Frequently asked questions

When do categories close for applications?

Rounds will open and close on the below schedule:

Round one	Round two
Opens: 12 October 2022	Opens: 23 January 2023
Closes: 21 November 2022	Closes: 6 March 2023
Assessment period: November 2022	Assessment period: March 2023
Council awards grants: 13 December 2022	Council awards grants: 13 April 2023
Year round grants
Responsive grants and event signage subsidies close 12pm on the last Friday monthly.

 

How do I get support with my idea and application?

We offer drop in sessions to give help and advice for completing your application.

Drop in session location	Round two  Times and dates
Trawalla Hall	24 January 2023  10am to 12pm
Redbank Hall	6 February 2023  10am - 12pm
Beaufort Community Resource Centre	10 February 2023   2pm to 5pm
Snake Valley Hall	13 February 2023   10am to 12pm
Avoca Information and Community Centre	17 February 2023    2pm to 5pm
Landsborough Hall	20 February 2023   10am to 1pm
Beaufort Community Resource Centre	24 February 2023  1pm - 3pm

 

If you can't make it to a drop in session, our Community Wellbeing and Grant Coordinator offers online support sessions by appointment. To make a reservation, please contact Adam on 1300 797 363 or communitydevelopment@pyrenees.vic.gov.au

Read our Program Guidelines(PDF, 2MB)  to help understand our funding opportunities.

Making an application

A new online portal has been made available to complete all of your applications. The portal provides information to help you complete an application.

To submit an application you will need to register yourself and your organisation first. You will be asked to enter contact details for yourself (one log-in if you represent multiple local organisations or business) and then able to register your organisation/s. Once you are registered, you will receive an email to verify your user password.

Council staff are available to support your use of the system, please contact us on 1300 797 363 to make an appointment or attend one of our applicant drop in sessions as detailed at Frequently Asked Questions.

Don’t worry if you don’t have computer access, we can help you out with a paper hard copy to make an application by calling 1300 797 363.

How much can I apply for?

Funding category	Total
Biannual community grants
programs, projects & activities	up to $2,000
minor capital works	up to $7,000
equipment	up to $2,000
shop facade improvement	up to $5,000
Biannual event sponsorship	up to $2,000
Responsive grants	up to $750
Event signage subsidy	up to $250

 

Is my group eligible to apply?

To be eligible, applicants must be either a: 

• Community Group or not-for-profit organisation located in the Pyrenees Shire.

• Not-for-profit organisation located elsewhere but provide services or programs to Pyrenees Shire residents.

• A committee appointed by Council or a Council Community Assets Committee.

Are businesses eligible to apply?

Businesses are eligible to make application to the Shop Facade grant only, noting:

• The applicant must be a Pyrenees based business or a property owner that leases to a Pyrenees based business.
• Property owners with a vacant building that intend to lease to a Pyrenees based business will be considered.
• Businesses must be registered for an ABN. Property owners without an ABN must complete the ATO ‘Statement by a Supplier’ form.

Home based business or businesses with no street frontage are not eligible to apply.

Can I use an auspice?

If your group is not incorporated or does not hold current public and products liability insurance, you may still apply through an auspice organisation. 

An auspice is an organisation that is incorporated and holds current public and products liability insurance and agrees to take responsibility for your funding. The organisation receives the funding on your behalf and distributes the funds to your group for the delivery of the project. 

The auspice organisation is also responsible for acquitting funds. A letter confirming the auspice arrangement, on the auspice organisation’s letterhead, must be attached with your application. 

You can find out more about how to auspice on Justice Connect's website. 

If you are not incorporated and would like to become incorporated, you may contact the Office of Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 558 181 or visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au

Do I need to hold public and products liability insurance?

Applicants must hold current public and products liability insurance to protect against legal liability for third party injury, death and/or damage to property caused by an occurrence in connection with the applicant's activity. 

If your group does not wish to purchase public and products liability insurance, you may make application through an auspice organisation.

Applicants can purchase public and products liability insurance from any insurance provider appropriate for the activity being funded or by contacting Local Community Insurance Services on 1300 853 800 or insurance@lcis.com.au

Will I need any approvals or permits?

Planning and building permits

A planning or building permit may be needed for proposed works or use. The permit process, if needed, can run at the same time as a funding application. 

Council cannot release funds for works where a planning permit is needed and has not or will not be granted.

To help with your application, at the earliest stage possible, you can forward a photo of your façade or building, with a brief description of works to planning@pyrenees.vic.gov.au. This will allow us to provide initial information and guidance on any permit needs.

If your building is heritage listed, you must undertake research and give Council evidence, including photographs or other documentation, to show how your project will comply with heritage standards. Council may be able to help with this research or provide information on whether your business is in a heritage building.

Event permits

Delivering some events may need permission to erect temporary structures, have a traffic management plan or install temporary signage, etc., that needs Council approval. 

To check what event permits you may need, please read Council’s Event Sense Guide to running an event in Pyrenees Shire. 

Landowner permission

If your project is happening at a location that your group/business does not own, you will need the owner’s permission before lodging an application.

You may need to speak to others to gain support, permissions or just out of courtesy to let them know about the project. These may include neighbours, adjacent business, co-located tenants, etc.