The BDCU Community Grant Program

Priority Areas for Funding

The grant program will target three current priorities within eligible local government areas:

Health

• Support project based grants that improve health and wellbeing in the regions we operate.
• Support innovative or critical projects that improve the quality of healthcare for the aged.
• Support projects that improve mental health in our region.

Education

• Support education that optimises the educational potential of youth in the regions we operate.
• Provide opportunities for discovery and inspiration for youth in the regions we operate.
• Support projects that provide educational outcomes and/or enhance employability.

Social

• Support projects that improve the lives of people in our communities.
• Support social and affordable housing initiatives.
• Support the provision of food security.

Funding Approach

BDCU seeks to support programs and partnerships with non- profit organisations who deliver projects that enhance economic, social and health/wellbeing outcomes in the communities we operate in. We’re seeking organisations best placed to make a positive impact in the priority areas outlined above – with planned, outcome-focused projects thatbenefit the community in a meaningful and sustainable way.

Organisations will be favourably assessed if they can demonstrate:

• A clear vision for their organisation and project
• A deep understanding of how to achieve the outcome for which they’re seeking funding
• A clearly defined project plan
• A proven track record of delivery and achievement, and
• Passionate and capable leaders.

Grant Application and Assessment Criteria

Grant funding applications and assessment will take place biannually:

• The first round of grant applications are invited from 1 to 30 November 2021.
  • Applications will be assessed in December and January. 
  • Allocations will be announced in late January.
• The second round of grant applications are invited from 1 to 31 May.2022
  • Applications will be assessed in June
  • Allocations will be announced in late July.

Assessment Criteria:

In assessing new grants, the following factors will be looked upon favourably:

Change:

• Alignment–Is the project aligned with BDCU’s Vision, Mission and Purpose?
• Need –Does the project fulfil or enhance a defined need in the community? What metrics will demonstrate this success?
• Social Impact – What is the broader community benefit?

Outcome:

• Growth potential – Does the project have the capacity to grow and build the growth of the applicant to achieve greater outcomes?
• Feasible – Is the project feasible? What are the key milestones needed to achieve success?
• Sustainable – Is the project sustainable? Has a roadmap been designed to achieve stated goals?
• Cost effective – Is the project cost effective?

Collaboration:

• Influence - Is the project co-funded by partners? Is the grant applicant prepared to share learnings from the project that may benefit other organisations in the region?

Governance:

Is the applicant’s organisation well managed with a strategic plan and terms of reference?

Maximum Grant of $10,000

• Due to the significant value of the grants, the greater the grant requested, the greater the level of detail required.
• Organisations requesting a grant must complete the application form and provide all stipulated supporting documentation.
• Grants must comply with the guidelines as detailed on the application form.
• The application must be authorised by a senior office holder of the organization.
• Partnerships are encouraged, however in the case of partnership one eligible organisation is required to be the lead applicant.
• Only one grant application will be accepted for an organisation in the funding round.

Supporting documentation required

Based in the level and complexity of the project where appropiate supporting documentation will be required. 

• Complete application form
• ABN/ACNC or evidence of the organisation’s legal status
  • Not required for government agencies such as schools, RFS etc
• Detailed project plan
• Quotations
  • 2 per item listed in the application
  • BDCU supports local.Applications that indicate use of local trades or suppliers will be viewed favourably, unless the service is not available locally.
• DAs for applications involving capital works
• Evidence of co-funding
  • In-kind support, financial, or volunteering
  • Expectation of approximately 40% co-funded.
• Project approval for applications on land not owned by the organisation
• Current financial statements
• Letters of support – three letters of support from organisations or community benefiting from the application.
• Schools – P&C applications must be endorsed by the Principal.
• Any additional relevant detail – photos, plans etc – the organisation wishes to provide in support of the application.

Funding Process

Eligibility assessment – all applicants will receive an email acknowledging receipt. All applications will be assessed for eligibility. Those who do not meet the eligibility criteria will be advised in writing.

Assessment – applications will be assessed by the BDCU Community Committee. All applicants will be notified of the outcome in writing. BDCU reserves the right to inform the community via the media of the successful applicants of the program.

All successful applicants must agree to a regular reporting program in a format acceptable to both parties. This will include the performance measures to be used to determine the success of the project and the publication of the results of the project. Reports, or a summary of an outcomes report, may also be included in BDCU’s Annual Review, and be made available through the BDCU’s website.

The Assessment Committee

The Assessment Committee is comprised of the following representatives.

This may vary subject to declarations of interest.

• A BDCU Board Member
• A BDCU Executive Representative
• A BDCU Staff Member
• A BDCU Member
• A community representative

Members are by invitation only. Each Member sits for a period of 12 months, or two funding rounds. Where a conflict of interest is identified, that member will stand aside and a new member will be appointed. Final sign off by the CEO.

Grant Pool

If successful applications do not reach the amount in the grant pool the remaining monies will be added to the pool of allocations available for the next round of funding.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible projects need to have targeted impact in the LGAs listed below:

• Goulburn Mulwaree Council
• Wingecarribee Shire Council
• Wollondilly Shire Council
• Yass Valley Shire Council
• Upper Lachlan Council

Eligible organisations:

• Community health services
• Registered charities
• Sporting and recreation groups
• Not For Profit health and wellbeing organisations
• Schools and education providers.

Ineligible organisations and projects:

• Individuals
• For profit organisations
• Services and operations normally the responsibility of government bodies
• Retrospective requests for projects already completed
• Applications for the purpose of fundraising for a secondary beneficiary
• Applications from political organisations
• Running costs of an organisation such as wages, advertising, consulting fees, staff work related expenses etc.
• Applications incongruent with the core values of BDCU Ltd
• Applications received after the funding round has closed.

Disclaimer

Funds are allocated at the discretion of BDCU Limited ACN 087 649 787.

Targeted impact and eligibility criteria are subject to change at any time.

No correspondence regarding the outcomes of the Assessment Committee will be entered into with unsuccessfulapplicants.

BDCU reserves the right to change the format of the program at any time.