Community Climate Change and Energy Action Program – Round 2: Information bulletin

Last updated: 1 August 2023
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Some questions have been re-worded and grouped to benefit as many potential Applicants as possible.

This page will be regularly updated, based on questions we receive.

Information session

A general information session for Round 2 of the Community Climate Change and Energy Action Program (the Program) was held online at 3pm on Thursday 24 February 2022.

Recording

Round 2

What has changed in Round 2 of the Program?

Based on learnings and feedback from the delivery of Round 1, there are five key changes to Round 2 of the Program:

  1. Round 2 has only one funding stream – Implementation grants, whereas Round 1 had two funding streams – Energy audit grants and Implementation grants. Energy audits in Round 1 were oversubscribed and therefore will not be available in Round 2.
  2. Round 2 has only one funding tier, with all Applicants able to apply for up to $50,000 regardless of their project type.
  3. Service Providers engaged to undertake solar panel or battery installation must be accredited by the Clean Energy Council. Applications for solar and battery that list non-accredited providers will be deemed ineligible.
  4. Community Groups can only apply for funding for one facility, whereas in Round 1, they could apply for funding to cover up to three facilities. This is to ensure wider geographical spread, more diverse projects, and funding for more Community Groups.
  5. Community Groups are now able to complete an application form for a facility that is owned by a local government authority (LGA).

See ‘Community Groups’ or refer to Section 2 – Eligibility, and Section 6 – Your application of the guidelines for more information.

Applicant eligibility

If you are unsure whether your organisation is eligible, make sure you read the program guidelines carefully, including the eligibility criteria, exclusions, and the definition of a Community Group. Think about who owns the facility, who utilises it, who pays for the energy bills and how it benefits the local community.

Are facilities owned by the State Government eligible if they are managed by Community Groups?

No, only facilities owned by the Community Groups themselves or by LGAs will be eligible to apply. Please see Section 2 – Eligibility in the guidelines.

Are education institutions, such as Early Learning Centres (ELCs), kindergartens, schools, or universities eligible for funding?

Only facilities that are owned by Community Groups or LGAs are eligible for this funding. Schools and ELCs that are run privately or are funded by the State Government are not eligible. Some kindergartens will be eligible as they are owned by Community Groups or LGAs.

Can peak bodies, not-for-profits or social enterprises apply for this funding to support their members?

Yes, providing their organisations meet the definition of a Community Group and all other eligibility criteria in the program guidelines.

Do I have to agree with the Funding Agreement Terms and Conditions if I’m successful?

We advise you to read the Funding Agreement Terms and Conditions before applying. If you do not agree with any of the Terms and Conditions, there is a free text box in the application form where you are directed to identify the clause/s in question, and to briefly set out your proposed variation and the reason why you seek it.

Substantial or significant variations from the Terms and Conditions will be taken into account in assessing your application. SV will follow up any issues with proposed variations at the clarifications stage during the grant assessment process.

Your application

What if a Community Group needs funding for several facilities?

To fund a diverse range of projects, Community Groups and geographical locations, Community Groups have been limited to applying for one facility in this funding round. Consider which facility would reap the most benefit in terms of energy use and energy bill savings and best improve outcomes for users and the local community.

How do you define a facility?

One facility is defined as a building or buildings (permanent structure) at the same address. Buildings must meet all eligibility criteria, for example be owned by the one Community Group or LGA.

If an application was unsuccessful for funding in Round 1, can the project be resubmitted as an application in future rounds?

Yes, but please reach out to SV to get some feedback on your application if you were unsuccessful in Round 1 prior to reapplying and note the changes in the program guidelines.

What if a project cannot be completed within 6 months of signing and before 31 May 2023?

Unfortunately, we are unable to extend the project completion date due to our funding and reporting commitments. Depending on applications received, there may be a Round 3 of funding released in the future which may be more appropriate for your project timeline.

Do we need to source multiple quotes for the project?

Applicants are only required to submit one quote for their project, although they can approach several Service Providers to test the market. Please ensure that all requested funding is substantiated by a valid quote and that quotes include all the information requested in the application form.

Can we request funding in this round for an energy audit?

No. Energy audits were oversubscribed in Round 1 and will not be available in Round 2. This also applies where funding is requested for an audit as part of an implementation project. This portion of the funding request will be deemed ineligible.

Will SV funding cover any preparation and safety works?

No. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all necessary site preparation works are completed prior to the proposed energy upgrade for which the funding is sought. Before entering into a funding agreement with SV, the applicant must be able to demonstrate that the proposed site has addressed all regulatory safety and compliance requirements before the energy upgrade works can proceed. The grant funding cannot be used to cover any of these (or similar) costs. Please refer to Section 2.4 – What will not be funded of the guidelines.

Community Groups

If a facility is owned by an LGA, does the LGA need to apply on behalf of the Community Group?

No. Where a Community Group utilises and pays for the running costs of LGA-owned facilities, they may complete an application. They will, however, be required to provide a letter of support from the LGA which includes:

  • written consent for the proposed works to take place at the facility
  • a declaration that the LGA is prepared to enter into a funding agreement with SV
  • acceptance of responsibility for all terms and conditions of funding.

Please see Section 2 – Eligibility, and Section 6 – Your application of the guidelines for more information.

What is the best way to approach an LGA to apply on behalf of a Community Group?

Call the LGA first and connect with the appropriate officer. Then, email them with details of your proposed project. Make sure to let them know what is involved from their end and describe how your community would benefit from the funding.

The more detail you can give them, the easier it will be for them to complete the application.

Alternatively, you could submit the application on their behalf (see question above), providing they can provide a letter of support and are prepared to meet the terms and conditions.

Can a Community Group receive multiple grants for the same facility?

If the facility received an Energy audit grant in Round 1 - Stream 1, then this facility is eligible to apply for an Implementation grant in Round 2. We encourage these Applicants to apply for funding in Round 2 to carry out the recommendations of their audit.

If the facility has already received an Implementation grant in Round 1 - Stream 2, then this facility is not eligible to apply for further Implementation grants in Round 2.

Local Government Authority (LGA)

Can an LGA support more than one Community Group?

Yes, an LGA can apply for funding to assist as many Community Groups as they wish, providing they meet the eligibility criteria.

Each Community Group is eligible to receive up to the funding amount of $50,000 and must utilise this at one facility only.

LGAs should be aware that if their request for funding exceeds $50,000 due to supporting multiple Community Groups, the long form funding agreement terms and conditions will apply.

What are an LGA’s responsibilities if a Community Group is completing an application for a council-owned facility?

If a Community Group completes an application for an LGA-owned facility, they will be required to provide a letter of support from the LGA which provides:

  • written consent for the proposed works to take place at the facility
  • a declaration that the LGA is prepared to enter into a funding agreement with SV
  • acceptance of responsibility for all terms and conditions of funding.

More information

This grant program is a competitive process, and we are unable to review a draft or provide feedback on the potential merit of a project.

We encourage applicants to consider and address how the project meets the eligibility and merit criteria outlined in the program guidelines and application form.