This one-off establishment grant of $2,500 helps organisations that are setting up language classes for the first time. It helps new community languages schools in their first year.

A once only grant of $2,500 is provided to eligible community organisations applying for funding to operate community language classes for the first time. The establishment grant is provided to assist community organisations to maintain and increase their enrolments.

Grants are available in any one funding year. Unsuccessful applicants may apply the following year. Organisations requesting an establishment grant are required to contact the Community Languages Program Education Officer to discuss the establishment of the community language school before applying for a grant. They are advised to do this before commencing classes.

To be eligible for an establishment grant a community organisation must meet the eligibility conditions and indicate that languages classes have been operating for at least two months using a teaching program. Where the community is small and/or isolated and or requirements cannot be met immediately, the school must work with a Program Education Officer towards meeting requirements in the first year.

You must apply online by 30 April each year.

Who can apply?

You may receive an establishment grant if your community language school:

• is located more than two kilometres away from any other community language school which teaches the same language
• has been operating for at least two months using a teaching program
• normally has a minimum of 20 school-aged students enrolled. (Schools outside a metropolitan area with less than 20 students may be eligible for funding in some circumstances.)
• is open to school students from Kindergarten to Year 12, regardless of their language background
• holds classes outside school hours for at least 35 weeks of the year
• provides a minimum of two hours per week face-to-face language teaching based on a sound educational program.

If your community is small or isolated and cannot meet teacher or syllabus requirements immediately, you may be granted an exemption for up to 12 months. During this time your school can work with a program education officer to try to meet these requirements.

Your community language school must show:

• it is an organisation with ‘incorporated association' status
• it has the correct insurances
• it has followed the correct steps for setting up a school.

Other important points:

• If your organisation receives an establishment grant, you cannot apply for a per capita grant in the same calendar year
• You may not be eligible for funding for your new school if there is another community language school that teaches the same language within two kilometres. Check your local area for other community languages schools.

• Phone: (02) 7814 2528
• Email: commlang@det.nsw.edu.au