day
Does your organisation have a research-backed Theory of Change about how you can make a positive impact on our community and region? Do you know what problem it is you seek to solve and who the people are who experience it? Have you got your purpose locked in and a clear plan to achieve it? If so, a Community Support Grant application might be the one for you.
Community Support Grants are designed to provide operational and other support to organisations working with others to make a measurable impact in our region.
There are three closing dates per year for Community Support Grants – March, June and September. If you would like to have a conversation about what could be achieved through ‘Partnership’ or Multi-Year funding, please contact the Trust office.
Click here to view the 2022-25 Community Investment Strategy, which includes the target areas and Sustainable Development Goals the Trust is focusing on.
Click here to see a list of grant recipients from the most recent Community Support Grant round.
* Note: Only ONE Community Support OR Quick Response grant can be received in a calendar year. Please speak to us if you’re not sure which is best for your organisation.
We want to hear from not-for-profit organisations committed to delivering projects or initiatives that will enhance the lives of people in our community.
To be considered for funding an organisation must be:
Within the Trust's region View Map
Able to provide us with annual accounts
A ‘not for profit ‘ organisation – a charitable trust or incorporated society View Tax Exempt Information
Registered for at least 12 months at the time of submitting an application (except in exceptional circumstances)
Priority will be given to organisations whose outcomes are aligned with the target areas for the Trust and that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals we've focused on, which can be found here.
Read more about these Sustainable Development Goals in our Community Investment Strategy which can be found under TRUST DOCUMENTS:
Affordability and Clean Energy
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Partnerships for the Goals
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Good Health and Well-Being
Climate Action
Reduced Inequalities
The Trust wishes to focus on transformational funding, which means we will give priority to initiatives or organisations that can demonstrate they are impacting or enhancing:
Individuals' lives – providing high and/or broad impact
Organisations – capacity building and encouraging collaboration
The community – preventing issues from occurring
People’s views – delivering strong regional pride
The Trust does not fund
Applications from outside the WEL Energy region (see map), unless there is evidence of significant benefit to communities within the WEL region
Individuals or commercial organisations
Projects that have already been completed by the date of grant notification
Loan repayments or guarantee assistance to applicants
Projects that may create a conflict of interest for the Trust or WEL Networks Ltd
Travel outside of the WEL region
Projects that target Central/Local Government’s core areas of responsibility, e.g., Local Government, Central Government
Lobby groups e.g. ratepayer / resident groups
Organisations with an overdue accountability report for previous funding received
Organisations that have already received a grant in the same calendar year
Once you have checked your eligibility, an application can be made through our on-line application form (when a grant round is open). All first time applicants are encouraged to call the Trust office first to discuss your application and the best fund to apply to.
To begin your application, follow the two steps below:
Check your eligibility for a Trust grant
Begin an application or continue a current application
Important Points:
Since April 2015, the Trust has been using a the SmartyGrants on-line grants system. You will need to register with the SmartyGrants system and will not be able to use log-in details used for applications made prior to 2015.
After your first application to the Trust through the SmartyGrants system, please consistently use the same registration information for your organisation. If you have forgotten your log-in details, you will be able to retrieve them through the on-line grants system.
Each time your organisation applies for a grant, please check and update the contact details for your organisation.
Please indicate your Tax Exempt Status on the form. Click here for important information about Trust requirements with regard to your status.
Applications must be received by 6pm on the closing date.
Reporting back (accountability) also involves completing an on-line form, which must be submitted within the time frame stated on the Grant Offer letter.
There are three closing dates per year. To be successful, all funding applications should align with the Trust’s strategic funding priorities.
Funding rounds are open for at least a month and applications are accepted until 6.00pm on the closing dates (see below).
The next round closes on:
day
month
year
2024 Closing Dates:
Important Points
Completed application forms and all documentation must be received no later than 6pm on the closing date. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
If an application is incomplete or mandatory documentation has not been included, your application will not be accepted.
Applications must be completed using the on-line application form and submitted electronically. If you require assistance, please call the Trust office.
Application forms will be on the website just prior to the opening of a round. You will need to login to the SmartyGrants system (first-time users will need to register)
Please call if you are unsure which type of grant would best suit your organisation.
All first time applicants are encouraged to call the Trust office to discuss your application first.
Give us a call or send us a message