funding).

All requests will be considered by the Director City Development on advice from Council officers, and you will be notified of our decision.

Variations should be applied for through SmartyGrants.