NHWA Community Funding Program

Update

The NHWA Community Funding Program has now closed.  We received 56 applications from all over Australia and our Funding Committee is currently assessing them.  The final decision on which applications are approved will be announced at our AGM in Adelaide on the 19th and 20th November 2012.

The Neighbourhood Watch Australasia (NHWA) Community Funding Program are open. The $100,000 is being targeted to give a much needed boost and revitalisation to local community Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) groups.

The NHWA Community Funding Program allows for local new or existing NHW groups to be working alongside Police or Local Government authorities to problem solve local community safety and crime prevention issues.

The $100,000 Community Funding Program has come from the Proceeds Of Crime Act (POCA) funds awarded to Neighbourhood Watch Australasia by the Federal Government earlier this year.

We have particularly focused these funds into grants of no more than $3,000 each. We see this as a way of giving back to communities that may have already been victims of crime or anti social behaviour, or those that care enough about their community to do something about it.

So does your community group have a great idea to improve your local communities safety and prevent crime?  Apply for a grant today - download the documents below and follow the instructions to submit your application.

Guidelines - a guide to the application process including information on what will and will not be funded.  Download Guidelines.pdf

Assessment Criteria - specific criteria that must be met for your application to be considered.  Download Criteria.pdf

Application Form - Download the application form in Word Format or PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long is it likely to take for applicants to the program to be advised whether they are successful or not for this initial round?

A: The applications will be considered by NHWA. They will then be sent for approval to the Attorney General's Department. We are planning on announcing successful applicants on the 20th November 2012.

Q: Will the six month term for project funding begin from the date of project approval or will it start earlier say from the date of the release of the Program (20^th August) or beginning of the 2012-13 financial year?

A: We anticipate that the project funding would begin on the date that you sign the funding agreement with us. We would anticipate this being very soon after the 20th November, or at an agreed date with you.

Q: Will funding be made available up front to successful Groups or will they have to meet milestones to receive funding?  Is it likely funding will only be made available on receipt of final report?

A: We anticipate entering into an agreement with each successful recipient. Each recipient must be incorporated or be working with another organisation that is incorporated or working with Police or working with Council who would be able to receive funds on behalf of your group.  We are not allowed to pay funds to unincorporated groups.  The funds would be paid to your group or the agreed sponsor once the project agreement has been signed.  You will then be required to meet the obligations of providing a report and receipts of where that money has been spent.  An Acquittal form will need to be completed.  None of this needs to be onerous, simply show transparency of public funds.

Q: Will there be any allowance to deduct the Christmas holiday period from the six months term allowed for projects?

A: Yes, we are happy for you to tell us when and how you would like your project to work and are happy to negotiate a time frame that suits your needs.  Within reason of course.

Q: Will funds spent definitely have to be accounted for within the project term of 6 months?

A: Yes.  This is a requirement of this funding term.  Please bear in mind that there will be another funding term next year and being successful in year one does not preclude you from applying in year two.