1. Introduction

The Inclusion and Participation Division of the ACT Community Services Directorate (CSD) is pleased to announce the availability of the 2021-22 Community Support and Infrastructure Grant (CSIG) Program.

2. Aim and Purpose

This Program aims to support community groups and organisations to deliver their programs and services effectively and efficiently for the benefit of members of the ACT community through the following three (3) grant categories:

1. community support and capacity building;
2. non-fixed infrastructure and equipment; and
3. minor capital works and fixed infrastructure.

Organisations may apply for projects that encompass one (1) or more categories in a single application. Organisations may only submit one (1) project application in this round.

For further information on the categories, please refer to Item 6 of the Guidelines.

3. Priority Areas

3.1 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Priority Area
As part of the ACT Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, projects, activities or initiatives which contribute to closing the gap on disadvantage between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other Canberrans will be viewed favourably.

As outlined in the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement the ACT Government and community partners are committed to self-determination as the guiding principle in the delivery of programs and services and are working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to address matters that are important to them.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander controlled organisations are encouraged to apply.

3.2 ACT Health and Wellbeing Priority Area
Projects and initiatives must demonstrate how they address any of the ACT Health and Wellbeing FrameworkExternal Link outcomes.

3.3 COVID-19 Priority Area
COVID-19 is now part of our lives. Applications must address the measures to be taken that in the implementation of the proposed projects and initiatives.

Areas of the community that have been heavily impacted by COVID-19, and have not received previous funding to improve support services or infrastructure will be prioritised. This may include, but is not limited to, community councils and neighbourhood groups and organisations, special interest groups, faith based organisations, and small groups and organisations providing support to vulnerable people in the community.

4. Available Funding
The total funding available under this Program is $200,000.00 (GST exclusive).

4.1: The maximum non‑recurrent total grant that can be applied for in all three categories is $10,000.00 (GST exclusive).

4.2: A community in-kind or financial contribution of minimum 15% is required for projects and programs with a total value of more than $4,000.00. Please show the contribution in the budget section of the application.

4.3: Successful Recipients will have 12 months to expend the funding from the time of accepting the grant.

5. Eligibility Requirements
5.1 Organisation Eligibility Requirements
Only organisations which meet the following organisational eligibility requirements may apply:

be a registered not-for-profit or a charitable organisation;
be an incorporated entity or supported by an incorporated auspicing organisation as detailed in 5.3 and 5.4; and
have no overdue acquittal or reporting obligations for any previous Community Services Directorate grant, including evaluations, acquittal reports and audited financial statements. All outstanding acquittals must be submitted and have been accepted prior to submitting an application.
Note: Individuals, profit making groups, government entities and registered political parties are not eligible to apply.

5.2 Project Eligibility Requirements
Eligible organisations can only apply once in the 2021-22 round. Eligible projects must meet the aim of the Program by:

1. providing a service/program which will be located primarily in the ACT and primarily for the benefit of ACT residents; and/or;
2. purchasing non-fixed or fixed infrastructure/capital works to be used solely in the ACT and primarily for the benefit of ACT residents, noting that:

• Applications for non‑fixed infrastructure and equipment must include at least one (1) quote for the proposed purchase. Quotes may take the form of catalogue price lists or similar and may be scanned and uploaded as part of the application.
• Applications for minor capital works must:

1. demonstrate matched funding on a dollar for dollar basis;
2. include at least one (1) quote for the proposed works; and
3. have all relevant planning and building permissions. This is critical where community organisations lease ACT Government properties which may be subject to existing repairs and maintenance or minor capital works programs.

Note: A lack of clarification and supporting evidence may deem your application ineligible.