FAQs

The Community Funding and Support Policy provides a framework for Council to allocate funding for the community in an effective, equitable and transparent manner to ensure:

• Fairness, equity and transparency in providing grant funds
• Funds are used for purposes intended
• Appropriate process and authorisation of grants
• Eligibility criteria are met
• Delivers clear and measurable outcomes for the community
• Encourages strong partnerships between Council, residents and community groups

The proposed amendments include the following key updates:

Stronger Focus on Inclusion and Diversity

The policy now clearly recognises and supports applications that:

• Promote participation
• Reduce barriers to access
• Support underrepresented community groups

This aligns with Council’s commitment to inclusive communities and the principles of the Gender Equality Act 2020. 

Ageing Well Category Added to Community Grants

It is proposed to incorporate a dedicated Ageing Well category into the broader Community Grants program. This ensures targeted support for programs that address the unique needs and priorities of older residents.

Eligibility for Committees of Management

The updated policy clarifies that:

• Committees of Management receiving State Government funding are not eligible for Community Grants
• Applicants must clearly state their government funding status
• Community activities and programs may be funded
• Asset maintenance, structural works, and capital improvements will not be funded

These amendments are intended to remove previous ambiguity around eligibility with the aim to reduce confusion for applicants.

Public Liability Insurance Requirements 

Public Liability Insurance is required for all grant applications, regardless of the amount requested and previous references to exemptions based on grant value or Council-owned facilities have been removed.

Demonstrated Local Impact 

Applications must clearly demonstrate:

• A direct and meaningful benefit to the Glenelg Shire community
• Evidence of local impact and outcomes                                                                                                                                                     

“What Cannot Be Funded” Made Clearer

The previous “What can be funded” section has been removed to reduce confusion
Instead, the policy now focuses on clearly outlining what cannot be funded, including:

• Community groups holding a Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission Venue Operator’s Licence and receiving gambling income 
• Clarification around subsidising fees

Council Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

The updated policy clearly outlines Council’s commitment to:

• Equity
• Diversity
• Accessibility
• Inclusion

These principles guide decision-making across the Community Funding program.

Non-incorporated Grass-roots community groups are eligible to apply for up to $500 per financial year, provided that they are auspiced by an incorparated Community group.  This limit is in place to help manage financial risk and minimise potential liability.

Where a non-incorporated group is auspiced, the incorporated organisation providing the auspice arrangement is financially responsible for the grant funds. If the auspiced group were to dissolve or be unable to complete its project, responsibility for the funds remains with the incorporated body. Limiting funding to $500 per financial year helps ensure any potential liability for the supporting organisation remains minimal. Any associated risks relating to funded assets are borne by Council.

An incorporated community group may apply for up to $5,000 per financial year for its own project. In addition, it may apply for up to $500 per financial year on behalf of a non-incorporated grass-roots group it is auspicing.

This means an incorporated organisation may apply for a total of up to $5,500 per financial year — comprising $5,000 for its own project and an additional $500 for an auspiced group.

All applications are assessed in accordance with the program guidelines and available funding. Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.

Council wants to make sure the grants program:

• Provides clear benefits for the Glenelg Shire community
• Is easy for community organisations to access
• Supports inclusive, welcoming and connected communities

Your feedback will help improve how funding is delivered now and into the future.

• Officers will review all feedback and consider it when preparing policy report for Council
• Council will decide whether to approve any updates to the policy
• If endorsed, the updated policy will be published on Council’s website
• Grant guidelines will be updated as needed to reflect any changes