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Preparing your application

Please consider the following when preparing your grant application.

Aim of your application

While we want to encourage people to put forward innovative ideas, an application needs to be relevant to the aims and intent of the funding program. Please think carefully about the aims of any grant program and how well your proposal aligns with it.

Eligibility criteria

Each grant program has specific eligibility criteria which you must meet for your application to be considered. It is important that you carefully read the program guidelines and other information. Programs may also have exclusion criteria (for example, they may not fund the same organisation two years in a row).

Supporting information

If you feel there is additional supporting information that you would like to provide to help DPCD in its assessment of your application, check first whether such additional information will be welcome at this stage. Some grants are a two stage process, and the assessment team may choose to only seek additional information at the second stage.

Some grant programs require specific supporting information. Be sure you include all the required information and, if you need assistance in identifying or developing that information, contact the Grant Information Line at Information Victorian (for the cost of a local call).

Putting the application together

Work out and reach agreement about what your project aims are and how you will go about doing your project before you start writing.

Other grant organisations could assist in identifying other potential funding sources. You may also know of other local sources who can help resource your project.

Most DPCD programs require financial contributions from partners. These can be direct monetary contributions or ‘in kind’. The efforts of volunteers can be used as a practical contribution for these purposes.

Writing

Things to remember:

• Give several of your partners a draft to read. This can be difficult but it will help, provided the comments are about refining the detail and the approach
• DPCD is happy to receive applications with attachments. These documents often explain details (business plans, financial details etc) more effectively than reproducing them in the application form
• Make sure that each of the requirements are covered either in the application form or with an attachment
• Budget details need to be accurate as we rely on them in making our decisions
• As you will have seen, we require that partners be involved in most projects. It is important that we can see how the partners are involved and what in practical terms they will be contributing. You may also wish to attach letters of support from other bodies or key individuals
• Keep checking the content of this website and the guidelines for your program for the most up to date information on grant programs and funding rounds

Capacity to implement

A good application is important, but it needs to be supported by evidence that your organisation can do what it proposes. The Government prefers to provide funds to organisations and groups which can show that they have the skills and resources to implement the project and are "ready to go". This does not exclude new groups or organisations wanting to innovate and explore new ground. It does mean that you need a clear and practical implementation plan to go with your good idea.

Getting advice

DPCD’s staff are keen to help. If you have questions about the application form or our requirements, please ring Grant Information Line (for the cost of a local call). Our call centre is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us your queries.

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