WTF – Where’s the Funding?

3 February 2022

Did you know that more than $80 billion is given out in grants across Australia each year? Community and not-for-profit organisations on the Southern Downs are invited to sign up to sharpen their grant applications game through a series of free courses and webinars titled Step In Step Up, WTF - Where's the Funding? and Win More Grants.

Southern Downs Regional Council has partnered with the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) to help grassroots community groups access grants and additional income streams while teaching best practice know-how and imparting renewed confidence to help the grants novice become a grants go-getter! 

With industry governance leaders ICDA as Council’s official SmartyGrants partner, not-for profit organisations can expect to benefit from training delivered by the experts.

In addition to the bundled short courses valued at $230 per person, Council is also providing free access to a series of webinars valued at $70 each. Starting on 10 February, the ICDA-led webinars are usually only available to their members, but with this partnership, Council has secured access for our community organisations.

Southern Downs Councillor Cynthia McDonald is encouraging community board or committee members to sign up for the training as soon as possible.

“If you’ve recently joined a not-for-profit community board or committee, or you’re thinking of joining one, or if it’s your role to ensure new board members get a good induction, don’t delay in signing up - these courses are for you!” Councillor McDonald said.

“Fundraising is the lifeblood of most community organisations yet it’s an often-neglected task and most organisations draw the majority of their income from just one or two funding streams, which is a potentially risky strategy.

“By signing up to these certified courses, experienced trainers will take you through the legal and ethical responsibilities of a not-for-profit board member, which is crucial for success and hopefully assist your organisation.”

Participants will receive recordings of the webinars and printed course material, however limited seats are available for this pilot program and interested parties are encouraged to email recovery@sdrc.qld.gov.au with their organisation name, the webinar or course they are registering for as well as the full name, email and contact number of their nominated representative.

Webinars

Register for one or all of the below:

1. Attracting and Recruiting the Best Candidates | Date: 10 Feb 2022
2. Dealing with Conflict | Date: 21 Feb 2022
3. Women! Get on a Board! | Date: 08 Mar 2022
4. Finding the Perfect Mentor | Date: 30 Mar 2022

Short Online Courses

 Register for one or all of the below. These short courses are conducted online at the participant’s own pace, however must be completed within 30 days of registration.

1. Step In, Step Up - Everything a New Community Board Member Needs to Know.
2. WTF – Where’s the Funding? - Designed for grassroots fundraisers. The course will help participants identify the many income streams available to their organisation and give them confidence to start drawing from each of them.
3. Win More Grants - More than $80 billion is given out in grants across Australia each year. Is your organisation getting its share?

These courses are jointly funded under the Commonwealth/State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements 2018.