Vicdeaf - Vicdeaf Community Grants Fund
Vicdeaf Community Grants Fund
Overview:
The Vicdeaf Community Grants Fund was established in July 2007 in order to provide one-off grants and funding assistance to support Deaf and hard of hearing people achieve or contribute to any one of the following priority areas:
- Leadership
- Business Development
- Health & Well Being
- Art & Culture
- International Development
- Support to empower people to tell their stories through media for the benefit of the deaf community and to build understanding in the broader community
Projects will contribute to the individual’s positive growth and personal development and provide inspiration for other deaf people to achieve and show leadership.
Who can apply to the Fund?
Deaf and hard of hearing people living in Victoria are able to apply.
Recognised Deaf clubs and groups are also able to apply.
What can the funding be used for?
The Vicdeaf Community Grants Fund Advisory Committee will consider any project that fits within one of the priority areas.
Examples may include:
- Participation in a recognised community leadership training program
- Access to business mentoring and development or seed funding to establish a new business venture
- Production of health education materials
- Sponsorship for Deaf athletes
- Development of an arts project – visual, performing, film, multimedia, etc.
- Project to provide innovative support to Deaf communities in the developing world
How much funding is available?
Actual distributions will depend on the number and scope of applications. It is anticipated that most applications will be up to a maximum of $5,000 however the Vicdeaf Community Grants Fund Advisory Committee may vary this according to demand and merit of received applications.
Frequency of Grants
Grants are awarded at different stages - please check this site regularly for updates.
An applicant may only apply for one grant in one category within the grant period. Applicants must fully complete their project before being eligible to apply for a further grant.
All funded projects are to be completed within a 12 month timeframe. Requests for an extension may be considered under certain circumstances. Any request for an extension must be made in writing and no guarantee of extension is offered.
Funds will be reimbursed upon presentation of relevant receipts/tax invoices and/or claim form, or at the discretion of the Vicdeaf Community Grants Fund Advisory Committee.
How do I apply to the Fund?
- Complete the Vicdeaf Community Grants Fund Application Form - see www.vicdeaf.com.au or call Ph: (03) 9473 1111; TTY: (03) 9473 1199) and;
post to: Melissa Lowrie
Level 4, 340 Albert Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002
or email: mlowrie@vicdeaf.com.au
- Provide a budget and estimated expenses report
- Provide details of (two) 2 referees who can support your application
- Participate in an interview with the Vicdeaf Community Grants Fund Advisory Committee
How will the Community Grants Fund be judged?
All applications will be assessed by a panel consisting of members and/or seconded members of the Community Grants Fund Advisory Committee. They will be assessed on the criteria and objects detailed above and in addition:
Special circumstances as determined by the panel from time to time.
What are your responsibilities/obligations if you are successful?
Successful applicants will be required to complete a Terms of Agreement with the Victorian Deaf Society. This Agreement will outline the relevant reporting requirements and timelines for the project, but the following is a guide:-
If you are successful as a Community Grants Fund applicant you may need to:
- Submit a brief six monthly project update (where applicable)
- Provide photos that can be used to promote the fund (where applicable)
- Submit a final project report (where applicable)
- Consent to having your program profiled by Vicdeaf (media, internet, reports etc.)
* The Victorian Deaf Society reserves the right to award the grant in full or using progress payments depending on the project and size of the grant amount.
* Priority will be given to new applicants.
* The Vicdeaf Community Grants Fund Advisory Committee reserves the right to not award any grants in any particular year or funding period if applications are not in accordance with the guidelines or for any other reason so deemed by the Committee as deemed appropriate.
* The Vicdeaf Community Grants Fund Advisory Committee reserves the right to vary or change the funding application guidelines from time to time. No correspondence will be entered into in regard to decisions made by the Committee.