Site Updated : 04/07/08
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are questions often asked of the secretariat in relation to the Fund. Should you have a question that is not asked and answered here please contact the secretariat.
Q1. When and how are applicants advised of the outcome of their application?
Q2. Should we resubmit our application, and how can we improve our chances of receiving funding?
Q3. Why was our application unsuccessful?
Q4. Can we apply if we also have an application in with the Gambling Community Benefit Fund?
Q6. Are there other funding groups in Queensland similar to this Fund?
Q7. Are there any forms to be completed once a grant has been spent?
Q8. How long do we have to complete a project?
Q9. What do we do if the project comes in under budget, can we use the savings on something else?
Q1. When and how are applicants advised of the outcome of their application?
A. The Fund has 2 funding rounds a year.
For applications received by 15 July, organisations will be notified of the result by the following December.
For applications received by 15 December, organisations will be notified of the result by the following May/June.
Those organisations that are successful will receive documentation from the secretariat which must be completed and returned prior to the grant being forwarded to the organisation.
Q2. Should we resubmit our application, and how can we improve our chances of receiving funding?
A. Unsuccessful applications are welcomed to be resubmitted. This should be done via advising the secretariat, in writing, of your request for a resubmission. It is often worthwhile discussing your resubmission request with the secretary as there may be an issue that requires additional information from your organisation before it can be resubmitted to the Trustees. If any details of your application have changed this should also be advised in writing to the secretary so as it can be included with your original application, ie your latest financial reports.
You can improve your chances of receiving a grant by:
· Ensuring your application is complete
· Prioritise your funding requests
· Obtain letters of support, providing evidence that the local community supports your project
· Provide as much detail as possible on the project and your organisation
· Request funding within the set limits (note that the average grant to date has been approximately $4,600)
Q3. Why was our application unsuccessful?
A. The most common reason is due to insufficient funds being available. On average, the Fund receives requests in excess of $1 million each round. The Fund has distributed, on average, between $200,000 and $250,000 each round.
Other reasons why an application may have been unsuccessful include:
· The organisation was ineligible, ie, a hospital.
· The project was ineligible, ie the asset would become an asset of the Crown.
· Lack of evidence was provided that the project had a wide community benefit.
· Funding requested was in excess of the upper limit
Q4. Can we apply if we also have an application in with the Gambling Community Benefit Fund?
A. Yes, however, you must advise the secretary if you are successful in receiving a grant for the same project.
A. An organisation can apply as many times as it wishes to. If your organisation has been successful in receiving a grant, or multiple grants from the Fund in the past, the Trustees will take this into account when considering your latest application.
Q6. Are there other funding groups in Queensland similar to this Fund?
A. Yes, Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund and Breakwater Island Casino Community Benefit Fund operate under similar guidelines to the Cairns Casino Community Benefit Fund. The three funds cover different jurisdictions throughout Queensland.
Also, the Gambling Community Benefit Fund provides grants to Queensland based non-profit community organisations.
Q7. Are there any forms to be completed once a grant has been spent?
A. Yes, Accountability forms are forwarded to successful organisations at the same time as the cheque is forwarded. Should an organisation have lost or misplaced these forms the secretary can provide organisations with replacement forms. All organisations must also forward a copy of the invoices relating to the purchases made with the grant to the secretariat.
Q8. How long do we have to complete a project?
A. Projects must commence within 3 months of notification of approval of the project unless a written extension has been obtained from the Fund.
Completion of the project must occur within 12 months of notification of approval of the project unless a written extension has been obtained from the Fund. Unexpended grant funds may be withdrawn if there is insufficient cause or reason for a delay in expenditure.
Q9. What do we do if the project comes in under budget, can we use the savings on something else?
A. Any unspent grant monies should be returned to the Fund. If you wish to use unspent funds for another project, written authorization must first be obtained from the Fund.
A. Your request to allocate the funds to a different project must be put in writing to the secretary. Under most circumstances you will be required to return your grant to the Fund as you received funding for a specific project, which you no longer require funding for.