Sourcing of grants
Grants
Government
Charitable trusts and foundations
Corporate foundations
Where to find grants
Preparing grant applications
Successfully attracting grants
Grants
Grants are funds received from statutory, voluntary or philanthropic agencies. Grants are usually given by such agencies in order to pursue their own objectives and strategies (eg government policy, community development, meeting the needs of youth). Therefore, the chances of obtaining a grant often depends on how a Clubs project fits into the overall philosophy and specific criteria and conditions established by the grant agency.
In most cases, demand for grant monies exceeds supply, so it is advisable to hold discussions with a representative of the grant agency so that the agencys priorities and conditions are known and understood prior to applying.
A number of different grant sources are relevant to Rugby Clubs. The most common grant agencies include government, charitable trusts and foundations, and corporate foundations.
Government
Sport and recreation related projects can be funded at the local, state and Commonwealth levels. Local government may help groups at club level while state government grants and subsidies are available for local and state sport and recreation organisations. Grant programs vary considerably between states and organisations should contact their state sport and recreation department for information. National sport and recreation bodies may apply to relevant federal departments or the Australian Sports Commission for assistance. Organisations should contact the appropriate federal and state and local government agencies, to establish whether support for their proposal is likely.
One factor to consider with government grants is that they often require a matching contributions from the organisation receiving the grant (eg for a $20,000 grant the organisation may have to commit $40,000 to a project).
There are a variety of areas in which sport and recreation organisations may receive assistance via government funded grants. They include:
Although government is a significant contributor of grants to sport and recreation organisations, there are also other sources.
Charitable trusts and foundations
Most charitable trusts and foundations also provide financial assistance but only to those Clubs that can offer the trust or foundation a tax deduction and which help disadvantaged groups (eg Clubs for people with a disability).
Australian Sports Foundation (ASF)
The Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) is a non-profit organisation set up by the Federal government to assist not-for-profit groups raise money for eligible sports projects. The ASF is listed in the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, which enables donations to be tax deductible under certain conditions.
The ASF assists not-for-profit sporting and community organisations, schools and local Councils to raise money for sports projects including:
- Facility development or refurbishment
- Facility feasibility studies
- Sports development, ie specialised coaching or clinics
- Team travel
- Sports equipment
- Hosting major sports events
Any not-for-profit sporting or community organisation, school or Council can apply to register a project provided it meets ASF criteria.
Click here for further information on the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF).
Corporate foundations
Some corporations like BHP, AMP, Sony and Westfield have established foundations that provide grants for particular causes. These foundations cannot be used to promote the business interests of the specific corporation, nor can they seek sponsorship benefits like signage or naming rights. Benefits to the corporations are public recognition that in turn helps build their reputations in the community. Information about major companies is easily available through websites, business magazines, journals and newspaper articles. Annual company reports also provide information about the nature and extent of a companies involvement in this area of activity.
Grants may be needed for:
Minor upgrade to Clubrooms, pavilions
Playing surface upgrade
New Scoreboard
Small floodlighting project
Storage facilities
Construction of, or upgrade to, shade shelters
Where to find grants
Click here to visit the Federal Parliamentary Library which provides a guide to community grants, including Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments, non-government and commercial services.
Click here for further web links on Facilities Funding provided by the ASC.
Click here to visit Our Community which provides subscription (at reduced costs for not-for-profit groups) to the Easy Grants newsletter detailing all federal and state government and philanthropic and corporate grants programs available to community groups.
Preparing grant applications
Whichever type of granting agency is targeted, grants almost always require an application to be made. From an overall perspective, grant applications usually have to demonstrate that the project in question is feasible and meets the appropriate policy goals or priorities of the particular grant agency.
Preparing grant applications is an exacting and time-consuming process. However, a well-prepared and well-written application, that is clear about its objectives, budget and processes, will help considerably in winning grants from government, trusts and corporations.
Good grant applications take planning, time and considerable effort. It is rare that applications put together in a last minute panic are successful. Furthermore, in the past few years, expectations about the quality of presentations and the sophistication of grant applications have gradually increased.
After developing the project concept and identifying suitable granting agencies, the grant application should be initiated. Try, where at all possible, to include all information requested in the application. Although specific criteria may vary with each grant scheme, most grant applications require similar types of information that include:
Contact information
The program/project description
A brief description of the Rugby Club
The program / project budget
The amount of assistance requested
All other sources of funding for the project
How the Club meets the grant criteria
A guarantee that the program will proceed and monies received will be spent on the purpose for which the money was given
Copies of the latest annual report and a copy of the audited financial statements
Show the benefits to the wider community
Include all material requested
Successfully attracting grants
Clubs that are successful in attracting grants usually:
- Prepare a yearly calendar of closing dates for all funding sources
- Request application forms well before the closing date
- Prepare the application in advance
- Pay careful attention to the details required and presentation of application
- Clearly outline the goals and objectives of the project
- Describe why the project is needed and support this with facts and figures
- Detail the methods used to conduct the project
- Indicate the expected outcomes of the project
- Consult advisory officers
- Submit applications before the closing date
To improve your Clubs chances of obtaining a grant:
- Be clear about the type of project you want to undertake
- Establish community needs
- Identify appropriate source of funding
- Talk to the funding agency for advice about their requirements
- Find out what the program target is
- Talk to other agencies about your project such as peak bodies and other service providers
- Canvas local political support
- Be aware of, and adhere to, application deadlines
- Be realistic with project costings and note your contribution to the project e.g. Volunteers, administrative support etc
- Check to ensure your application has been received
- Research past grants given and establish what style of project they are most likely to back
- Keep it simple
- Show the project will be sustainable and have long usage
- Align your values to the grant makers values: show your project helps achieve their aims
- Show Passion: sell the project with great expression
Acknowledgements
Reproduced with permission from the Australian Sports Commission.
