Most of the websites that host Grant Application Forms also provide a guideline to applying for the funding, it is worth using these guidelines! As a general rule when applying for funding try to:

• answer every category
• keep the project clear and defined. You may be asked for project outcomes, outputs and a budget. These should clearly tie in with each other. An output is something you can show or prove happened (eg. 2 public displays, 1 x CD ROM produced)
• Costing of in-kind contributions - Check the guidleines for your application first - but generally applicants may only cost the value of their own contributions directly related to the project for which funds are sought. Volunteer labour contributed by community groups is usually costed at $20/hour. Make sure all your calculations are clear.
• GST - Check the conditions of the application but usually - If you or the organisation administering the project are registered for GST, then don't include GST in your budget, it would be added to your payment later. If you or the organisation administering the project are NOT registered for GST, then include any GST into your budget.

Assistance with community environmental grants is one of the roles of the Community Support Officer (CSO) in your region. Contact the Landcare CSO for more advice and infomation on applying for environmental funding. Illawarra CSO is emailed at communitysupport@conservationvolunteers.com.au

Setting Up For Success: A guide for Designing, Managing and Evaluating projects, developed through the National Landcare Program is a useful tool for creating succesful projects.