I have a project idea, what do I do next?
- Make sure your organisation is eligible for a funding program and meets the guidelines specific for that particular program.
- Sport and Recreation funding programs can be found here: Grants and Funding - Sport and Recreation (act.gov.au)
What assistance can Sport and Recreation staff provide?
- We encourage all applicants to speak with Sport and Recreation staff before making an application.
- Please also contact us to discuss any accessibility requirements you may have.
- Sport and Recreation – contact Dougal Reed on 6207 6195 or email Dougal.Reed@act.gov.au to discuss your intended proposal.
Can I have feed-back on my application?
- Yes, you can contact Dougal Reed on 6207 6195 to discuss your application.
What other assistance can I receive in submitting an application?
- Your sport's Peak Body organisation should be able to provide some advice or assistance in considering your application.
What is the Funding Period?
- Please refer to Guidelines of the Program you are seeking for specific details.
How does an organisation lodge an application?
- Organisations can only apply online through the SmartyGrants online application form. Once a funding program has opened online, you will be able to access the application form on the funding program page.
- Hardcopy or email applications will not be accepted.
Do I need a Login Code / Password to apply Online?
- Yes, when logging in to SmartyGrants online system you will be required to register your organisation and enter a password (your own) – (please keep record in a safe place).
What is involved in entering an Online Application?
- Most sections of the application are required to be completed. If you fail to complete a mandatory field, the system will prompt you to complete the step involved before submitting the application, (NOTE: once submitted your application cannot be updated).
- Some of the following organisation's details are required when entering an application:
- name and address of the organisation;
- organisation's contact email address and website address (if applicable);
- contact person's name and details (including position, phone number, email address); and
- organisation's ABN.
- Save regularly as if the application is not used for a period the system may close and any entries may be lost.
- Supporting documentation, such as quotes, strategic plan, insurance, financial statement etc. must be included within the application.
- If you have any technical difficulties or issues submitting your application, for assistance you can contact SmartyGrants on (03) 9320 6888 or email SmartyGrants.
Does my organisation need to be Goods and Services Tax (GST) registered and what does this mean?
- Your organisation is required to be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if turnover is greater than $150,000 per annum for non-profit organisations.
- If an organisation is not GST registered and does not have an Australian Business Number (ABN), a Statement by Supplier Form can be completed, available from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) website. If this form is not completed, then Sport and Recreation will withhold 49% of the grant in lieu of tax. More information on GST can be obtained at the ATO website.
Should I include GST in the budget?
- No, the Budget (income & expenditure) must be exclusive of GST and in whole dollars (no cents).
Does my organisation need public liability insurance before a grant is offered?
- Yes, a minimum of $10 Million. If you are being auspiced by another organisation it is possible to use their insurance, but it should be agreed with them and their insurance company in writing.
Can I submit a hard-copy of the application?
- No, only online applications will be accepted.
Can I lodge my application late?
- No late applications will not be accepted as the online system will not accept applications after the closing date and late applications can impact on timelines for the grant assessment process.
Can data be transferred – attached/cut/pasted into the Online application?
- Yes, if any problems, refer to SmartyGrants 'help' button for compatibility.
- If unable to provide supporting documents online (quotes etc.), then they must be provided to Sport and Recreation within one week of the grant closing date.
Can I exit and come back to an application later to re-edit before submitting by the due closing date?
- Yes, before exiting, save your application. Re-enter by choosing the application you have already started.
- However once submitted, applications cannot be recovered to re-edit.
How detailed does the budget need to be?
- Your budget needs to be detailed enough to explain your request – be appropriate, realistic and exclusive of GST and cents. You should also show other contributions you have received or sought for the project/program and separate these from the grant amount requested from Sport and Recreation.
Do quotes have to be on official "Supplier Letterhead"?
- Yes preferred, but emails may be accepted - at least one quote or preferably two should be provided.
What happens after lodgement of an application?
- Applications are checked to ensure all information has been provided and for eligibility of the organisation.
- Applications are assessed through several stages by Sport and Recreation.
- Recommendations are then provided to the Minister for Sport and Recreation for funding approval.
- Once a decision has been made, successful applicants are informed, and a public announcement made.
Will all organisations receive an equal assessment?
- Yes, all applications are assessed on merit of the proposed activity. However, it should be noted that the application process is competitive and cannot guarantee funding.
What happens if my application is successful?
- A letter of offer and a Funding Deed is provided to successful applicants.
- Organisations are required to return a Deed signed and an invoice/tax invoice in-order for funding to be paid.
- The Deed makes explicit the obligations of both the funding recipient and the ACT Government. This will include reporting and acknowledgement requirements.
What if my application is unsuccessful?
- Unsuccessful applicants are notified in writing.
- Feedback can be provided upon request.
What is the reporting / acquittal requirements for a grant?
An acquittal involves providing documentation that shows how you spent the money that you received in accordance with the Funding Deed. This may include an independent audit of the grant expenditure.
- Acquittal of funding is due within three months after the termination of the funding period.
- Acquittal and funding 'Special Conditions' (if any) are outlined in the Funding Deed.
- If acquittal is not provided by the due date, the organisation MUST ensure they contact the Sport and Recreation to advise of the circumstance and when to expect receipt.
- Future funding may be jeopardised if previous acquittals are not received for grants provided by Sport and Recreation (except for current year's funding), including financial acquittals for any other ACT Government agency grant.
What happens if money/funding is not fully expended?
- You should initially contact Sport and Recreation to advise circumstances surrounding the expenditure. The Deed outlines that unexpended money should be returned to Sport and Recreation as part of the acquittal process.
General - Do's and Don'ts
- Do not 're-start' your application as a "new" application – re-open the one you have started.
- You can continue through each 'Step' and return as required – saving regularly.
- Budget/funding is exclusive of GST and must be whole dollar amount.