COMMUNITY BuildERS FUNDING PROGRAM

Funder: Department of Community Services (NSW)

There have been significant changes to what was previously known as WSAAS funding for 2009. The Area Assistance Scheme has been reshaped in response to recent consultations with community groups and council representatives. The revitalised program that has resulted from these consultations is COMMUNITY Builders.

COMMUNITY Builders focus on community development and there are 3 areas that you can apply for funding under this program;

• Community Capacity Building
• Community Skills Development
• Community Sector Development

Program Summary

The COMMUNITY Builders Funding Program is a community strengthening and capacity building program. It has funds available on an annual basis for time-limited projects in particular regions of NSW. The program is funded by the NSW Department of Community Services.

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KEY DATES 

Liverpool Community Builders Information Session-29 September 2009

Applications open-2 November 2009

Applications close-10 December 2009

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WHO CAN apply 

Non government not-for-profit organisations with an Australian Business Number (ABN) and local councils can apply for funds. For-profit organisations can apply too if they have a separate not-for-profit arm of their business.

Your project will need to operate in an area covered by the COMMUNITY Builders Funding Program. The COMMUNITY Builders Funding Program is available in certain local government areas (LGAs) in the following DOCS regions:

• Hunter/Central Coast: Gosford, Wyong, Cessnock, Dungog, Gloucester, Great Lakes, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle,, Port Stephens, Upper Hunter, Singleton.
  
• Illawarra: Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Wollongong.
  
• Metro South West: Camden, Campbelltown, Wollondilly, Wingecarribee, Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool.
  
• Metro West: Auburn, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Holroyd, Parramatta, Penrith, The Hills.
  
• North Coast: Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Hastings, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Nambucca, Richmond Valley, Greater Taree, Tweed.

What will be funded?

The Community Builders Funding Program funds projects that aim to build strength and capacity within communities. The COMMUNITY Builders Funding Program projects work within communities to enhance their capacity to deal with issues and respond to change.

Your project will need to operate in an area covered by the COMMUNITY Builders Funding Program.

You will need to identify the community that will be served by your project and, within that community select a priority group that will have an opportunity to participate in your project. The priority group will be a disadvantaged groups, through the project will be open to everyone in your chosen community.

It is important that COMMUNITY Builders Funding Program projects are based on needs identified in your community. You will have to demonstrate that you have consulted within your community and that your project idea is both supported by, and needed within that community.

What will NOT be funded?

Direct service delivery to individuals or groups, or services/projects that are part of the work and responsibility of another government department can't be funded.

How much funding is available?

Minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $100,000 each year for between one and three years.

2009-2010 Timeline

Information Session

An information session on the COMMUNITY Builders program is being held at:

Venue:  Liverpool City Council, 1 Hoxton Park Road Liverpool

Date:    Tuesday 29 September 2009

Time:    9.30am - 11.30am

RSVP: Please phone Council's Contact Centre on 1300 36 2170 to RSVP by Friday 25 September.

Information on the program, types of projects that would be eligible for funding and how to apply for funding will be covered at these sessions.

For more information 

Further information on COMMUNITY Builders can be found on the community builders website www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au or you can contact Michelle Park, Senior Regional Strategies Officer Funded Programs, Community and Early Years Division, Department of Community Services on 4222 8444 or Renee Fittler, Community Development Worker (Funding & Networks) on 9821 7789.

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