FAQs

An organisation is not-for-profit  if its activities are not carried on for the profit or gain of its individual members.

If you are unsure of the legal status of your organisation, please include your ABN or Incorporation number with your application form.  FRRR will be able to identify your status as part of the assessment process.

Taxation status information is recorded by the Australian Taxation Office at the Australian Business Register (hyperlink to http://www.abr.business.gov.au/)

A TCC is an institution or fund established and operated for altruistic purposes that the law regards as charitable. Several of Australia’s Trusts and Foundations can fund organisations with TCC status.

If you are an organisation that the law regards as charitable, you can apply to the Australian Tax Office for TCC status. This will increase the organisations capacity to attract other philanthropic grants and may provide additional income tax benefits.

If you are an organisation that the law regards as charitable, you can apply to the Australian Tax Office for TCC status. Many community groups in rural and regional Australia are eligible to apply for TCC status including:

• Halls provided for public use
• Historical Societies
• Agricultural Show Societies
• Community Information and Referral Services
• Arts Societies
• Not for profit child care and kindergartens
• Community radio stations and newsletters

www.pilch.org.au/Assets/Files/TCCTLFINAL.pdf

www.ato.gov.au/nonprofit/content.aspx?doc=/content/00228362.htm&page=2

Please note, this advice is for information only. The approval of TCC status is at the discretion of the ATO and independent advice must be sought before applying.

A DGR is an organisation which can receive income tax deductible gifts and deductible contributions. It is a specific tax status given to an organisation by the Australian Taxation Office.

Many of Australia’s Trusts and Foundations require applicants to have DGR status. FRRR has a specific listing in the Tax Act that allows it to grant directly to community based not for profit groups without any specific tax status.

Philanthropy is giving (by individuals, families and businesses) with no expectation of return. Often referred to as a donation of “time, talent or treasure” philanthropy is present in all rural and regional communities through fundraising and volunteering.

In Australia, philanthropy operates through a legal entity such as a Trust or Foundation. These organisations allow for gifts of money or other forms of assistance to be provided to people in need and to serve the common good.

A good application is short and to the point, but gives all the information required, so make sure you read the guidelines and understand what is being asked of you. Make sure the attachments are relevant.  See Tips for Success for additional information

FRRR requires all applicant organisations to provide copies of their most recent financial statements.  The level of detail will depend on the legal status of the organisation.

Letters of support are important to demonstrate community need and support, however it is important to limit the number of additional attachments for a small grant request.

Grant funding for community projects are generally available from:

• Local Government – contact your local Council for more information
• State Government – contact your local member for more information
• Federal Government – www.grantslink.gov.au
• Philanthropy – If you have the appropriate tax status or have a partner organisation contact www.philanthropy.org.au for more information

Community Fundraising – for ideas on fundraising or other grants programs available www.ourcommunity.org.au

In-Kind is generally classed as a contribution made to a project that has a dollar value, but has been provided as goods or services instead of cash.

In-Kind may consist of volunteer hours, equipment or services. Don’t underestimate the amount of money your community is contributing to the project. Without it, the project would be unlikely to succeed and it is a clear demonstration to grant-makers that the project has community support.

When including In-Kind contributions to the budget make sure it is represented as income and expenditure so that the budget balances.

Yes, applications can be handwritten, typed or word-processed.

Yes, FRRR encourages all applicants to seek for alternative funding sources. Please inform us when you are successful with other funding.

FRRR is a national organisation, and can fund rural and regional communities across all states and territories in Australia.

Some grants programs have specific geographic criteria, such as Natural Disaster Programs where applications are restricted to a specific region or state. Please look carefully at the funding guidelines.

Each grants program has a set of funding guidelines that demonstrate the total amount available to apply for. Generally, grants are available up to $5,000 - $15,000.  Please look carefully at the funding guidelines before applying.

Each grants program has its own funding criteria. Please look carefully at the criteria to make sure your project is eligible.

Funding Programs

FRRR can only provide funding for projects that have a charitable purpose. This means they provide a benefit to the wider community.  Each grants program has its own criteria. Please look carefully at the criteria to make sure your project is eligible.

Funding Programs

Each grant program has its own criteria, guidelines and assessment process. Applications will generally be assessed by FRRR staff against the set criteria and prioritised. These assessments are then considered by an independent advisory committee before being considered by the FRRR Board.

Each grant program has its own opening and closing dates.  Applicants will generally be advised of the outcome of their application within 8 – 10 weeks from the closing date.