Presentation prepared for the

RMIT University (Research Support Unit)

“Applying for research funding from the philanthropic sector”

Tuesday 21 April 2009

Jan Robins

Executive Officer

Outline of presentation :

Foundation’s history & purpose Grant guidelines & funding priorities How to apply for a grant Important dates, amounts & preferred projects Questions

Foundation’s history & purpose:

Established 30 years ago (1979) Has disbursed in excess of $80 million worth of

grants since commencement Annual disbursements over each of the past 3

years have averaged approx $5.5 million

Grant guidelines and funding priorities

Applications assessed in 3 groups:

A. Children & Youth

B. Health & Medical

C. Community Support & Development

How to apply for a grant:1. Check JBF’s website for latest news;2. Contact EO to discuss project to gain preliminary feedback on its ‘fit’

with JBF’s current funding priorities;3. Download & complete application form once EO invites you to do so;4. Coordinate your application with your central office - JBF will only

accept one application from an eligible organisation in any year;5. Allow sufficient time for any missing information to be followed up;6. Be succinct with your answers, following the suggested word counts;7. Nominate relevant referees who are able to offer independent and

objective feedback on your organisation and proposed project.

Important dates, amounts & preferred projects:DATES - JBF Directors have decided to suspend the next grant round (normally applications would be accepted in the period 1 Aug – 15 Sept): Only 1 grant round in the 2009/2010 financial year (applications considered from 1 February through to 15 March 2010 with funds disbursed to approved applicants in late May/early June 2010)

AMOUNTS – no maximum although requests >$50,000 are rarely granted

PREFERRED PROJECTS – those involving beneficial outcomes for children, disadvantaged and disabled people who reside in Victoria and for the outcomes to be achieved in a reasonably short period of time.

Attributes of a good funding proposal:

Has wide community reach and applicability (broad appeal); Demonstrates sustainable community benefits; Is to be evaluated (program related) and the evaluation made

available to interested parties; Incorporates and encourages collaboration amongst like-minded

organisations; Has a diversified group of potential funders (i.e. other philanthropics,

govt., corporate, in-kind donations, volunteer input, etc.)

Considerations: Does the project’s objective/s fit with the JBF’s charitable purpose? Is the project relevant to current community needs? Does the application answer JBF’s questions and is the information well

presented? Reputation - is the organisation and project manager/s known to JBF? Will the project benefit children? Is an outcome likely in the near future? Has the organisation previously done well with JBF’s support? Will the grant benefit other departments (relates to projects submitted by larger

organisations e.g. Universities, Hospitals, etc.)? Is there an opportunity to co-fund the project with another like-minded

philanthropic? Is the organisation likely to attract support from elsewhere (e.g. Govt., corporate)? Is this project duplicating other work that has been done or is currently being done

elsewhere? Does the application have the support of the relevant Dept. Head?

Questions….?