Haughton sustainable communities fund

About the Haughton sustainable communities fund

Pacific Blue’s Haughton Sustainable Communities Fund shares the benefits of the Haughton Solar Farm with the surrounding communities, providing long-lasting social, economic and environmental value that goes beyond the life of the solar farm.

Eligible community groups and not-for-profit organisations from Ayr, Brandon, Clare, Dalbeg, Giru, Home Hill and Millaroo are encouraged to apply for project funding up to $10,000 from a pool of $80,000.

Since the commissioning of Haughton Solar Farm in 2019, the Fund has provided more than $300,000 to 52 local sustainable projects. The Haughton Sustainable Communities Fund is a part of Pacific Blue’s Community Benefit Sharing Program, which has provided more than $5 million to over 1000 projects across Australia since 2005.

Eligibility

The Haughton Sustainable Communities Fund aims to support projects, initiatives, and organisations that provide lasting benefits to local communities and address community needs in at least one of these six key areas:

• Education and training
• Health and welfare
• Sport and recreation
• Arts and Culture
• The environment, and
• Projects that support the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

To be eligible, the proposed project or initiative must:

• Directly benefit the local community (in at least one of the six program areas)
• Not be for the private gain of particular individuals
• Provide x 2 forms of the support from the community (shown by endorsement from prominent members of the community, either in the form of letters or other communication supporting the project)
• Have necessary approvals and permissions in place prior to applying, such as council approval (if required).
  Meet the Community Benefit Sharing Program’s aims and objectives

Up to $10,000 can be sought from Pacific Blue for each project. Organisations can apply for more than one project at a time, but must be able to demonstrate their ability to deliver them within twelve months.        

Fund area

The Haughton Sustainable Communities Fund is open to organisations and projects that serve Ayr, Brandon, Clare, Dalbeg, Giru, Home Hill and Millaroo. Organisations and projects do not necessarily need to be based in the fund area, but the proposed projects must operate in, and provide benefit to these communities to be eligible.                    

Who can apply

Not-for-profit community groups (NFPs) which operate in Ayr, Brandon, Clare, Dalbeg, Giru, Home Hill and Millaroo Communities, and are proposing projects that meet the eligibility and selection criteria are encouraged to apply.

A not-for-profit organisation is an organisation that is not operating for the profit or gain (either direct or indirect) of its individual members.

Not-for-profit organisations eligible to apply to Community Funds include:

• Incorporated Associations
• Committees of Management
• Unincorporated (Voluntary) Associations with an ABN and a formal constitution
• Co-operatives (that are defined as not-for-profit in their charter or constitution)
• Companies Limited by Guarantee

Organisations that do not yet have an ABN can apply, but additional paperwork may be required if their proposed project is successful.

Read more information about who can apply in the Sustainable Communities Fund Guidelines.

Selection criteria

Projects and initiatives considered for funding will be assessed against the selection criteria, including:

• Alignment with the Community Benefit Sharing Program aims and the Sustainable Communities Fund Guidelines
• Identification of community needs (alignment with community strategic plan)
• Demonstration of a clear, realistic, and feasible plan
• Budget outline, prices, and alternatives
• Demonstration of innovation or forward-thinking

How to Apply

• Consider your project; including the scope, size, its requirements, and what you will need to do to deliver it within 12 months.
• Read the Fund Guidelines to ensure your project meets all requirements, is feasible, and can be delivered by your organisation.
• When writing your application, make sure you clearly explain your project's objectives. Ask if you have clearly outlined how you will deliver your project, what the funding will be used for and why you want to deliver this project. This is the type of information the panel needs to know when assessing each application for funding.
• From 1 March 2023- APPLY HERE by submitting the online application form along with your supporting documents to Pacific Blue by 5pm, 31 March 2023 (see registration instructions below).

Fund Allocation Panel

All eligible applications are reviewed by a fair and transparent panel. This process ensures community involvement in how funds are allocated and maintains the integrity of the program. The panel will meet  in April 2023, with successful applicants notified shortly thereafter. The Fund Allocation Panel consists of a local council representative, members of the local community, and Pacific Blue staff.

Members of our host communities are invited to be a part of the Fund Allocation Panels for 2023. If you would like to represent your community on the Panel, please read the Terms of Reference, then complete and return the Expression of Interest Form.

Participation provides valuable insight into the application process and more information about activities in your local community.

To learn more about the types of projects who have received support from Pacific Blue in other host communities, check out our publication, Local Good – A decade of support for sustainable communities.