Q: How are the awarded projects/applications selected?

A: An independent judging panel is formed to assess the merits of each application and the merit of the application against all other applications in that round of grant program. Once the judges have reached their decision, they make recommendations of successful applications for approval by the Minister for the Arts.

Q: Who are the judges?

A: The judges are professional members from the cultural heritage sector and possess a wide range of skills and expertise. They work in Victoria’s leading cultural institutions; have sound understanding of undertaking and implementing projects, as well as an extensive knowledge of history.

Q: What do the judges like to see in the applications?

A: The judges would like to see projects that:

• have community involvement and enable new skills to be gained
• have been broken down into manageable stages with intent noted if applying for future funding to complete subsequent stages
• a clearly defined end product and outcome
• clear budget details and quotes as well as acknowledgement of any professionals/specialist consultants who might be engaged for the project
• recognise group contribution as in-kind labour

Q: What type of projects will most likely receive funding?

A: Projects that:

• will benefit a community strongly but which will also communicate local historical information beyond that community
• strongly meet the assessment criteria
• are efficient in their use of funds. The LHGP receives a lot of applications, and the assessment process tries to spread the available funding as widely as possible.

Q: I have a project but I’m not part of an organisation! Can I apply?

A: Individuals are ineligible to be beneficiaries of grant money in their own right. If you are an individual wishing to initiate a project you must seek the support of an incorporated body willing to auspice your application. Suitable organisations include not for profit community groups like historical societies and community museums. You will need a letter of support from the sponsoring organisation to include in your application. The grant will be made out to that organisation if your application is successful.

Q: Is your organisation not for profit?

A: A non-profit organisation is an organisation that is not operating for the profit or gain of its individual members, whether these gains would have been direct or indirect. This applies both while the organisation is operating and when it winds up. Any profit made by the organisation goes back into the operation of the organisation to carry out its purposes and is not distributed to any of its members. Examples of not for profit organisations include:

• church schools
• churches
• community child care centres
• cultural societies
• environmental protection societies
• neighbourhood associations
• public museums and libraries
• scholarship funds
• scientific societies
• scouts
• sports clubs
• surf lifesaving clubs
• traditional service clubs

For further information visit the Australian Taxation Office website at: www.ato.gov.au/

Q: What will not be considered for funding?

A: Funding is not available for organisations or projects that:

• are primarily commercial organisations or bodies established for profit-making purposes
• are federal, state or local government departments.
• have an existing unacquitted Local History Grant funded project
• are seeking retrospective funding for projects or programs that have already started or have been completed
• seek funding to support cash prizes or commercial gifts
• seek funding to supplement the recurrent or ongoing costs of an existing organisation
• seek funding for significant building or restoration work
• seek significant funding for equipment which the project does not require for its ongoing life
• seek funding for salaries

Fees for the hire of skilled or professional labour for specialist work are counted as a project cost, rather than as a salary cost. Funding for such costs can only be provided for a limited and specific project (for example, conservation work done on 100 photographs in a single collection) rather than for ongoing employment.

Q: What if I have an existing project underway funded by a previous round of Local History Grant funding

A: To be eligible to receive Local History Grant funding any previous projects funded through the Local History Grant program must have been formally acquitted.

If you can complete your project and forward the acquittal paper work to us, a new application will be accepted providing all the documentation is received before the closing date of this current round

Q: How much detail must I provide in the budget section of my application?

A: The application form suggests ‘categories’ of spending, to make the budgeting process easier, but try to be as specific as you can. If you have multiple items that come into the one category on the form, you can detail your spending in the ‘How’ section of the form.

Wherever possible, obtain a quotation from a supplier and attach it to your application (eg. a printer’s quote for a book). The more precise and well-documented your application, the better. Remember, you cannot later ask for more funds because you did not accurately cost your project initially!

Q: I need to buy a computer / scanner / modem / software package / microfilm camera or reader / digital camera / printer, in order to complete my book / CD ROM / preservation project. Can I apply for these costs?

A: You can apply, but equipment funding is not a high priority for the Local History Grants Program. You may not succeed in your application.  If you are thinking about applying for database software please be aware that a free collection management system is now available through Museums Australia (Victoria). For more information go to www.victoriancollections.net.au

 Q: How much funding is available?

A: The amount allocated by the Community Support Fund for the current round of the Local History Grants Program consists of $350,000. Applications for grants of up to $12,000 will be considered.

Q: Why should I not include our GST in the project budget?

A: If you are a successful applicant your grant payment is calculated according to the provisions of your ABN ie GST may be paid on top of the amount requested. If your organisation or Funds Manager do not have an ABN then you will need to supply your tax status via a ‘Statement by Supplier’ or ‘Evidence of Legal Entity’ before your grants payment is made.

Q: How do I calculate In-Kind labour?

A: In-Kind labour is calculated by determining the monetary value of work undertaken by your volunteers then multiplying it by the estimated hours you consider this work will take. In-Kind labour is neither an income nor expense so therefore should be offset by adding the amount to both sides of the balance sheet.

 Q: Before submitting my application should I get someone else to check over my application?

A: We highly recommend that you get another person to read over your application so they can check that all required information has been included, the information is clear and concise and most importantly, that the project budget figures total/balance  The judging panel need to see evidence that you can appropriately manage your budget and project objectives.