Submit Applications for Responsive Grants Program (Australia)

Campaspe Shire Council offers the Responsive Grants Program to support incorporated not-for-profit groups and organisations that need funding at short notice for services, programs, activities, or small equipment that benefit Campaspe Shire residents. Applications are accepted anytime throughout the financial year, until the Council’s funding allocation is exhausted. This opportunity supports local community needs and is administered via SmartyGrants. The Responsive Grants Program is designed to help eligible groups respond to immediate needs with a small grant. Funding is intended to support the provision of a service, program, activity, or minor equipment used by, or for the benefit of, Campaspe Shire residents. Applicants are expected to plan in line with the Council’s funding guidelines, as Council assesses applications for eligibility and fit with Council goals. Not specified in the source: whether there are co-contribution or matching requirements beyond the assessment criterion that applicants demonstrate they are contributing cash or in-kind. Eligible applicants are incorporated not-for-profit organisations and groups that meet the conditions below:

Not specified in the source: whether there are exclusions based on sector beyond the “What will not be funded” criteria.

Responsive Grants can assist with:

These must be used by, or for the benefit of, Campaspe Shire residents. The Council also assesses applications against whether the proposed activity supports one or more of the Council Plan strategic goals and benefits Campaspe Shire residents. If your organisation supports Campaspe Shire residents and you need short-notice funding for a targeted service, program, activity, or minor equipment, this program can help you respond to an immediate need. The grant is designed for situations where timing matters, and the Council’s assessment focuses on urgency, eligibility, budget fit, and alignment with Council strategic goals. Official application link: Apply via SmartyGrants (link not provided in the source text). Deadline: Not specified as a fixed date; applications are open throughout the financial year until the funding allocation is exhausted.

1) What is the maximum amount I can apply for?

You can apply for a grant of up to $1,000.

2) When can I apply for Responsive Grants?

The program is open for applications anytime throughout the financial year, until the funding allocation is exhausted.

3) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are incorporated not-for-profit organisations and groups that are located within the Council area and primarily serve Campaspe Shire residents, or (if outside the area) can demonstrate capacity to provide benefits to residents. Schools must show partnership and have governing board approval.

4) Do I need quotes?

Yes. Quotes must be supplied for all items $500 and above. Applications seeking funding for items or projects $500 and over must include a supporting quote.

5) What types of costs will not be funded?

Funding is not available for salaries that form part of the organisation’s usual responsibility, recurrent operating/day-to-day operations, retrospective projects/initiatives already started or completed, fundraising-priority events, political or religious purposes, and certain travel/prize-related costs, among other exclusions.

6) How will my application be assessed?

Council uses criteria including alignment with Council Plan strategic goals, benefits to Campaspe Shire residents, whether the applicant contributes cash or in-kind, proof of short-notice immediate need, whether the funds can’t be funded under another Council program, quote provision for $500+ items, and budget alignment.

7) What happens after approval?

The funded project must be completed within the agreed timeframe. Council notes that no project variations will be considered, and successful applicants must submit an acquittal report. If you are an incorporated not-for-profit group (or an eligible school partnership) serving Campaspe Shire residents and you have an immediate need, review the official funding guidelines and prepare your application in line with the quote and eligibility requirements. Then submit your application online via SmartyGrants, ensuring you account for the fact that the program remains available only until the funding allocation is exhausted. For more information, visit Campaspe Shire Council.