Click here to download the below guidelines.
Click here to download the application form.
Making an Application for EY Funds
Application guidelines
All grants are framed by an agreement that details the conditions under which the funds are being awarded for your project. All grant recipients are required to provide details of their evaluation process and present final reports. This allows FIRS to gain an understanding of the overall effect these grants have on the community.
Submitting an application
There is no closing date for applications. FIRS considers applications throughout the year. Please don’t get caught up in the detail required for the application. If you require any assistance please call for clarification. I can be contacted at FIRS on 08 9359 1253. Please email your application and any accompanying documentation to carley@firs.org.au or post to us at 35 Edinburgh Rd FORRESTFIELD WA 6058. We will acknowledge receipt of all applications, but please allow approx 6 weeks for the assessment process.
Your application must include details on the following:
Your organisation
The aim of this section is to verify the status of your organisation and eligibility for FIRS Early Years funding; as well as your organisations capacity to deliver the project outcomes
1. Name of applicant organisation. This should be the legal name. Also indicate if there is another name the organisation is known by, or a short name.
2. Address of the organisation
3. Name of the contact person, role and contact details including email
4. Name of chief executive officer and contact details
5. Australian Business Number (ABN). An ABN must be provided. This must match the legal entity that is the applicant. If you do not have an ABN see www.abr.gov.au.
6. Track record and capacity of the organisation. FIRS needs to identify if the organisation has the skills and experience to run a project such as proposed in this application. This might include:
§ Who are the key people in your organisation required to manage and deliver this project?
§ What is their track record?
§ What is the track record of the organisation?
§ Do you have sufficient infrastructure to run the project - i.e. office, computers, phones, and staff?
If you have any readily available documents that would establish the capacity of your organisation these can be included. Supporting documentation might include previous project reports, annual reports, strategic plans etc.
The Project
This aim of this section is to demonstrate you have a well planned project that has a high chance of success. Please try to answer each question with direct points, rather than a long story.
- Project title
- Briefly describe the project, its objectives and deliverables.
Objectives need to be SMART:
- Specific (so we know exactly what the objective is)
- Measurable (so we are able to measure how far we have progressed towards the final goal)
- Achievable (so we can see that the way you propose to do the project is highly likely to achieve the result you are aiming for)
- Realistic (so we can see that you can do the project with the resources you have plus the grant funds)
- Time bound (there is a defined timeframe against which progress towards the goal can be tracked)
- Which Community priority does this project addressBriefly describe the target group and their location.
- How is this project proposing to address and/or create social change in the Foothills?
- How does this project pioneer a response to community needs? How is this solution different to what is already being offered?
- How is this project replicable or sustainable once the funding period is over? (What is the lasting impact of the project? What will be ongoing when this project is completed?)
- How does this project develop the community's, or service providers', skills, knowledge and engagement?
- How will you manage risk in the project? (What risk management plans do you have to ensure the critical activities and other results are achieved? For example, what happens if a key person gets sick or leaves a project?)
- What is the project budget?
- What funds do you want from FIRS?
- What will the funding be used for?
- What other funds will be used or required to do this project?
- Where do these funds come from?
- Is there opportunity for FIRS to see the project?
Evaluation of the application process
FIRS would appreciate if you could provide feedback on the application process.
1. Were the questions and instructions in the application guidelines clear and succinct?
2. How long did the application take to complete?
3. How can we do better next time?
A checklist for applicants
§ Is your organisation eligible for FIRS funding?
§ Does your organisation have the capacity to deliver the project results?
§ Has your application addressed the FIRS grant-making criteria?
§ Does your application clearly demonstrate a well-planned project with a high likelihood of success?
§ Have you completed all sections of the application, including budget?