Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible to apply for DPCD grants?

Each grant program has its own purpose, eligibility criteria and application process. Some grants are only available to specific groups, such as local government or state sporting associations, and others require applicants to have a certain status (being an incorporated body, for example).

When do I need to apply?

Check the closing date carefully for each grant program. This is in the guidelines for each program. Programs may be open annually, have multiple funding rounds in a year, or be open all year round.

Applications close at 11:59pm on the date advertised, unless otherwise specified. All applications must be received by DPCD by the date and time specified to be eligible for consideration. Late applications will not be accepted.

What are the features of a good project?

There are a number of key features that DPCD incorporates into the Assessment Criteria used to assess projects for funding. Consideration of these features will help you formulate your project plan and then answer the questions on the application form.

Do you have any tips for completing the application?

Always match the aims of the program and your project. Your application should demonstrate that your project aligns with the aims and intent of the funding program. Demonstrate that you have the skills and resources to implement the project and are "ready to go". This does not exclude new groups or organisations wanting to innovate and explore new ground. It does mean that you need a clear and practical plan to implement your good idea.

Can you give any examples of a good projects?

Read about Success stories.

What are the benefits of applying online?

• The system checks to make sure you do not miss answering any of the mandatory questions
• you will receive an immediate email confirmation so you have the assurance that your application was received
• no postage or delivery costs
  

What is an auspice?

In some circumstances DPCD will ask you to provide details about another organisation who may act as an auspice for your application. This may occur if you do not have an ABN.

DPCD may require you to nominate an organisation with an ABN to manage the funds on your behalf (Auspice Organisation) or ask you to provide a Certificate of Incorporation.

What is a Victorian Indigenous organisation?

In contemporary Victorian society, Indigenous community controlled organisations act as representative or advocacy bodies on behalf of their members and communities and are responsible for delivery of a wide range of services. There are approximately 160 incorporated Indigenous organisations in Victoria. If you would like more information email vifa@dpcd.vic.gov.au.

Do you have any tips for completing the budget?

• The budget needs to include all income (including the grant you are requesting) and expenditure related to the project
• the total income and expenditure for your project must be of equal value, (i.e income must equal expenditure)
• be accurate in your costing – you cannot ask for additional funds later because the project was not accurately costed at the start
• use numerals only in the application form for the budget (do not include commas or spaces)
• the budget amounts should be rounded off to the nearest dollar amount (do not include cents)
• to check if your ABN is valid, check the website www.abr.business.gov.au
• if you are registered for GST, when applying for a grant, do not include GST in your estimates. This is because any grant payment you receive will add and include GST.  For information about GST and ABN's contact the  Australian Taxation Office Web site at www.ato.gov.au/.
  

What is ‘in-kind’ support (or support ‘in-kind’)?

Support ‘in-kind’, refers to goods or services that are provided to you for free which would otherwise be paid for (for example, support from volunteers). Many DPCD programs require financial contributions from partners. These may be direct monetary contributions or ‘in kind’. The cost of volunteer labour and other in-kind support can be included in your budget as a project expense. If you include support in-kind in your budget, remember to include it in both your income and expenditure to ensure your budget balances. Provide an explanation for how you have calculated the value of the support in-kind, based on what it would have cost if you had to pay for it.

Example: two volunteer administrators for 15 hours each valued at $15 per hour = $450.00

SAMPLE Voluntary Labour and In Kind Support Form (Word 73 kb)

What are the supporting documents that are requested with my application?

Some grant programs require you to submit and/or consider specific supporting documentation that is essential to your application. These documents can be found on the web page for each grant program.

I applied online but my supporting document didn't attach. Why, and what should I do?

Read attachments to see an explanation of why an attachment may not have uploaded.

When you submit an application online My Grants will display your list of attachments that were submitted with your application. Check this to ensure all of your attachments have been uploaded. Should you notice any missing documents, you should:

• email the attachments to grantapplications@dpcd.vic.gov.au and quote your application number in the header or,
• post attachments on a CD to DPCD, Community Investment Services, GPO Box, 2392 Melbourne VIC 3001, and quote your application number.
  

How long does the assessment process take?

The assessment process for each grant program may be different. If the timeline is not apparent from the guidelines and application information, or by reading Assess my application, please, contact us.

Should I attach additional information to my application that was not requested?

If you feel there is additional information that you would like to provide and it is not specifically requested, check with DPCD first whether such information will be used at this stage. Some grants are a two stage process, and the assessment team may choose to only seek additional information at the second stage.

What is DPCD's ABN?

30 485 673 497

Can I get help to complete a grant application?

Yes, if you require assistance, contact either:
•    the Grants information Line for general enquiries, or,
•    the contact listed in the guidelines for each grant program, or,
•    your local DPCD team