Community grants

• Eligibility criteria for both grants

  • Applicants must be a community-serving, not-for-profit organisation, that is either:
    1. registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC); or
    2. a community service organisation exempt from paying income tax under the Income Tas Assessment Act 1997 (Cth).

  • Organisations or the proposed project must be based in Tasmania.

  • For the innovation grants, organisations must be able to demonstrate that COVID-19 has negatively impacted its services and how the funding will mitigate this.

  • For the community grants, there must be a defined project that will create a positive outcome for the community.

   

   

  Ineligible applications include:

  • Projects where there is a direct benefit to a business or an individual.
  • Projects that benefit a political party.
  • Applications from a commercial or for-profit organisation.
  • Fundraising campaigns, prizes or gifts.
  • Strategic, business or communication plans or feasibility studies or any other study that does not result in a direct outcome to the community.
  • Applications to cover expenses that were incurred prior to the COVID-19 restrictions (March 2020).

  
  

• Selection criteria

  We want to support projects that address a defined need and will have an ongoing positive impact in the wider community.

   

  To be considered for either grant, applicants must demonstrate that:

  • The organisation or the proposed project contribute to positive outcomes in the community and has broad support.
  • The work has good prospects of successful implementation and long-term costs and maintenance have been planned for.
  • Any risks associated with the work have been considered.
  • The organisation or the project does not conflict with Hydro Tasmania's values, ethics and safety culture.

   

  To demonstrate that there is a need and that the work will be successful, the application must provide:

  • Innovation grants - details on how the funding will enable the organisation to adapt to changes from COVID-19 and improve its service to the community.
  • Community grants - a description of the positive outcome this project is seeking to achieve.
  • Either grant - the applicant must explain the objectives, time frame, budget and that success is within the organisation's capacity and expertise.

   

  Applications must be willing to provide, for use by Hydro Tasmania, information and photographs that demonstrate the outcomes from the grant.

   

  All successful applications will be required to sign a Funding Agreement which Hydro Tasmania will provide.

   

  
  

• Handy hints

  • Demonstrate value for money.
  • Show a clear need in the community.
  • Provide evidence of community support.
  • Provide a clear explanation of the objectives.
  • Show that risks have been considered.
  • Contain clear, evidence-based details of the number of people who will benefit.
  • Demonstrate capacity required to complete the work successfully.
  • Make sure the application can be understood by the average person, that is, avoid jargon and write acronyms in full in the first instance.
  • Consider maintenance and costs on an ongoing basis.
  • Provide all relevant details in the body of the application. A large number of applications may be received and it is unrealistic to expect that website links or references will be reviewed.
  • Letters of support are a good way to demonstrate community need and support. These letters should be obtained from outside the applicant organisation.
  • It is unlikely that applications will be successful that appear unrealistic in terms of outcome, time frame, budget or the capacity of the organisation.

  
  

• Terms and conditions

  • Submission of an application is deemed to be acceptance of these conditions.
  • Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria specified for the relevant grant.
  • Applications must be submitted on the application form provided.
  • Applications open Monday 8 February 2021 and close at 5pm Friday 26 March 2021. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by the 30 June 2021. Late applications will not be accepted.
  • Satisfaction of the eligibility criteria and compliance with the application process does not guarantee the provision of a grant to any applicant.
  • Hydro Tasmania reserves the right in its absolute discretion to choose the successful applicants. Hydro Tasmania’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
  • Hydro Tasmania may choose to award grants in full, or only in part, to any successful applicant.
  • It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all the information they include in their application is correct.
  • If information included in the applicant’s application is found to be incorrect, Hydro Tasmania may request the grant be returned in full.
  • The grant must be used for the purpose for which it has been provided. If an organisation is unable to fulfil this requirement, the funds must be returned in full to Hydro Tasmania.
  • A report and photographs about the work must be provided to Hydro Tasmania within 12 months of the receipt of the grant. Applicant’s consent to Hydro Tasmania’s use of these photographs in accordance with these terms.
  • Approval of a grant does not commit Hydro Tasmania to any future financial assistance to the organisation.
  • The applicant remains responsible for ensuring all parties involved in the application for and administering the grant, such as a sponsor, abide by the terms and conditions of the grant.
  • Successful applicants must sign a Funding Agreement and provide Hydro Tasmania with a tax invoice.
  • Hydro Tasmania shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever which is suffered (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss) or for any personal injury suffered or sustained in connection with funded projects.
  • Hydro Tasmania accepts no responsibility for any tax implications that may arise from the successful application.
  • Once a grant has been awarded, any shortfall required for the completion of the project will have to be arranged by the applicant without Hydro Tasmania.
  • Hydro Tasmania collects and discloses applicants’ personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy, and in this case, collects such information in order to conduct and administer the grant program. If the information requested is not provided, the applicant may not participate in the program.
  • Hydro Tasmania may use information applicants submit to Hydro Tasmania in their application or upon successful completion of their project for any media, promotion, marketing and/or publicity purposes. By submitting an application, applicants consent to this and acknowledge Hydro Tasmania will not provide further reference, payment or other compensation to the applicant.

  
  

• Previous grants awarded

  
  

  2020 Community Grant Program

  For the fourth year of our community grant program, we received 69 applications. The projects selected for the 2020 community grants were:

  Project	Organisation	Purpose
  Recycling and reusing education program	Resource Work Cooperative	Creative approaches to managing waste will be promoted by the Resource Work Cooperative, which operates the beloved South Hobart Tip Shop. Their education centre will develop materials on the benefits of recycling and minimising waste, along with workshops and tours that will explore practical 'upcycling', creative re-use and even turning trash into art.
  Suicide prevention training	Kentish Regional Clinic	Funding for the Kentish Regional Clinic will provide free suicide prevention training in schools, using the Tasmanian-developed Community Response to Eliminating Suicide (CORES) program. Their focus is on students aged 15 - 17 years, for who suicide is a leading cause of death, together with their teachers, parents and carers, and those who work with youth.
  Modernisation of equipment and facilities	Derwent Valley SES	There are few organisations more relied on by the community than the State Emergency Service (SES). This grant will allow the Derwent Valley SES to update their equipment and facilities, enabling them to retain more members and to respond more effectively when they're needed the most.
  Derwent Valley Autumn Festival Wood Chopping Carnival 2021	Southern Tasmanian Axemen's Association	The sport of wood chopping will get a boost from the Southern Tasmanian Axemen's Association, who will deliver a full-program wood chopping carnival at the Derwent Valley Autumn Festival in 2021, including at least one state championship title.
  Development program for teachers	Teach for Australia	Teach for Australia is breaking the cycle of educational inequality, with training, mentoring and coaching for teachers and leaders in schools where students face a range of social challenges. Through this funding, 20 Tasmanians will join their Leadership Development Program, equipping them with the skills to enhance the engagement of students who need it the most.
  Online workshops to improve employment opportunities	Dress for Success	Dress for Success is about empowering disadvantaged women to achieve economic independence, providing not only professional attire but also training and confidence building for interviews, help with preparing CVs and skill development. A series of online workshops during 2020 will be developed and provided to Tasmanian women in need.
  Tools to build new workbenches	North West Woodcraft Guild	For 30 years, the North West Woodcraft Guild has been sharing a love of woodcraft with beginners and artisans alike, letting people learn and create in a friendly space, and even building toys for charity. The guild is moving to a new premises in Ulverstone's Cultural Precinct Building and will buy new tools, which will be used to build workbenches for their new workshop.
  Training equipment	Ulverstone Surf Life Saving Club	The club has been part of this coastal community for nearly 100 years, with volunteers providing beach patrols, youth development programs, emergency search and rescue, medical services, and much more. With this grant, the club will be able to purchase a life-saving defibrillator and a first-aid training mannequin.
  Expansion of science program	Edge Radio	New equipment and training for the award-winning radio show, Now that's what I call science which is syndicated nationally from Hobart's Edge Radio. The show has a special focus on creating engaging youth and women in STEM subjects. This grant will enable the team to continue their expansion to a national audience.
  Greenhouse for school project	Waverley School Association	The Waverley School Association will build a new greenhouse for their community garden on the grounds of Waverley Primary School. The garden already provides healthy, accessible and cost-effective food for the local community and a shared community space for all age groups. A new greenhouse will produce seedlings and keep the garden active during the winter months.
  School garden	Sheffield School Association	The establishment of a working garden for Prep to Year 6 classes at the Sheffield School, giving students a greater appreciation of farm-to-plate food production, along with the opportunity to learn about sustainability. Produce from the garden will be sold at Sheffield School's annual fair.

   

  2019 Community Grant Program

  For the third year of our community grant program, we received 90 applications. The projects selected for the 2019 community grants were:

  Project	Organisation	Purpose
  Older person mental health community training	Rural Alive and Well (RAW) Based in Oatlands	Currently, the highest age-specific suicide rate is men 85 years and older. This training will help older people who are experiencing mental health issues and their carers and will be rolled out to rural Tasmanians state-wide.
  Brothers of Country	Moonah Arts Centre	Through a series of workshops, Brothers of Country will use Aboriginal practices and connection to country to bring together diverse cultural groups. From these workshops a performance will be created and presented at the Moonah Arts Centre, Moonah Taste of the World Festival and produced into short online films. The project aims to promote diversity and inclusion through sharing different cultures in a creative way.
  Replacement of old marching percussion equipment	Latrobe Federal Band	The Latrobe Federal Band is a much loved institution and contributes significantly to the Latrobe, Railton, Sheffield and Port Sorell areas. It provides music for the community at events such as ANZAC Day services, Christmas carols, parades and numerous public concerts. The members are proud to be part of the oldest continuous brass band in Australia (established in 1872) with ages ranging from seven to 70, including some third generation participants.
  Family Recovery Centre upgrade	Mates4Mates Hobart	Mates4Mates provides rehabilitation services for current and ex-serving Defence Force personnel and their families. The Hobart Family Recovery Centre has seen a 600% increase in people accessing its services. This grant will be used to install new kitchen appliances. Good nutrition and sharing meals are an integral part of social connection and well-being and restoring a sense of belonging.
  Dad's Book - A manual for the most important job you'll ever have	Men's Resources Tasmania Based in Lewisham	The Dad's Book will focus on the needs of new dads and provide information and contacts for support. Fatherhood is often missing from the conversation about new parenthood and is essential for effective sole or co-parenting.
  Community Rail History Centre	Derwent Valley Railway	A section of the New Norfolk Railway Station will be converted to an interpretation/history centre to share the story of how the Derwent Valley's railway was built and its role in developing the region.

   

  2018 Community Grant Program

  2018 was the second year of our community grant program. The projects selected for the 2018 community grants were:

  Project	Organisation	Purpose
  New seating at the Lake Barrington rowing course	Rowing Tasmania	The Lake Barrington International Rowing Course has 50,000 plus visitors every year. Rowing Tasmania wants to improve the facilities for the water sport community and visitors. This grant will be used to replace the seating that is now over 35 years old.
  Rewiring the CWA Hall on King Island	Pegarah Country Women’s Association	Like most small communities, the CWA Hall is an essential community gathering point. It is used for get-togethers, exercise classes, markets, flower and art shows. The grant will go towards the long over-due re-wiring of the hall and bring the building up to current safety standards.
  Art therapy workshops	Magnolia Place (Launceston Women's Shelter)	The Launceston Women’s Shelter is going to provide art therapy workshops for residents and their children who have suffered trauma. Research has shown that these workshops can reduce isolation, improve physical and mental health and aid recovery.
  Op shop revival	Mole Creek Opportunity Shop	The Mole Creek Op Shop has been a focal point in the community for over 30 years but needs some maintenance. It’s a volunteer-run shop and all profits go back into the community. This grant means that for the first time the volunteers, whose average is 80, will have heating.
  Purchase of a defibrillator and machinery upgrade	Campbell Town and Districts Men Shed	This Mens Shed is seeing an influx of new members. The members host a ‘Special Day’ each week for ladies and provide instruction in woodwork for the disabled. This grant will enable them to have a defibrillator and upgrade some of the machinery and tools.
  Meal support for new mums and their families	Esther’s House Pregnancy and Parenting Support	Esther’s House assists women across the State with emotional and practical support during and after a difficult pregnancy. The meal support program provides at least one home-cooked healthy meal for the whole family. Eating well is essential for well-being at this time and the consistent social contact means extra support can be provided if needed.
  Harvest Helpers program to preserve excess fruit and reduce waste	Deloraine Community House	The Harvest Helpers pick fruit that people are no longer able to pick themselves. The fruit then gets preserved and shared with the community. It’s used for provisions during an emergency, food for those in need and community get-togethers.

  
  

  2017 Community Grant Program

  The first round of community grants was awarded in 2017.

  We received applications from all around Tasmania from a wide range of organisations.

  The projects selected for the inaugural grants were:

  Project	Organisation	Purpose
  Work-ready program for unemployed young people	Geeveston Community Centre	The young people in this program have literacy and numeracy barriers to getting a job. This program provides training and support to help them enter the workforce, break the cycle of inter-generational unemployment and gain the confidence to be role-models in their family network.
  Upgrade of broadcast equipment	Coast FM in Wynyard	Coast FM is a community radio station that connects diverse communities and is a ‘friend’ to many elderly, housebound or marginalised people. The volunteer-based team is using outdated equipment which is not only sub-standard but unlikely to engage younger volunteers who are essential for this service to continue.
  Spinal injury equipment for Rosebery and Zeehan swimming pools	Rosebery Community House	These swimming pools are popular with locals and tourists during the summer months for both fun and fitness. The lifeguards have all been trained in spinal injury management but cost has prohibited them from having this essential equipment.
  Registration software for the biennial Gathering event in Latrobe	Tasmanian Women in Agriculture (TWiA)	The women in TWiA are mothers, wives and partners in farms, fishing and agribusinesses. Many of them also work in towns and volunteer for rural community services. They are the voice of issues affecting rural families. The software for the biennial gathering (18/20 May in Latrobe) will upskill the volunteers and will be loaned to other volunteer-based community groups in farming communities.
  Equipment needed for the annual Mannalargenna Day celebrations held at Musselroe Bay	Melythina Tiakana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation	Mannalargenna Day is an annual event that celebrates Aboriginal culture and history on Ancestral Country. Hundreds of people converge on the North-East to commemorate the life of an important Aboriginal ancestor and learn about the deep and historical connection Aboriginal people have with the area.
  Equipment to run a healthy gardening program	Phoenix Community House on King Island	30 per cent of King Islanders suffer from a chronic illness. This gardening program will teach people how to grow their own fresh produce to improve their health. The added benefit is having a social, outdoor activity that will bring people together.
  Upgrade to the existing car park	Longford Men's Shed	The Longford Men’s Shed is housed in a hall used by many community groups. Parking is limited and dangerous for older or less able people. The upgrade will make the car-park safer and more useable for this valued community centre.