A grant is financial or in-kind support provided to eligible organisations through formal programs for a defined purpose and outcome within a specific time frame in accordance with the Grant Guidelines.

Note: Grant Guidelines are specific for each program and can be found on Council's grants webpage.

It is proposed in the draft policy that the following principles guide Council’s grants and partnership programs:

a) Priority: We will ensure outcomes of grant programs are aligned with Northern Beaches’ Community Strategic Plan SHAPE 2028 as well as other key Council social, economic, environmental strategies and plans. Funding is allocated to priority areas to meet identified community needs

b) Partnerships: We build and maintain constructive relationships based on mutual respect and transparency. We value the resources and skills that community groups and others bring to the grant partnership. Programs are responsive and may adapt to changing community needs and circumstances over time.

c) Inclusion and Equity: We support inclusion and equity in our community. Applications are encouraged from people of all abilities, ethnicity, cultures, ages and sexual orientations.

d) Value for money: We seek the best mix of projects to meet the needs of the community and business and maximise outcomes for the local government area. We support projects that represent good value for the level of cash or value-in-kind support requested.

e) Good governance: We commit to decision making in the public interest, and effective and efficient grant management processes. The application and acquittal requirements will be proportionate to the size of the grant awarded and the expected outcomes of the grant program. We will ensure there are systems and opportunities to support applicants and provide feedback

f) Transparency: We will ensure that grant processes are transparent and fair. Applications are assessed objectively against the assessment criteria listed in the Guidelines. All conflicts of interests are addressed and declared as part of this process.

The programs run in 2018/19 included:

• Events Sponsorship
• Events grants
• Community and Cultural grants
• Sports and Recreation Infrastructure grants
• Eco-Schools grants
• Artist in Residence

Note: each grant program has its own set of guidelines and application process. These are made available on Council’s webpage as program opportunities arise.

View Council’s webpage

• Grants and Sponsorship Policy (former Warringah)
• Direct Financial Assistance – Community Service Organisations Policy (former Pittwater)
• Community and Cultural Grants Policy (former Manly)

Following consideration of submissions received, it is anticipated that the policy will be presented to Council for adoption on 25 June 2019.