3. Developing an Emerging Issues Funding Proposal
3.1 Initiating a Proposal
Emerging Issues Funding proposals can be initiated in a number of ways:
- by the Department approaching an organisation or group of organisations
- by an organisation or group of organisations approaching the Department
- from proposals received through the Diversity and Social Cohesion Program's annual funding rounds.
The following information outlines the general process in developing an Emerging Issues Funding project.
3.2 Initial Expression of Interest
Before approaching the Department, an organisation should:
- familiarise itself with the priorities set out in section 1
- satisfy itself that it has the ability to comply with the criteria set out in section 2
- understand the requirements set out in the Department's standard Funding Agreement (refer section 4.2)
See: Section 4.2
An initial written Expression of Interest (no more than 2 pages) is required which sets out:
- the nature and extent of the emerging issue, or potential emerging issue, together with supporting evidence
- a general description of the proposed project, including the funding amount sought, project timefame and the probable number of community participants
- how the project addresses one or more of the priorities identified by the Department in section 1.5, and
See: Section 1.5 - the support of key community stakeholders and/or strategic partners for the project.
3.3 Developing Project Proposals
Where an Expression of Interest is seen as having the potential to meet Emerging Issues Funding criteria, the Diversity and Social Cohesion Program will contact the organisation to discuss the development of a more comprehensive project proposal. If required, the Department will work with the organisation in the development of the project proposal.
3.4 Content of Project Proposals
The project proposal should include:
- a realistic project approach that will successfully address the identified issue
- an effective strategy to engage key community groups
- clearly identified risks and strategies for managing those risks
- an appropriate evaluation plan of the project's impact on the identified issue
- an outline of major budget items, such as salary, administrative costs, promotional and travel costs
- a strategy for sustaining the Diversity and Social Cohesion Program's key objectives after the project has been completed.
The budget must be well considered, reasonable and appropriate to achieving the project's objectives.
'Value for money' is the underlying principle that will be applied in the assessment of all project proposals for Emerging Issues Funding.
3.5 Project Assessment and Funding Decision
Project proposals will be formally assessed by the Department in line with Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) requirements. If a project proposal is deemed eligible for Emerging Issues Funding through this assessment process, a submission will be prepared by the Department for the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services and the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship.
While the Department may make recommendations in relation to project proposals, all funding decisions are made by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship.