Small Business
Issue No. 36 - August/September 2007
Quick start guide to grant applications
Since it was started in 2003, the Federal Government's Regional Partnerships program has allocated more than $268 million for over 1240 projects and has almost $270 million available for funding of more projects under the Regional Partnerships program until 2009-2010.
Federal, State and Local Governments, together with Trusts, Foundations and non-government groups, provide millions of dollars to community groups, industry and business to address environmental issues every year. Naturally, there are systems and processes in place of how grants operate and funding allocated.
This is a 'quick start' guide to applying for grants but of course cannot and does not guarantee a successful grant outcome.
Do you have a problem or issue that needs to be addressed - What is the problem?
Identify and clarify issues or needs of the community, region or industry
•Clearly articulating the rationale - or need - for your project is a critical success factor
•You must demonstrate that a relevant, compelling problem or need exists that your project will alleviate - or support other efforts to do so
•Consult with other groups already involved:
•your Local Council
•your Area Consultative Committee (AMACC)
•a Progress Association or other economic development group
•a Chamber of Commerce or other business groups
•Once you know the need is 'real' you can begin to research how you can develop your project to meet it
•Find out what other people feel about your project - work with them rather than for them - they need to own the project
•Understand how your project fits with the regional and other priorities of other local organisations
•Understand how your project will be self-sustaining
•Research is good for validation and implementation
•Examine projects of a similar nature to find out what works and what doesn't
•Identify who nee...
