Regional All Abilities Participation Grants 2024-25 – Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
About the program
Will there be future grant rounds?
The program will be delivered over 3 years from 2024 to 2027.
Can we apply for less than $25,000?
Yes. You can apply for any amount of funding up to $25,000 per application.
How many applications can we submit?
Organisations can submit up to 2 applications in total, but only one per category.
When submitting 2 applications, the following combinations are eligible:
- Category 1 and 2
- Category 1 and 3
- Category 2 and 3.
What are capital works, and are they eligible for funding?
Capital works are expenses associated with constructing, upgrading, or maintaining infrastructure, facilities, or property. These costs are ineligible under this program.
Examples of ineligible capital works expenses may include:
- building or renovating facilities, such as clubhouses, toilets, or storage sheds
- constructing or upgrading playing surfaces, such as courts, fields, or tracks
- installation of permanent fixtures like lighting, fencing, or ramps
- repairs or maintenance of existing facilities or infrastructure.
Projects must focus on delivering activities, programs, or initiatives rather than investing in physical infrastructure. For clarification about eligible expenses, please refer to the program guidelines or contact us.
How long do we have to complete our project?
Organisations have 12 months from acknowledging the Email of Acceptance to complete projects.
Do I need Child Abuse Insurance for my project?
Child abuse insurance is required if your project will deliver ‘services to children’.
‘Services to children’ means services provided by a non-government organisation that is responsible for the supervision of, or authority over, a child under the age of 18 years on a recurring basis.
This includes providing:
- care
- education
- services or activities.
In this context, services to children does not include one-off activities, nor incidental or ad hoc contact with children.
| Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | Not required | Required Where the grant funds will be directly used to deliver projects or programs to children under the age of 18 years on a recurring basis | Required Where the grant funds will be directly used to deliver projects or programs to children under the age of 18 years on a recurring basis |
| Examples | Not applicable | Recruiting or retaining a person under 18 in a recurring role. | Planning a program to be delivered to under 18s in a recurring format. |
What is a recurring activity?
Recurring activities are activities that are not a singular day or one-off singular day events. Where the grant funds will be directly used to deliver projects or programs to children under the age of 18 years on a ‘recurring basis’. For additional details, please see section 11 of the Program Guidelines (only required for Categories 2 and 3).
Organisation eligibility
We have an overdue report for another project, what do we do?
If you have an overdue report for another Victorian Government grant, please contact the responsible team for assistance. Your key contact person should be listed on the funding agreement for that grant program.
For guidance, please contact us.
How do we check our incorporation status?
You can check your incorporation status on the following websites:
- for incorporated associations, co-operatives or organisations incorporated through other means, go to Consumer Affairs Victoria website.
- for a Company Limited by Guarantee, go to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) website
- for Aboriginal corporations, go to the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations website.
How do we check our Australian Business Number (ABN)?
To check your ABN, visit the Australian Business Register (ABR) website.
What if we don’t have an ABN?
If your organisation does not have an ABN, you must provide a completed 'Statement by supplier not quoting an ABN' form available from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) website.
What is an auspice?
Sport or active recreation organisations that are not registered as an eligible organisation entity, can nominate an auspice organisation to take legal and financial responsibility of the grant on their behalf.
Additional information on auspice arrangements can be found under Section 4.3 of the Program Guidelines.
Can we partner with another organisation for our project?
Yes, partnership applications are allowed and encouraged. This could include, for example, a partnership of 2 eligible organisations or groups of several smaller eligible organisations and groups coming together to deliver an initiative or project.
How do we apply as a partnership?
You must form your partnership prior to starting your application, including establishing which organisation will be responsible for submitting the application and taking financial responsibility if successful. You should also provide letters of support, partnership agreements or endorsements from partnering organisations where relevant.
For more information on partnerships and assessment criteria, refer to the Program Guidelines.
Our organisation is outside of Victoria but is near the border and services many Victorians. Are we eligible to apply?
All organisations must be registered as an eligible entity in Victoria, this includes all cross-border organisations delivering or participating in sport or active recreation in Victoria.
Cross-border organisations submitting applications, must also meet the program eligibility criteria outlined under Section 4 of the Program Guidelines.
We are a Victoria organisation based in Metropolitan Melbourne, can we apply for this grant?
Yes, all eligible organisations can apply. Applications need to demonstrate that all project funding, objectives and outcomes are delivered in regional Victoria, for people with disability who reside in regional Victoria. Prior to submitting their application, applicants that are unsure if proposed projects or costs are eligible, should contact us.
Application process
What supporting documentation needs to be included?
To be considered for funding, applicants must provide project details that fully illustrate the type of project to be undertaken and the associated costs.
Supporting documentation should include:
- Project Plan
- Budget
- Quotes.
You may attach additional supporting documents such letters of support, partnership agreements or endorsements from local organisations or community leaders. Whilst these are not mandatory, they may improve the likelihood of a successful application.
Additional information can be found under section 10 of the program guidelines.
If we begin our application online but can’t finish, can we leave the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) Grants Portal and return at another time to complete the application?
Yes. At the bottom of each page of the application form, click the button ‘Save’. Be sure to go back and complete and submit your application before the closing date.
What happens if we can’t submit our application on time?
The closing date and time for the grants is 11:59 pm Monday 10 February 2025.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. We recommend that you plan ahead and aim to submit your application well ahead of the closing time to avoid technical difficulties.
Can I preview the application questions before starting an application?
Yes. There is an Application Question and Guidance resource. This outlines all application questions, the details required to provide and guidance to apply through the DJSIR Grants Portal.
How can I update details after submitting an application?
Please provide the grant application reference number (format as follows: GA-F1234567-1234), organisation name and the details to be updated and contact us. This can include anything from contact or address information, attachments to upload or requests to withdraw an application.
Application outcomes
How will we be notified?
All organisations will be notified of the outcome of their application via the email address they have supplied as part of their application.
It is important to ensure that a correct and current email address is provided.
Will we get the full amount applied for?
During the assessment process, the department will review each application and may recommend a lower amount based on a number of factors including analysis of the proposed activities, deliverables and project budgets.
Conditions of funding
What reporting will we need to do?
If successful, funded organisations will be required to provide and acquittal reports (end-of project report) on the status of their projects, and a final report and financial acquittal. Online forms for reporting will be made available through the DJSIR Grants Portal.
When will funds be paid?
If successful, payment will be made following the execution of the funding agreement by your organisation. Outcomes are anticipated to be announced in April 2025.