2024/2025 Medium Community Grants -Environment & Sustainability

1. Before applying, please read the 2024/2025 Darebin Community Grants Program's Information & Guidelines available at: Darebin Community Grants Program 

2.This form is for applications for Environment & Sustainability. The maximum amount available for this grant is $15,000

*Applicants applying for $7,000 or more are required to submit a detailed Project Plan.

3. Individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant. Only  incorporated not-for-profit groups and organisations can apply.

4. The main aim of this program is to support projects and activities that:

• Are consistent with the aims of the 2021-2025  Council Plan.
• Address local priorities through new, innovative and creative approaches.
• Have direct or indirect benefits for Darebin residents.
• Promote active participation of Darebin residents, especially those who have been identified as 'at risk' of exclusion such as people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, women, young people, older adults, Aboriginal and/or  Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, Darebin residents on low incomes or experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, recently arrived migrants, refugees, and people seeking asylum, LGBTIQA+ people
• Promote and engage residents in proposals that address climate change and/or the circular economy
• Regenerate, enhance and protect natural ecosystems, waterways and biodiversity
• Build new and/or enhance inter-generational and intercultural partnerships and collaborations between diverse communities.

5. How the application will be assessed:

Council assesses each application on its merits. Eligible applications will be assessed using the questions and criteria listed below. The percentage weightings are provided as a guide to the importance of each question in the assessment process:

Community need (20%)

• Does the application support the priority areas?
• What evidence is there to support the need?
• Does the project address the community/ environmental needs?
• Has the application appropriately engaged with the local community?

Community benefit (25%)

• Does the proposal identify the expected outputs and outcomes?
• Is there a clear link between the community need, the community outcomes and the activities that will be delivered?
• Does the application address environmental sustainability?

Environmental benefit (30%)

• Does the proposal identify the expected outputs and outcomes?
• Is there a clear link between the need, the outcomes and the activities that will be delivered?

 Organisational capacity and planning (25%)

• Is the application well planned and achievable within the time-frame?
• Does the application include clear evaluation processes and methods?
• Does the budget accurately reflect the scope and scale of the application?

6. Each year, we receive an increasing number of applications and Council is unable to fund 100% of all projects. As such, applications might be awarded an amount which is less than the amount requested (please refer to the Financial Information section of this application form).

7. Only one Medium Grant application per organisation is accepted. Eligible applicants may also apply for the venue hire support grant (refer to the 2024/2025 Community Grants Guidelines)

PLEASE NOTE:

Council requests that in the design of your project plan and in advance of submitting your application for Environment & Sustainability projects, please contact and discuss your project with either of these departments no later than May 17, 2024

• Open space activities; please consult with the Parks and Open Space team to discuss your plan and ensure it is suitable for Council Land and it is aligned with Council's Open Space Strategy. Please email: darebinparks@darebin.vic.gov.au for advice and to make a consultation time.

• Climate change and circular economy; please consult the Climate Emergency and Sustainable Transport team to discuss your plan and ensure it is aligned with the Council Plan, Climate Emergency Plan and Waste Strategy. Please email climateemergency@darebin.vic.gov.au for advice and to make a consultation time.

Closing date for applications is Friday  31 May 2024 at 11.59 pm (end of day). Late applications cannot be accepted.