Editors Picks
25 June 2023
AUSSIE CHARITY SECTOR GENERATES $10B
THE Australian charity sector has generated $190B revenue and employs 10.5% of the workforce, according to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). The 9th edition of the Australian Charities Report reveals growth in charity revenue, assets, and donations during the 2021 reporting period. However, expenses and liabilities have also increased, and volunteering numbers have declined. The report highlights the significant contribution of small charities, with 65% operating on annual revenues under $250,000 and a third having less than $50,000 in revenue.
25 June 2023
ROLE IN REDUCING SKILLS SHORTAGE
ACCORDING to the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in New South Wales are playing a crucial role in addressing skills shortages. Government data referenced in the ITECA State Of The Sector Report shows that independent RTOs support 80.8% of students in skills training. These providers outperform public TAFE colleges in terms of course completion rates, student satisfaction, and employment outcomes. The data indicate that students prefer independent training providers for quality skills training that leads to better job prospects.
25 June 2023
VENUES REMINDED TO MINIMISE HARM
LIQUOR & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) has reminded venues in NSW to comply with gaming harm-minimisation requirements after discovering ATMs with credit card withdrawal functions at two Sydney venues. The Gaming Machines Act 2001 prohibits hotels and clubs with gaming machines from having ATMs with credit access. The Wentworth Hotel and the Earlwood Hotel were issued directions to remove the credit card functions from their ATMs. L&GNSW inspectors were able to withdraw money from credit accounts
25 June 2023
SUPPORT FOR INSURANCE SCHEMES
THE NSW Government faces a $669M bill to support the state's insurance schemes, which have been mismanaged under the previous Liberal-National administration. The emergency funding aims to protect injured public sector workers and address issues such as historic liabilities for child sexual abuse, natural disaster damages, and workers' compensation claims. The funding injection highlights the challenges inherited by the Minns Government and adds to the budgetary pressures. The reforms seek to improve return-to-work rates and create a financially sustainable workers' compensation system.
25 June 2023
INCREASED PROTECTION FOR RETAIL WORKERS
THE NSW Government has introduced a Bill to Parliament that proposes stronger penalties for individuals who assault retail workers. The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Assaults on Retail Workers) Bill 2023 includes three new offences in the Crimes Act. The reforms aim to address the high rates of abuse and assault faced by retail workers, with penalties ranging from 4 to 11 years' imprisonment depending on the severity of the assault. The government is committed to supporting workers and ensuring their safety in the workplace, sending a clear message that such behavior is unacceptable.
Featured
20 June 2023
NEW PURPOSE-DRIVEN EDUCATION ALLIANCE
Delivering for aspiring and early-stage SMEs
COMMUNITY Broadcast Network (CBN) and BREED Australia have teamed up to design and deliver a suite of successful business education and mentoring programs aimed at aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs and SMEs.
COMMUNITY Broadcast Network (CBN) and BREED Australia have teamed up to design and deliver a suite of successful business education and mentoring programs aimed at aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs and SMEs.
17 June 2023
GRANT FUNDING FOR CHANGE MAKERS
RESEARCH reveals that lack of funding for the Australian not-for-profit (NFP) sector is resulting in less effective operations, and reduced impact amongst communities in need. As a result, philanthropic support of vital community projects is now increasingly important to address these critical funding pressures.
IMB Bank Community Foundation is the philanthropic arm of IMB Bank. It has donated more than $11.5M over 24 years to more than 850 grassroots community organisations and projects, expanding services and addressing the needs of locals – at times when they need it most.
In 2023, the Foundation is offering $700,000 in grant funding for community change-makers across NSW, ACT and Melbourne.
For community champions heading local charity projects in their area, grant funding can be the leg-up that drives real and profound change, improving the lives of many.
Ahead of its 2023 funding submission deadline on 16th June, IMB Bank Community Foundation has shared helpful grant application tips:
Research grants available – There are a number of grant funding programs available. The NSW state government offers grant funding for not-for-profits for rebuilding, community outreach, environment and more. Funding from the corporate sector, such as that offered by IMB Bank Community Foundation, is another avenue that NFPs can investigate to fill the funding gap.
Know what you want to do with the funding - Review past projects to understand the types of projects that have been supported in the past to help draft your application. Know what it is you want your project to do – who will you be helping, what local need will it addresses, how will it benefit locals? Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Sort documentation and images – Compile relevant documentation to support your application and have supporting evidence such as statistics about local challenges, the needs of community members, or evidence of success with similar projects.
Be the community change-maker – Champion the work that your group or project has achieved and the benefits to the community. Highlight real local successes as a result of your efforts and ways in which new funding will boost future expansion, participant experiences, or forms of sustainable progression.
Get in quick and before the deadline – Avoid applying on the last day. Unexpected events may occur – there might be technical glitches, other priorities may arise, or you simply don’t have the time to input the extra detail that will make your application stand out. Most grant funding organisations understand that complications can arise at the last minute. If you come across a hurdle or have any questions, be sure to reach out via phone or email to explain your situation. However, as a general rule, take note of deadline dates and apply well in advance.
If you think your project can make a difference in your community, seek out grant funding to take it to the next level.
Community groups can apply for 2023 IMB Bank Community Foundation grant funding through IMB Bank Community Foundation via www.imb.com.au/community
Applications close 16 June 2023. Get more tips and hints on applying for grant funding with the IMB Bank Community.
