National Stronger Regions Fund Round 3 Now Open (All)

National Stronger Regions Fund (All States)

Round 3 of the National Stronger Regions Fund is now open and closes 15th March 2016.

Round two was highly competitive with 513 applications seeking $1.5 billion in funding. The Government awarded $293 million to only 111 projects leaving many disappointed Councils and NFP organisations. Round Two also had $25 million quarantined for projects seeking funding of $1 million or less, so smaller projects are well represented amongst the successful applicants (resulting in the doubling of the number of Projects funded compared to round 1).

So how is Round 3 shaping up? Lets just say it will again be highly competitive! Many of the organisations in round 2 will reapply as well as many remote Councils applying due to the changes in the ratio of funding for those classified as remote/very remote.

We were successful in Tweed Shire Councils application under round 2 receiving $9.8 million. We spent approximately six weeks preparing preparing our Business Case, independent Economic Impact including cost benefit analysis as well well documented supporting information. This was all prepared to a very high standard (fully graphic designed and themed). Tweed Shire Councils return on investment was high and they are extremely pleased with the outcome (second highest funding amount awarded in round 2)

Key Criteria for round 3

• Grants must be between $20,000 and $10 million.
• Local government and incorporated not-for-profit organisations are eligible to apply.
• Grant funding must be matched in cash on at least a dollar for dollar basis. For Round Three, applicants classified as remote and very remote must contribute at least one dollar for every three dollars of NSRF funding sought.
• All partner funding must be confirmed.
• NSRF funding will be provided for capital projects which involve the construction of new infrastructure, or the upgrade or an extension of existing infrastructure.
• The project must deliver an economic benefit to the region beyond the period of construction. Projects should support disadvantaged regions or areas of disadvantage within a region.
• The NSRF funded component of the project must be completed on or before 31 December 2019.

Hop Tips 

• Include an Independent Business Case if your project is over $1m
• Include and Cost Benefit Analysis again if your project if over $1m
• Answer the Question and stick to the word limits
• Tie how your region is socially disadvantaged to your Project outcomes
• Make sure your letters of support are relevant
• Make sure you include ALL mandatory documents
• Allocate enough time to prepare the application
• Do not leave it til the last minute to submit, be prepared for clitches

Share This: