Performing Arts Development Grant

Applications in SmartyGrants

Invited, eligible applicants must complete the application form in SmartyGrants, addressing the following criteria:

1. Rationale

• A sound and clear rationale for the project idea including the reasons for the project, project aims, expected outcomes and why the funding is needed
• How the activities align with one or more of the strategies outlined in the Arts & Culture Plan 2024
• The project clearly shows innovation and creativity

2. Benefit to organisation / individual

• How the funding will help the applicant develop new opportunities or activities that contribute to employment, career, and community outcomes
• Demonstrates cultural, artistic, social, or economic returns on investment
• Opportunities for partnerships or co-investment

3. Benefit to the Mornington Peninsula’s community and creative sector

• Positive impact for Mornington Peninsula audiences / communities through:

• availability and access to creative offerings
• demonstrated understanding of target audience/communities
• representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and diverse communities

4. Capacity to deliver

• Key stakeholders identified, and any artistic outcomes that have been successfully delivered in the past
• Budget is viable and includes provision of appropriate fees to artists and collaborators, shows that it is cost effective and is submitted on the spreadsheet provided
• The applicant has responsible business practice and no outstanding debts or acquittals to council
• Cultural permissions and key artists are cited and confirmed (if application includes involvement of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists/participants, a letter of confirmation is included)

5. Evaluation of project by funded applicant/organisation

• How the project will be evaluated. It should also identify areas for improvement and inform future funding decisions. This will then feed into the acquittal process.

• Applications are progressed to an Assessment Panel. Panel meets on prescribed bi-monthly dates
• If application is received within 10 working days prior to next prescribed date, application will be deferred to next available date
• Applicants may be requested to provide additional supporting information to assist with the assessment of their application
• The Assessment Panel will evaluate and score applications for compliance with the criteria of the program
• Applicants requesting $30,000 or more will be requested to meet with the panel to discuss their application in further detail
• Applicants will be notified of the Assessment Panel decision via email and successful applicants are required to sign a funding agreement

Minimum eligibility requirements to be considered for funding:

• Applicants must be based within the Mornington Peninsula Shire Local Government Area.
• Program is open to creative and cultural sector incorporated not-for-profit community groups/organisations, commercial creative and cultural sector organisations and individuals (for the purpose of this grant referred to as ‘artist’) registered as a sole trader.
• Non-for-profit group applicants without incorporation or Sole Trader status are able to be auspiced by an eligible organisation. An Auspice Agreement must be completed and attached to the application. The organisation that agrees to auspice must be involved in the conduct and financial management of the project for which a grant is being sought. An auspice organisation is limited to auspice a maximum of 2 unincorporated groups.

• ABN status must be provided. Applicants without an ABN must submit an Australian Tax Office Statement by a Supplier Form with their application.
• The applicant must have a current and adequate level of public liability insurance relevant to the project

• All projects must be completed within 12 months of receipt of funding

  • A report and photographs (with consent from individuals in pictures) is required as evidence of the execution of the project, expenditure and outcomes
  • The report must include copies of media articles, collateral and/or evidence of attribution to Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Performing Arts Development Grant
  • The report must include project outcomes, variations, learnings and final budget including receipts/evidence of spend
  • Applicants will be notified via email when the acquittal form is available via SmartyGrants
  • Applicants will receive a reminder email prior to the acquittal due date