These closed competitive grants are part of a $9.1 million assistance package for non-government organisations (NGOs) from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments to support NSW communities affected by the floods that commenced in August-September 2022. This $1.1 million stream is available to Department of Communities and Justice service providers by invitation only.
Key information
- Status: Closed
- Grant amount: From $50,000 to $100,000
- Application opened: 25 July 2023
- Application closed: 8 September 2023, 5:00 pm
Program objective
The program is designed to embed social cohesion, support community-led social recovery and respond to community feedback about local decision making. All funding is directed to NGOs serving the 4 highly impacted NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Districts of Western, Murrumbidgee, Far West and New England.
This closed competitive grant stream complements the $6.5 million in open competitive grants available to all NGOs affected by the floods that provide services to individuals and families in the 4 DCJ districts.
For the $6.5 million open stream, refer to NGO Flood Recovery Program – open competitive grants.
This program is administered by Department of Communities and Justice.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants were assessed by DCJ and directly invited to submit a grant application.
Who can apply
DCJ has directly invited service providers to apply based on the following eligibility criteria:
- has an active contract with DCJ that includes annual funding to deliver services
- operates in 1 of the following 4 DCJ Districts: Western, Murrumbidgee, Far West and New England (more information and maps)
- operates in 1 or more of the local government areas (LGAs) subject to a disaster declaration under AGRN 1030 or 1034 (more information and lists of LGAs)
- has an Out of Home Care contract, Permanency Support Program contract or a contract to deliver direct client/community supports to individuals, families, and communities that reside in one or more of the local government areas (LGAs) subject to a disaster declaration under AGRN 1030 or 1034
- is an NGO (local councils and other government agencies are excluded)
- has capability and capacity to provide assistance immediately
- is able to use the funds flexibly to support recovery over the next 12 months
- can work in collaboration with other local providers, government agencies and the NSW Reconstruction Authority
- can work closely with local Aboriginal communities
- provides complementary coverage with other closed competitive grant applicants across the Western, Murrumbidgee, Far West and New England DCJ Districts.
Who can’t apply
If your organisation did not receive written advice inviting your application, you are ineligible for this grant.
Types of projects funded under this grant
The closed competitive grant funds can be used flexibly by DCJ service providers in the following four DCJ Districts: Western, Murrumbidgee, Far West and New England to support their existing client groups throughout the recovery period and to adapt that support as needs change.
This support to individuals and families residing in the LGAs listed above, to assist them in getting back on their feet, could include:
- staffing costs to meet increased demand for support
- reimbursement of expenses incurred since August-September 2022 that were directly related to the floods (up to 25% of the total grant provided)
- operational costs to deliver critical service delivery, for example vehicle hire and overheads directly related to service delivery
- service delivery minor expenses up to $1000 per individual, such as:
- purchasing food and personal care items not available through other means
- ensuring people remain safe and have access to supports.
What can’t you apply for
Funds cannot be used for:
- expenses that are already covered by other government grants, including the Disaster Recovery Small Business Grants, or insurance payments, such as replacement of items lost or damaged in the floods
- temporary accommodation arrangements for the applicant organisation
- infrastructure (capital works), equipment and other assets, including the purchase of vehicles
- commercial activities
- existing debts or budget deficits incurred prior to the floods that commenced in August-September 2022
- costs not related to service delivery
- support services provided to individuals or communities that do not live in the eligible LGAs (AGRN 1030 and 1034)
- interstate or overseas travel
- vouchers, for example phone, store or internet credit.
Most recent recipients
What your application needs to include
Review the NGO Flood Recovery Program Closed Competitive Grants – Program Guidelines (PDF 206.73KB).
More information is available on the Department of Communities and Justice website.
Prepare your application with this checklist
- organisation name
- ABN
- banking details
- 2 authorised signatory details
- PLI insurance minimum $10 million and provide a certificate of currency.
Agreement and confirmation
Invited providers will need to agree and confirm they are able to meet the requirements specified in the Program Guidelines and in the Grant Funding Agreement.
Address the eligibility criteria
You must demonstrate:
- there is an increased demand for your services
- you have the capacity to meet the increased demand for your services
- you have the capability to deliver high quality, flexible and sustainable services
- an ability to understand and respond to the changing needs of local communities
- you are able to fully expend the grant by September 2024.
Start the application
All eligible organisations will be sent an invitation to apply for a grant, including a SmartyGrants website link.
Applications close at 5pm on Friday 8 September 2023.
Note: late applications will not be accepted.
After the application is submitted
Applications will be assessed and applicants will be notified of the outcome by the end of September -early October 2023.
Support and contact
There will be online information sessions to support eligible organisations with their applications and to answer any questions. You can find more information on these sessions was in your invitation email.
Further information
Visit: Flood recovery program on the DCJ site
Contact: SPCGrantsTeam@facs.nsw.gov.au