Information page

Information page

Community Grants Program

Guidelines

Introduction

The Rotary Club of Yass (Yass Rotary) has a proud history of providing grants to support projects and programs that benefit the communities of the Yass Valley local government area. 

Yass Rotary has adopted these guidelines to improve the administration of its community grants program. 

These guidelines also apply to grants using funds from the Glenlothian Trust which are administered in accordance with the Glenlothian Trust Deed.

The aim of the community grants program

The aim of the program is to provide financial support for projects and programs that will benefit the Yass Valley community. 

Who is eligible for a community grant?

Individuals and organisations undertaking a not-for-profit project, program or event that is relevant to the Yass Valley community are eligible for a community grant. This includes school support groups (like a Parents and Citizens Association or similar) and hospital support groups (like a Hospital Auxiliary or similar).

The following are not eligible for a community grant:

  • An individual or organisation that receives most of its funding from another source including Local, State or Commonwealth authority funding.

  • A Local, State or Commonwealth government authority.

  • A school, college or university department or governing body.

  • A private or public company.

When can a community grant be made?

Yass Rotary may approve a community grant at any time during the year either at the request of an eligible individual or organisation or at the suggestion of a member of Yass Rotary. All requests must be accompanied by a Community Grants Application Form (see attachment A) completed by the proposed grant recipient.

How much can be requested?

There is no minimum or maximum amount that can be provided under a community grant, but applicants should be realistic about the level of funding that might be available given Yass Rotary is a small community organisation. Generally, grants over $1,000 will only be made in exceptional circumstances. All grants made by Yass Rotary are GST inclusive.

What types of project, program or event may be the subject of a community grant?

Community grant proposals should be for specific programs or projects that align with Rotary’s mission and ideals, enhance the Yass Valley community and promote fairness, inclusiveness and diversity.  

Projects and programs should align with at least one of Yass Rotary’s areas of focus:

  • Community and Social Development.

  • Environment.

  • Youth Support.

  • Indigenous Support.

  • Literacy Programs.

  • Mental Health.

  • Homelessness.

  • Employment and Training.

  • Family Violence.

  • Older Adult Life Enrichment Programs.

The following proposals will not be eligible for a community grant:

  • Research projects.

  • Grants to medical organisations/facilities other than nursing homes and other aged care facilities.

  • Grants to political organisations and related entities.

  • Reimbursement for projects that have been completed.

  • Funding for recurrent costs or general operations.

  • Fundraising and public relations activities.

  • Purchase of land and buildings.

  • Personal and travel expenses.

  • Multiple unrelated projects under one grant.

What will Yass Rotary consider when deciding whether a proposal should receive a community grant?

Requests for a community grant will be determined by the Board of Yass Rotary. 

The Board will select proposals based on merit and need. It will have regard to:

  • The community benefit from the project or program.

  • The extent to which the project or program aligns with Rotary’s areas of focus.

  • Value for money.

  • The total cost of the project or program and the amount of funds being sought from Yass Rotary.

  • Whether the project or program can proceed if only a proportion of the grant amount is approved.

  • Whether the proposed recipient has received a community grant for a similar project or program in the past.

  • The experience and capacity of the individual or organisation responsible for the proposal to deliver the project or program.

  • If the amount sought is more than $1,000 – the exceptional circumstances for approving the grant.

  • If the grant is to be funded from the Glenlothian Trust – whether the project or program is consistent with the Glenlothian Trust Deed.

Yass Rotary may seek further information from a proposed community grant recipient to help it assess the proposal. In some cases, Yass Rotary may invite the proposed community grant recipient to give a presentation on the proposed project or program at a Board or Club meeting.

How are community grants paid?

Yass Rotary will deposit the amount of the grant by electronic funds transfer into the account nominated by the individual or organisation receiving the grant.

Are there any accountability and acknowledgement requirements?

Individuals and organisations that receive a community grant must:

  • provide written or photographic evidence that the funds have been spent in accordance with the grant proposal and a report on whether the benefits to be achieved by the project or program have been delivered.

  • acknowledge the support provided by Yass Rotary in any publications, social media, signage, promotional material or other mechanisms relating to the project or program.

  • having regard to the nature of the project or program, attend a meeting of Yass Rotary and give a presentation on the delivery and outcomes of the project or program for which the grant was provided.

If you would like to make application for a Yass Rotary Grants, please email yassrotary@gmail.com and we will gladly send you an application form.