The intended recipients of grants under the program are community organisations, not-for-profit organisations, local councils or local Aboriginal land councils, education providers or businesses that are eligible organisations that own, manage or occupy land subject to a lease or licence within the program’s eligible locations, or have the owner’s written consent to deliver a project on land within the program’s eligible locations.

The source agency for the program is listed in the Key information.

The department is administering the program.

This grant opportunity is the type listed under Key information.  As an open, competitive, merit-based program, applications must be submitted by the date listed under Key information.

This is an ongoing multiple round grant program. There have been 5 rounds of funding for the program to date. Round 6 of funding for the program will support grants for projects that provide benefit to residents, workers and visitors to Port Kembla and surrounding areas.

A key principle of any grant program is to achieve value for money. This is important to ensure that the benefits of the grants are maximised for the people of NSW. Ways in which applicants may contribute to delivering value for money include, for example:

• consider the most efficient and innovative means of carrying out grant activities
• consider how government objectives and the applicant’s identified needs can be mutually achieved
• adopt an effective approach to identifying and managing risks
• collaborate with officials in monitoring and evaluation processes.

The program is designed to deliver value for money by supporting projects that demonstrate an economic, environmental, or social benefit, at a reasonable cost. 

Each project funded under the program must be completed within 2 years and commence within 6 months of a funding deed being signed as listed in the Key information.

These timeframes are subject to the terms and conditions of an executed funding deed.

This program is an open, competitive grant. Applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria may be interested in applying for alternative NSW Government grants available at Grants and funding.

Not-for-profit organisations and Local Aboriginal Land Councils do not need to provide a co-contribution. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide some financial and/or in-kind co-contributions to demonstrate collaboration and provide more certainty of project delivery.

Local councils, private businesses and any other eligible organisation must provide matching funding (at least 50% of the project total) for their projects. Co-contributions must be in cash and not in-kind.

Cash co-contributions can be demonstrated through: a letter from the Chief Executive Officer, General Manager, Senior Finance Officer or equivalent person from the organisation that confirms the co-contribution will be made available as cash towards the project; copies of bank statements and/or financial records;  or, a letter or confirmation from a bank manager or similar to confirm that funding will be made available through a loan if required.

Applicants cannot include other NSW Government grants as co-contributions. 

To be eligible for grant funding under the program, an applicant must meet all of the following requirements:

• have an Australian Business Number (ABN), Australian Company Number (ACN), or be registered under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009.
• have operations applicable to the program’s eligible project location
• be one of the following entities:
  • an incorporated association, cooperative or community organisation
  • a Local Aboriginal Land Council
  • City of Wollongong, as a Local Council
  • a public/private not-for-profit organisation with Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) registration
  • a company incorporated in Australia
  • a Partnership or Trust
  • a registered training organisation
  • a nationally accredited provider of tertiary education
  • an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006.
• be financially viable - private businesses must be able to demonstrate ongoing viability through provision of three years* of accounting statements (Profit and Loss, Cash Flow, Balance Sheet) from Financial Year 2022/2023.
• hold or commit to obtaining public liability insurance of not less than $20 million per occurrence or hold equivalent or better self-insurance to the satisfaction of the department, prior to executing a funding deed with the department
• be a fit and proper person/legal entity
• not be insolvent, bankrupt or subject to ongoing legal proceedings
• declare in the application form that the applicant is not aware of any issues which could cause reputational or other risks to the NSW Government
• if applicable, provide evidence of capacity to make the minimum co-contribution if successful.

*Applicant entities with less than three years operating experience may be considered under exceptional circumstances and must contact the department prior to submitting an application.

Where applicants submit a joint application, a lead applicant will need to be nominated. If the application is successful, the lead applicant will enter into the funding deed and be ultimately responsible for delivering the project.

Applicants are requested to ensure they use the correct organisation name and details when applying as this generally cannot be changed once the project has been assessed.

If an applicant’s circumstances in relation to the above eligibility criteria change, the applicant should provide updated information by contacting the department using the Enquiries and getting support details.

Exclusions

Businesses that are reliant on local population serving markets such as retailer, localised trades and professional services, hospitality, and accommodation providers are generally ineligible to apply for funding.

The project/activities must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible:

• Timeframe: The project must be able to meet the project delivery timeframe listed in the Key information
• Funding request: Requests must be for between $10,000 and $250,000 (exclusive of GST)
• Eligible location: As defined per the map included in these guidelines at Eligible locations, the project must be primarily located within the defined project area. Projects located in the waterways adjacent to the defined area are also eligible
• Inclusion and accessibility: The project may aim to improve community participation, liveable communities and accessibility and inclusion outcomes. These outcomes assist people with disability and accessibility requirements to participate independently with equity and dignity. The project may provide fit-for-purpose, accessible and safe facilities, and increased participation opportunities by increasing accessibility and inclusion/universal design
• Project types must be of one or more of the following:
  • environmental (e.g. infrastructure, pollution control, clean up works)
  • public domain (e.g. parks, cycleways, community facilities, tourism facilities)
  • port related community infrastructure (e.g. boat ramps, services, access)
  • business infrastructure or expansion (e.g. fixed equipment, facilities, utilities)
  • heritage restoration or interpretive works (for land, buildings or equipment)
  • activation (e.g. place making projects, community and tourism-based events)
  • smart technology or innovation (e.g. smart public amenities or facilities)
  • other high-quality projects that foster stronger community bonds, enhance accessibility, boost visitation, increase participation in cultural and artistic life, or enhance public, environmental or business infrastructure with demonstrated public or community benefit.
• Applicants may only seek funding for planning, design and project management where:
  • it is sought in conjunction with funding for the delivery of a project
  • the amount sought for these elements is no more than 15% of the total funding requested.
• Evidence of land ownership, or landowner’s consent must be provided where the land on which the project is to be delivered is not owned by the applicant. This must be written consent and should specifically state that landowner’s consent is granted at the address where the works will be carried out.

Not all applications will be successful. Applicants are encouraged to prioritise potential projects to maximise the competitiveness and quality of submitted materials.

Some examples of eligible projects/activities are included in the table. They are listed as guidance only.

Projects are not eligible for funding under the program if they are:

• located outside the area identified on the map - see Eligible locations
• not submitted by an eligible applicant
• not clearly providing benefits that will significantly contribute to the objectives of the program
• projects that would be considered business-as-usual activities and operations
• the recipient of any grant funding from another NSW Government grant program for the same project
• for the delivery of essential or core government services that should be funded from another source such as local government, the NSW Government or the Commonwealth Government.

The location of the project will contribute to determining eligibility.

Projects must be delivered on property located within the shaded area identified on the map below, and include the suburbs of Port Kembla, Cringila, and parts of Warrawong, and Lake Heights. 

Note - Boundary markers for Warrawong run along Northcliffe Drive, up Griffin Street merging with Minnegang Street, along Flagstaff Road, Berkeley Road then along Five Island Road and take in the outer boundary of the Cringila Hills Recreation Reserve and Shellharbour Road.

Download the Port Kembla Investment Fund Round 6 Eligible locations map. (PDF 331.48KB)

The project costs must support the objectives of the program.

Funding can only be used for external third-party costs directly associated with delivering project activities (internal management fees may be considered where additional internal resources are required). These cost estimates should be supported by at least one competitive quote.

The following types of project costs are eligible to apply for funding: costs for capital works, events and exhibitions, programs, infrastructure, training sessions, workshops.

Some examples of eligible project costs are as follows. They are listed as guidance only:

• design and planning consultancies, noting design and management fees cannot exceed 15% of the total funding requested
• construction, upgrade and specific project related restoration works
• remediation, pollution control and clean up works
• project management fees (internal management fees may be considered where additional  internal resources are required) up to the eligible amount.

The total funding requested can include up to:

• 20% for project contingency costs to allow for any cost escalations
• 15% for project management and administration (this includes any allocation to planning and design).

The following project costs are ineligible for funding:

• retrospective project costs already incurred prior to the executed funding agreement
• activities already funded or budgeted through the City of Wollongong or another NSW Government agency
• costs/works already funded through another grant program including a previous round of the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund
• Development Application (DA) fees
• project costs over-runs in excess of the eligible 20% contingency allowance and 15% project management and administration
• equipment financing arrangements
• financing costs, including interest and debt financing
• costs related to rent and utilities unless specifically related to the project for the duration of the project
• costs related to buying or upgrading non-fixed equipment or supplies unless considered essential to the overall project delivery and are incidental costs to the project budget
• costs relating to the purchase of vehicles, buses, boats, trailers, motorhomes, or other modes of transportation
• advertising costs, including marketing campaigns
• costs relating to depreciation of plant and equipment
• purchase of land or buildings
• information and communications technology (ICT) related costs that are not specifically related to the project and essential to its success
• costs that would be considered business-as-usual activities and operations, or wages not specifically related to the project, or beyond the duration of the project (including costs associated with recruiting employees, staff development and training)
• operational expenditure, including but not limited to ongoing repair and maintenance and administration
• costs related to alcohol, gambling, or raffles.

The department has discretion to part-fund a project where some itemised project costs have been assessed as ineligible.

The table below lists the assessment criteria, the supporting evidence required and the weighting of the criteria.

Applicants must address all of the assessment criteria. 

Applicants can submit multiple applications.

Each application must cover only one project in the program’s eligible location.

Applicants must submit their applications on the program’s online application page.

Information session

To assist eligible applicants to apply for funding in Round 6, the department will host a free information session shortly after applications open. The information session will provide an overview of the program and guidance on the eligibility requirements and the application process.

Potential applicants are strongly recommended to attend the information session.

A recording of the Program information Session will be made available on the the program’s online application page.

Applicants must submit their applications by the closing date and time listed in the Key information.

Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Make sure you leave enough time to submit your application to avoid any technical issues.

The department retains discretion to extend the closing date and time, and to accept late applications in extenuating circumstances.

Applicants cannot reopen or amend applications after the closing date and time. 

Each application must include the information or documents listed in the application form which include the following:

• Each application must include the information or documents listed in the application form which include the following:
• a completed application form
• a clear project scope
• a completed project plan
• evidence of financial viability for private businesses
• a project budget based on quotes or detailed estimates, reasonable assumptions or previous experience with similar projects
• recent evidence to support the costing of project activities (i.e. quotes)
• evidence of regulatory approvals (if required)
• evidence of $20 million Public Liability Insurance in the name of the applicant
• evidence of land ownership or landowner consent if the land is not owned by the applicant
• evidence of entity type
• partnership agreement to confirm partners and signatories for partnership entities
• current trust deed confirming signatories for trust entities
• proof of incorporation for community groups
• evidence of co-contributions (where required)
• evidence of community consultation and strong community support for the project.

Applicants must not include false or misleading information in their applications. If an application contains false or misleading information, the department may deal with the application as the department determines in the circumstances and may, for example, determine that the application is ineligible.

Applicants will receive a notification of receipt.

The department may contact applicants to verify information or seek further information.

Applicants can obtain support in preparing their applications, for example, technical support with online forms, and other application advice where appropriate. Contact the department using the resources listed at Enquiries and getting support in the Key information.

Staff from the department will assess the applications against the eligibility criteria.

Applications that have met the eligibility criteria will move to the next stage.

The assessment team will assess eligible applications against the merit assessment criteria. The assessment team also ensures a high level of consideration of local issues and governance in recommending projects for funding to the final decision maker.

Assessment team

The assessment team consists of staff from the department, external local subject matter experts, independent representatives from other agencies.

The assessment team may seek advice from other NSW Government agencies and other sources such as probity advisors.

The assessment team may contact applicants seeking clarification of information in the applications or further supporting material.

Assessment process

The assessment team, including Assessment Panel convened by the department, will assess each application on its eligibility, merits and competitively against the other applications.

The Assessment Panel will consist of senior representatives from the department, external local subject matter experts, and independent representatives from other agencies.

Projects that are collaborative in nature and can leverage or provide other funding may be given preference.

The assessment team may consider principles including, for example:

• the total amount of funding available
• geographical distribution of projects across the eligible location
• funding a variety of projects in size, scale and type
• suitability of a project for other government funding opportunities
• alignment of the project with other NSW Government policies and strategies
• issues which could cause reputational or other risks to the NSW Government.

The department and the program assessment team may recommend part-funding to projects where appropriate and in consultation with the applicant. If this occurs the department will work with applicants to revise the project scope, so it is within the funding amount awarded. Applicants should consider being able to stage their projects should full funding not be available.

Recommendations

The Assessment Panel will form a list of projects that are deemed suitable/not suitable for funding consideration to the decision maker.

The Assessment Panel may recommend a lesser amount of funding or defer a recommendation pending further information. 

The decision maker is the Minister for Regional NSW, as listed in the Key information.

The decision maker will review the availability of grant funds, the recommendations of the assessment team and, where relevant, the outcomes of the eligibility assessment.

The decision maker may take other factors into account including advice from a probity advisor and issues that could cause reputational or other risks to the NSW Government.

In limited circumstances, the decision maker may waive selection criteria, for example, where not doing so would: lead to perverse or unfair outcomes; be contrary to the policy intent; or damage the reputation and integrity of the program.

If the decision-maker departs from the assessment team’s recommendations, the decision maker will arrange for the departures to be published with reasons.

Final decision

The decision maker’s decision is final in all matters, including:

• the approval to award a grant
• the amount awarded
• the terms and conditions of the grant. 

The department will send successful applicants a letter of conditional offer.

Successful applicants may be required to sign confidentiality undertakings, promising to keep the outcome of the application process confidential until the NSW Government makes a public announcement.

Successful applicants will be required to sign a funding deed with the department. Additional information may be requested by the department as part of the contracting process.

The department will notify unsuccessful applicants in writing of the outcome of their applications.

The department will offer unsuccessful applicants a feedback information session.

There is no appeal mechanism against the decision-maker’s decisions.

The NSW Government may announce the outcome of funding applications at its discretion. 

Key information about the grants awarded will be published on the NSW Government Grants and Funding Finder, in accordance with the requirements of the NSW Grants Administration Guide 2024.

This information, plus information submitted in applications and related correspondence, may be open access information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW) which must be made publicly available unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure of the information. Information that is commercially sensitive may be withheld.

The NSW Government may use information submitted in applications and in funding deeds for promotional material and to develop case studies.

A sample funding deed will be available on the program’s online application page. The department has discretion to amend and update this sample funding deed.

The department will tailor the template funding deed for each project to include the grant instalment amounts, activities, deliverables, timeframes and any special conditions.

To enter a funding deed, successful proponents will be required to confirm project information and provide a copy of all relevant and applicable insurances, project approvals (e.g., development approvals, landowner’s consent) and/or other supporting documentation relevant to the project or as requested by the department, as part of the contracting process.

The first grant payment will be made once all required documentation has been provided to, and approved by the department, through forms provided in the online portal, and the funding deed has been signed by both parties.  

Terms and conditions

The funding deed will set out the grant recipient’s obligations including, for example, to:

• meet activity timeframes and deliver the project on time
• notify the department of any delays
• be responsible for project cost overruns
• repay grant funds which are not spent in accordance with the funding deed
• repay unspent grant funds
• submit progress reports
• meet monitoring and acquittal requirements
• maintain insurances
• acknowledge the grant as per the Funding acknowledgement guidelines for recipients of NSW Government grants available at Sponsorship and funding acknowledgment guidelines
• provide data
• participate in program evaluation and audits including to determine the extent to which the project has contributed to the program objectives
• keep records for 7 years
• advise the department of any changes to the grant recipient’s legal status.

The funding deed will include the department’s termination rights, including if the grant recipient has engaged in conduct that might cause reputational damage to the NSW Government or has provided misleading information in its application.

Changes to projects

After funding deeds are executed, the department may consider requests for variations to projects only in limited circumstances, through an application process. 

Instalments

The department will pay grants in instalments.

The funding deed will set out the instalment amounts and what the grant recipient needs to do to receive each instalment (e.g. complete specified activities and provide evidence of completion and reports within a timeframe).

Tax

Grants are GST exclusive. If a grant recipient is registered for GST, GST will be applied on top of the grant value when payment is made.

Grants are assessable income for taxation purposes, unless exempted by taxation law. Grant recipients should seek independent professional advice about taxation obligations or seek assistance from the Australian Taxation Office. The NSW Government does not provide advice on individual taxation circumstances. 

If a grant recipient’s project is completed and there are unspent funds remaining from the grant allocation, the department may require the grant recipient to return the unspent funds.

Alternatively, the grant recipient may request to use the unspent funds on extending the scope of the project if the request aligns with the objectives of the program and the grant recipient provides supporting information to the department. The department is under no obligation to agree with the request.

The department will monitor how grant recipients are spending their grants and how their projects are progressing.

Grant recipients will be required to submit regular progress reports, final reports and other information to the department as outlined in their funding deed.

Grant recipients will be required to inform the department if their circumstances change. 

The department will monitor the funded projects against the purpose and objectives of the program.

Grant recipients may be required to participate in evaluation, such as surveys and reporting.

If applicants have any concerns about the program or individual applications, please contact the department in writing using the contact information at Enquiries/Getting Support in the Key information.

If applicants do not agree with the way the department handled an issue, applicants may contact the NSW Ombudsman.

The GIPA Act provides for the proactive release of government information by agencies and gives members of the public an enforceable right to access government information held by an agency (which includes Ministerial offices). Access to government information is only to be restricted if there is an overriding public interest against disclosure.

The NSW Legislative Council has the power to order the production of State papers by the Executive Government. Standing Order 52 provides that the House may order documents to be tabled by the Government in the House. The Cabinet Office coordinates the preparation of the papers – that is, the return to order.  The return to order may contain privileged and public documents. Privileged documents are available only to members of the Legislative Council.

Note that documents submitted as part of a grant application may be subject to an application under the GIPA Act or an order for papers under Standing Order 52.

If applicants require further information about the GIPA Act and/or Standing Order 52, please contact the department using the contact information at Enquiries/Getting Support in the Key information.

Applicants (and their officers and staff) must declare any perceived, potential or real conflicts of interest in respect of the grant opportunity. They must declare such conflicts on the application form.

Where there is a conflict of interest detrimental to the grant opportunity, applicants must put mitigation measures in place. The department may require individuals not to participate in the application or delivery stage.

All applicants (successful and unsuccessful) must keep the outcome of the grant opportunity confidential until the NSW Government makes a public announcement.

Applicants must not participate in any anti-competitive conduct.

Applicants must not offer any gifts, benefits or hospitality to any NSW Government employee at any time. Any inducement in contravention of this condition may result in an applicant’s application not being considered.

The NSW Government may, in its absolute discretion, and without limiting any other rights which it may have, do all or any of the following at any time without giving notice or reasons:

• require additional information from an applicant
• change any of the requirements of these guidelines
• alter or vary any process, procedure or timing related to the grant
• suspend or terminate the grant opportunity
• negotiate with one or more preferred applicants without prior notice to any other applicant
• terminate any negotiations being conducted with any applicant
• readvertise for new applicants
• consider any non-conforming application
• terminate an applicant’s further participation in the grant opportunity for any reason (including if the department considers that an application contains false or misleading statements or may damage the reputation of the department or the program)
• not proceed to execute any funding deed.

Where significant changes are made in relation to the grant opportunity, the department will revise these guidelines and make them available on this web page.

The department may issue an addendum to these guidelines. The addendum becomes part of these guidelines.

The department will publish these guidelines and any revised versions and addenda on the NSW Government Grants and Funding Finder.

These guidelines are not an offer, recommendation or invitation by the department in respect of any grant.  There is no funding commitment until both a successful applicant and the department execute a funding deed.