Q: What type of projects will be most likely to get funded?
A: Projects that:

• will benefit a community strongly but which will also communicate local historical information beyond that community
• are efficient in their use of funds. The LHGP receives a lot of applications, and the assessment process tries to spread the available funding as widely as possible.

Q: I have a project but I'm not part of an organisation! Can I apply?
A: Individuals are ineligible to be beneficiaries of grant money in their own right. If you are an individual wishing to initiate a project you must seek the support of an incorporated body willing to auspice your application. Suitable organisations include community groups, local government councils and educational institutions. Such groups are often more than willing to support projects. You will need a letter of support from the sponsoring organisation to include in your application. The grant will be made out to that organisation if your application is successful.

Q: What will not be considered for funding?
A: Funding is not available for organisations or projects that:

• receive revenue directly from electronic gaming machines
• are primarily commercial organisations or bodies established for profit-making purposes
• have failed to abide by the terms and conditions of previously provided grants funded from the Community Support Fund
• are seeking retrospective funding for projects or programs that have already started or have been completed
• seek funding to support cash prizes or commercial gifts
• seek funding to supplement the recurrent or ongoing costs of an existing organisation
• seek funding for significant building or restoration work
• seek significant funding for equipment which the project does not require for its ongoing life
• seek funding for salaries

Fees for the hire of skilled or professional labour for specialist work are counted as a project cost, rather than as a salary cost. Funding for such costs can only be provided for a limited and specific project (for example, conservation work done on 100 photographs in a single collection) rather than for ongoing employment.

Q: How much detail must I provide in the budget section of my application?
A: The application form suggests 'categories' of spending, to make the budgeting process easier, but try to be as specific as you can. If you have multiple items that come into the one category on the form, you can detail your spending in the 'How' section of the form.

Wherever possible, obtain a quotation from a supplier and attach it to your application (eg. a printer’s quote for a book). The more precise and well-documented your application, the better. Remember, you cannot later ask for more funds because you did not accurately cost your project initially!

Q: I need to buy a computer / scanner / modem / software package / microfilm camera or reader / digital camera / printer, in order to complete my book / CD ROM / preservation project. Can I apply for these costs?
A: You can apply, but equipment funding is not a high priority for the Local History Grants Program. You may not succeed in your application.

Q: How much funding is available?
A:The amount allocated by the Community Support Fund for the current round of the Local History Grants Program consists of $350,000. Applications for grants of up to $12,000 will be considered.

Contact PROV on (03) 9348 5609 for a copy of the guidelines and application form.

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