The community benefit funding programs distribute revenue from gaming taxes to various not-for-profit community groups throughout Queensland. This is a source of funding arts and cultural organisations should consider. In the last announced round of the state-wide Gambling Community Benefit Fund (closing date 30 November 2013) several arts and cultural organisations were successful including:
Apart from the state-wide Fund there are also three casino funds: Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund; Reef Hotel Casino Community Benefit Fund and Breakwater Island Casino Community Benefit Fund with eligibility defined by geographic region. However, there is a bill before parliament to amalgamate the funds. The new fund is planned to be available for the funding round that opens mid-July and closes 31 August, 2014. There will then be four rounds per year for funding of up to $35,000.
As with any grant program it is important you read the guidelines and that you are able to eloquently and concisely demonstrate the community benefit. Feedback indicates that demonstrating the community benefit and clearly articulating what you are asking for and why upfront will enhance the competitiveness of your application. Also lots of applications fail because of technical issues like not providing the required documentation and not completing the application correctly so pay attention to the basics!
Details of all successful organisations are listed on the Fund’s website . As you can see from the list above, funding has been provided for diverse purposes and large and small organisations have been successful. Applications for all but the Reef Hotel Casino Community Benefit Fund are closing on 31 May 2014. Is there something you need to assist in delivering your public programs?
Arts Queensland would like to hear from any organisation willing to share its success with this fund so other organisations can benefit from your experiences. You are welcome to let us know by posting comments to this post or by emailing linda.dreghorn@arts.qld.gov.au or telephone 07 3034 4077.
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