Christmas grants for vulnerable residents

Christmas is a time that heightens feelings of isolation and hardship for some in our community. We are offering $15,000 to support local no- for-profit groups to provide a Christmas celebration to support these residents.

The maximum funding available is $3,000. However, requests for larger grants will be considered if the event is available to a large number of people.

Read the full guidelines(PDF, 320KB).

Key dates

  • 17 October 2022: applications open
  • 8 November 2022: applications close
  • Mid-November: assessment and notices
  • Events must occur in December 2022

Eligibility

Funding can only be used to pay for carers and staff who will attend your event in support of vulnerable community member participation.

Proposed projects can include, but are not limited to:

  • social gatherings
  • concerts or entertainment events
  • group meals either in restaurant or on site at a venue located (of your choice) in Banyule.

For your event, it:

  • must be held in December 2022
  • is preferred to be in the week leading up to Christmas or for events on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
  • must take place within Banyule Council
  • cannot be at a venue that supports gambling.

Funding cannot be used to purchase alcohol.

What we will not fund

  • Individuals
  • Groups who undertake or promote gambling.
  • Political organisations
  • Groups seeking funding that has already been provided by another source.
  • Groups seeking to hold end of year celebrations for volunteers or staff.
  • Groups seeking support or assistance from Councillors in their application.
  • Groups with outstanding grant acquittals.
  • Groups with outstanding debt to Council and groups operating with a deficit.

Application

To apply:

  • read the guidelines and apply only if eligible
  • include a clear budget showing all aspects of the event that you are seeking funding for
  • complete an application form online.

Applicants are encouraged to seek quotes or estimates of cost in support of their application.

Auspicing

Non-incorporated groups will require the support of an incorporated association to auspice their grant. If your application is going to be auspiced by another organisation, you must provide all insurance, incorporation and ABN information of the auspicing group as well as a letter from the auspice organisation on letterhead stating their support.

Assessment

Our grants have a conflict of interest declaration that all parties involved in the assessment process must complete. This ensures that any interests are declared prior to assessment.

As grants are a competitive process, not all applications will necessarily be funded even if they are eligible.

If the total request for funding exceeds the available grant pool, priority for funding may be given to applicants that did not receive Christmas grant funding in the 2021-2022 financial year.

In some cases, applicants may also be offered partial funding to run a reduced or modified event.

Grant agreement

Successful grant applicants will be required to sign a grant agreement that sets out conditions of the grant.

Acquittal

You will be required to submit expense receipts to acquit your grant. Receipts must list items purchased, detailing cost per item, and total cost. All receipts should reflect the expenses approved in our letter of offer.

Failure to acquit the grant satisfactorily may result in requests for grant money to be returned to us, and exclude the group from future grant rounds.

Need help? Contact Karen Molinaro on 9457 9955.