Environmental Sustainability Grants 2013 - 2014 (Mk II) - Acquittals due Feb 2015

Submissions closed at midnight (end of day) 31 March 2015 (AEDT).

Environmental Sustainability grants 2013 - 2014 (Mk II)

Grant Guidelines

Aim

Banyule City Council is keen to encourage community involvement in the achievement of environmental sustainability, particularly through the maintenance and enhancement of the natural environment, the conservation of resources including materials, water and energy, a reduction in waste and pollution and the encouragement of environmental stewardship in the community.  These grants are provided as an incentive to new or established groups to develop initiatives that achieve these aims. 

Purpose

To assist the community with the costs of organising and implementing environmental sustainability projects. 

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be based in Banyule, e.g. community groups or groups of individuals living in Banyule and schools located in Banyule.
  • Groups that have grant acquittal reports outstanding from previous Grants will be ineligible.

 Requirements

  • Projects must be undertaken in Banyule and be of benefit to the local environment and community
  • Applicants MUST have contacted the Environmental Support Officer (Kathleen Petras - 9490 4222 - available Mon,Wed,Fri) to discuss their project prior to submitting their application.
  • Planting projects must use indigenous plants of local provenance. A detailed species list must be provided with the application, or at the least, there must have been consultation with the Biodiversity Education Officer or Bushland Management Team about plant selection.  Detailed descriptions of site conditions, preparation and ongoing maintenance must be included.
  • School planting projects must involve students in the activity and must link the planting to course work on conservation and the environment.  Details on the classes involved and the nature of student involvement, the courses or subjects in which the project is run and the student time involved should be provided.
  • A clear and detailed budget must be provided.  Project timelines to be included if relevant.
  • Successful grant applicants or a representative will be required to attend a grant presentation evening to be held 20 Novemeber 2013 at Ivanhoe Town Hall. 

Assessment Criteria

  • Allocation of grants will be based on need, merit, innovation and benefit to the local community and environment.
  • Some preference will be given to those groups or individuals who have not previously received a grant from Banyule City Council. 

Additional Considerations

Consideration is also given to the following:

  • Perceived ability of the group to undertake the project, e.g. has thought been given to maintenance of plantings, is the project within the skill level of the group?
  • For planting projects, is there a clear understanding of the requirements of indigenous plants, and/or are the species selected appropriate for the site?
  • Projects that are clearly the responsibility of another funding body will not be considered.
  • Applications for projects on private land may be considered, but must fulfil the existing assessment criteria and demonstrate benefit to the wider community, or positive impacts to public land.  Projects for solely private gain will not be considered.
  • The grant acquittal reports from past projects will be considered when evaluating new applications from past grant recipients. 

Priorities (not in order)

  • Protect and enhance our natural environment
  • Conserve drinking water and improve stormwater quality
  • Deliver action on climate change
  • Avoid waste generation
  • Encourage environmental stewardship 

Grant pool

$30,000 (The maximum individual grant of $5,000 would only be provided for an exceptional project).  Average amount per grant $1000 – $1500. 

Grant conditions

  • Banyule City Council must be invoiced by 31 Oct 2013
  • Allocated funds may only be used for the purposes outlined in the agreement, unless consent is given by the Environmental Officer for variations.
  • All projects must recognise Banyule City Council as a funding source on all project material and publicity, and include the Banyule City Council logo (where appropriate).
  • A project acquittal (evaluation) report must be submitted at the conclusion of the project and no later than 30 Feb 2015.  This report should be submitted using an online form which will become available in the event that your project is chosen for funding at: https://banyule.smartygrants.com.au/EnvSustainabilityGrants-2013-14(MkII)
  • This link will also be available on the Banyule City Council website http:/www.banyule.vic.gov.au. You will be required to detail the project outcomes and document how the grant funds were spent.  Please keep all documents necessary to verify how the grant funds were spent, including all receipts, which must be submitted with your report. Photos of the finished project are greatly appreciated.
  • Funds not expended must be returned to Council.
  • Council Officers may inspect the project when completed to evaluate outcomes. 

Selection process

Applications that are incomplete or received after the closing date of 26 August 2013 will not be considered for funding. 

All applications will be reviewed by Council Officers and members of Banyule Council’s Environment Advisory Committee (BEAC), a community group established to advise Council on environmental issues. The Council will then decide the allocation of the grants based on the recommendations of Council Officers and BEAC.  All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application. 

 

If you require further information, please phone Kathleen Petras, Environmental Support Officer on 9490 4222 or email kathleen.petras@banyule.vic.gov.au available Monday, Wednesday and Friday.