The source agency for the program is Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (the department) listed in the Grant Program Details.

The department is administering the program. 

This grant opportunity is Targeted, competitive as listed in the Grant Program Details.

This is a single round grant program.

The program is designed to deliver value for money by building the capacity of Aboriginal communities, while using established governance and accountability structures, in compliance with the NSW Grants Administration Guide, to ensure probity and transparency. 

Each project funded under the program must be substantially commenced within the program delivery timeframe listed in the Grant Program Details.

Co-contributions are not a requirement of the program, however, cash or in-kind co-contributions can be included as part of your application.

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

1. An individual or organisation that is based and/or delivering/planning on delivering services in the Snowy Precinct or supporting region.

2. must have an ABN and provide evidence that they are one of the following:

   a) Local Aboriginal Land Council or NSW Aboriginal Land Council

   b) Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006

   c) business, charity, or not-for-profit organisation, incorporated under Commonwealth, state or territory legislation, that has at least 50% Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander ownership/membership and/or directorship, and is operated for the benefit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they are financially viable and have at least $20 million public liability insurance or be willing to secure the insurance before entering into a Funding Deed if the application is successful.

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/Getting Support details in the Grant Program Details.

• Organisations that do not have an ABN
• Businesses that are insolvent.
• Organisations that do not fit the criteria of eligible applicants, above.

Ineligible entities (except for insolvent companies) can be part of a joint application, but the lead applicant must be an eligible entity.

The department, at its sole discretion, may take other factors into account to determine that an organisation is ineligible for funding. This includes but is not limited to any personal or business issues that could cause reputational or other risk to the NSW Government.

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

• Timeframe: The project must be able to meet the project delivery timeframe listed in the Grant Program Details.
• Strategy: The project must align to the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct Master Plan.
• Improved outcomes for Aboriginal people: The project must seek to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people and align with the skills, aspirations and experiences of local Aboriginal communities.
• 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.
• Applicants must be able to enter into a funding deed with NSW Government and have an Australian bank account.

The scope and types of initiatives which the grant opportunity is aimed at include but are not limited to:

• guided tours and / or activities that promote cultural awareness, appreciation, interpretation and information from Aboriginal guides
• cultural events or festivals
• cultural camps
• cultural awareness training and education
• Yarn circles with Elders
• food and beverage related activities that support Aboriginal employment or economic activity
• equipment hire
• mountain / bush treks or guided tours.
• school holiday programs
• boat or Canoe tours on the lake. 

The location of the project is relevant to eligibility.

Projects must deliver primary benefits within the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct area and provide direct outcomes in line with the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct Master Plan.

The project costs must support the objectives of the program.

The following types of project costs are eligible for funding:

• capital costs associated with establishment or startup costs for project
• buying minor equipment, materials, and consumables such as fuel, clothing, art supplies, and catering for the purpose of the project or event
• rental hire fees for the purpose of the project or event
• hiring contractors such as facilitators, artists, trainers, teachers, or local Elders specifically for an event or activity
• travel costs for staff and/or contractors (for travel within NSW only) for directly related activities or event
• costs of hosting or attending local, regional or state-wide sporting competitions, camps and/or cultural events for the project
• youth membership, course registration or participation fees for the purpose of the project or event
• for start up businesses only, the cost of obtaining insurances required to operate the project such as public liability insurance, WorkCover
• marketing campaigns directly related to promoting the project.

The following project costs are ineligible for funding:

• equipment financing arrangements
• costs relating to depreciation of plant and equipment beyond the life of the project
• costs for alcohol
• non-project related staff training and development costs
• costs that would be considered business-as-usual activities
• core government activities or business operations and administrative running costs
• marketing, advertising, or product promotion including signage, with the exception of promotional activities specifically related to the project and are essential to its success
• activities, equipment or supplies that are already being supported through other sources
• financing costs, including interest and debt financing
• purchase of land, buildings and vehicles such as cars, trucks, vans, motorhomes and boats, with the exception of equipment specifically related to a broader project and essential to its success
• capital expenditure for the purchase of everyday business activities such as office furniture and equipment, computers, printers and photocopiers, with the exception of equipment specifically related to a broader project and essential to its success
• costs involved in the purchase or hire of software (including user licenses) and ICT equipment, with the exception of equipment and software specifically related to a broader project and essential to its success, including software and equipment that will enable the project to be accessible and inclusive.
• buying or upgrading equipment that is not fixed to a particular site, with the exception of equipment specifically related to a broader project and essential to its success
• costs such as rent and utilities unless specifically related to the project
• staff training and development costs not specifically related to the project.
• other insurance costs (applicants must hold and maintain adequate insurance coverage for any liability arising as a result of their participation in funded activities)
• operational expenditure, including but not limited to regular repairs and maintenance
• projects that require ongoing grant funding from the NSW or Australian government
• projects that will proceed without any NSW Government financial assistance
• retrospective funding to cover any project component that is already complete before funding is announced
• funding for any ongoing staff or operational costs.

Applicants can submit multiple applications.

Each application must cover only one project.

Each application must be in the eligible location.

Applicants must submit their applications to the program’s online portal, Smartygrants at the program's application page.

Applicants must submit their applications by the Closing date and time listed in the Grant Program Details.

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 documents listed in the Application Form which include the following:

• completed business plan
• evidence of $20 million public liability insurance, or willingness to obtain.
• evidence of landownership or landowner’s consent
• development application approval (if required)
• proof of Aboriginal organisation or ownership

Documents must be in PDF format.

Get your Business Plan Template here.

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 from the Aboriginal Economic Development team (AED) team in preparing their applications, for example, technical support with online forms and practical guidance on how to complete an application. Contact the department using the resources listed at Enquiries/Getting Support in the Grant Program Details.

The department will assess the applications against the eligibility criteria.

Applications that have met the eligibility criteria will move to the next stage. Where there is uncertainty or unintended outcomes arising from the eligibility requirements, the department will take a discretionary approach that, in its opinion, best achieves the objectives of the grant program.

The assessment team will assess eligible applications against the assessment criteria.

Assessment team

Applications will be moderated and reviewed by an assessment panel convened by the department (assessment panel) to ensure consistency in assessment. Each application will be assessed on its merits before a recommendation is made in writing to the decision maker.

The assessment panel will consist of senior representatives from the department and an independent panel member.

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 will assess each application on its merits and competitively against the other applications.

If a large number of applications meet the selection criteria, On Country applications will be prioritised.

The assessment team may consider principles including, for example:

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

Where possible, the panel will try to ensure projects are being delivered across the Snowy Precinct and there is a variety of project types being delivered by both individuals, small businesses and community organisations.

Recommendations

The assessment team will make written recommendations to the decision maker.

The assessment team may recommend a lesser amount of funding or defer a recommendation pending further information. 

The decision maker is listed in the Grant Program Details.

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

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.

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 funding deeds with the department. Refer to Section 5.

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

There is no appeal mechanism from 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 Grants Administration Guide.

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.

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

as requested by the department to support acquittal of grant funds and program evaluation

• 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.

• Sample funding deed (PDF 1.3MB)

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

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 progress reports and/or final reports and other information to the department.

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 Grant Program Details.

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 Grant Program Details.

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:

1. require additional information from an applicant
2. change any of the requirements of these guidelines
3. alter or vary any process, procedure or timing related to the grant
4. suspend or terminate the grant opportunity
5. negotiate with one or more preferred applicants without prior notice to any other applicant
6. terminate any negotiations being conducted with any applicant
7. readvertise for new applicants
8. consider any non-conforming application
9. 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)
10. 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.