The Environmental Partnerships Program builds on strong foundations by recognising and amplifying the skills and expertise that resides in their community to address climate change and other environmental challenges facing our community.

Through the program, Council will support projects established via a partnership agreement with each collaborating community organisation clearly demonstrating their contribution to delivering key environmental priorities identified in Council’s Climate Change Action Plan.

The total funding pool is $100,000 per annum and partnership agreements will run between one and three years, with review points every 12 months.

There is a maximum project amount of $25,000 per year are available.

To be eligible to for this partnership program, applicants must:

• Be registered as a not-for-profit legal entity, for example an incorporated association, registered charity, or social enterprise; or
• Be a not-for-profit unincorporated group that is auspiced by a registered not-for-profit legal entity and have at least $10 million Public Liability Insurance to cover all aspects of the program.
• Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or attach an Australian Taxation Office Statement by a Supplier form to the application.
• Have no outstanding debts to Bass Coast Shire Council.

Auspicing

An unincorporated organisation must have its application auspiced by an eligible incorporated organisation. Information on the auspicing body is required in the application including their ABN details, copy of current public liability insurance and a completed Auspice Agreement.
If the applicant is successful, the auspicing body is legally responsible for the funds and sponsorship funding is made into their bank account.
Further information on auspicing can be found at Not for Profit Law - Auspicing.

Exclusions
The following are ineligible for funding:

• Programs based outside of Bass Coast
• Private profit-making organisations
• Programs that have already commenced, unless the funding agreement would provide an expansion of the existing program
• Staff wages exceeding $50.00 per hour
• Applications that have not provided full financial disclosure
• Programs where Council considers the purpose is to advance an organisation’s religious or partisan political position, irrespective of what those beliefs or positions might be.

• Phone: (03) 5671 2211
• Email: sustainability@basscoast.vic.gov.au