Groundwork Sustainability Small Grants

What are Groundwork Sustainability Small Grants?

Each year Council offers $12,000 of grants for projects that contribute to sustainability in the Marrickville local government area.

The objectives of the grants are to:

The grants are offered each year, opening around April.  Most grants approved are for $500 or less, with two grants offered annually of up to $4000.

How do I apply?

Applications can be made online from 9am, Wednesday 1 May at http://marrickville.smartygrants.com.au/sustainability2013. Applications must be received by 5pm, Wednesday 29 May.

If you have any questions about your application please email sustainability@marrickville.nsw.gov.au or call 9335 2197. 

How do I know if I'm eligible?

Applicants must:

  • be over 18 years of age;
  • be a resident of the Marrickville LGA OR non-residents offering a program of demonstrable and significant benefit to the local community;
  • apply for a specific project and not consider a grant as a permanent source of future funding.  Grants are not awarded to cover a short fall in administrative costs;
  • not be a political party; and
  • submit only one application per grant round.

How are applications assessed?

All applications are assessed against the following criteria:

  • how well the application meets the objectives and criteria for the grant;
  • the capacity of the individual, group or organisation to deliver a well planned project, including the degree of measurable outcomes from the project;
  • submission of a realistic budget;
  • benefits to environmental sustainability for the Marrickville community;
  • previous assistance received by Council including grants and in-kind support in recent years;
  • the merit of the application in comparison to the other applications.
  • being reportable within 12 months.

How are grants awarded?

Applications will be accessed by Council staff along with an independent panel member.

When will I know if I've been successful?

Following the closing date for applications, applications will be considered by relevant staff against the eligibility and assessment criteria.

Applications which meet the eligibility and assessment criteria will be considered by a selection panel comprised of Council staff and an independent panel member.

Successful applicants will be notified by email or phone within 6 weeks of the closing date.

Successful applicants will then be sent a letter confirming the conditions for accepting the grant. Once the applicant / organisation has read and signed the letter confirming they will abide by the grant conditions, a cheque for the full amount of the grant will be sent to the organisation or group.

Conditions for Approval

Council advises that:

  • the awarding of a grant does not imply the provision of any additional resources or funding for that project or associated activities from Council;
  • applications for the purchase of significant items (over $1,000) must include copies of two quotes;
  • applicants who have received funds in previous years will only be eligible to apply for assistance in the current year if all accountability and evaluation procedures have been satisfied;
  • applicants may not vary the purpose of the grant for which they have been funded without receiving written approval from Council;
  • applicants signing the letter outlining the conditions for acceptance of the grant, must be an authorised representative of the group or organisation nominated in the application.

Accountability Requirements

Successful applicants will be required to undertake the following activities:

  • sign a form accepting the conditions of the grant;
  • complete an evaluation report for Council within one month of the project being completed using the evaluation form provided by Council;
  • provide a financial break down of how the grant money was spent, including receipts;
  • all promotional materials must acknowledge Council's support through text or logo placement. 

Failure to comply with these requirements will mean the funded organisation or individual will not be eligible for grants in the future.

Want to know more?

Want to apply for a grant but not sure how to or whether your project meets the above criteria? Come along to one of the Community Grants information sessions being held at the Petersham Administration Building (2 Fisher Street, Petersham) on Monday 6 May (6pm-7.30pm) and Tuesday 7 May (1pm-2.30pm).

If you believe your project will meet the above criteria, or if you would like to discuss your ideas further, please contact the Community Sustainability Coordinator sustainability@marrickville.nsw.gov.au or 9335 2222.