THE NATIONAL SHED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (NSDP) MANUAL April 2018 This Programme is supported by 1 P a g e
CONTENTS 1. Introduction....3 2. NSDP 2018 Review..........3 3. Overview of New Categories...4 4. What cannot be funded?...5 5. What are the Programme Priorities....6 6. Who can Apply......6 7. When do the Rounds Open?...7 8. How to Apply.....7 9. Submitting an Application...7 10. Combination funding requests...8 11. Evaluation Process. 10 12. Notification of Outcomes.. 11 13. Successful Applicants 11 14. Contact Details.. 12 2 P a g e
1. Introduction The Australian Men s Sheds Association (AMSA) has administered the Australian Government National Shed Development Programme (the NSDP) on behalf of the Australian Government since 2010. To date, over 16 Rounds, a total of $4,381,285.30 (GST excl) has been provided to assist new and existing Sheds. Under the NSDP, the Australian Government allocates $800,000 (GST excl) each financial year (2016-2019) with two funding Rounds of approximately $400,000 (GST excl) each year. Priority is given to those Sheds in areas of greatest need. The NSDP enables Men s Sheds and community organisations supporting a Men s Shed to apply for funds to better respond to local needs. The funding available allows Men s Sheds to apply for a range of items and activities such as: Costs incurred to undertake activities that promote or support the health and wellbeing of members The planning and delivery of a Major Regional Event that should have a strong health focus but may also include Shed operational topics Health and wellbeing equipment and resources Costs associated with provision of health and wellbeing training Improvements, modifications or refurbishment of a Men s Shed facility Tools & Equipment for new Sheds or existing Sheds that are in a high needs environment Please Note: the building of a new Men s Shed and other premises is not supported under this Programme 2. NSDP 2018 Review The NSDP was reviewed by the Department of Health in March 2018 and major changes have been implemented effective Round Seventeen (April 2018). Please ensure that you read the R17 NSDP Guidelines thoroughly and that you have a good understanding of the changes The Categories What can be requested within each category Maximum level of funding available within categories If you require further clarification or information please: amsa@mensshed.net 1300 550 009 3 Page
3. Overview of New Categories Individual Men s Sheds in Australia can apply for a range of financial support across the following three funding categories: - Category One Health and Wellbeing and Events Max $8000 - Category Two Shed Improvements Max $8,000 - Category Three Equipment Max $5,000 Category One Health and Wellbeing and Events Max $8000 Health & Wellbeing Equipment may include: - Defibrillator - First Aid Kit - Eye Wash Systems - Chemical storage cabinet - Shed Health & Safety equipment e.g. PPE, safety glasses, goggles, ear muffs, fire extinguishers, Test and Tag equipment - Safety Signage e.g. Health & Wellbeing Training for members such as: - First Aid including Refresher Courses - CPR - Mental Health training programmes - Disabilities training programmes - Food Handling and Safety - Suicide ASIST training - Men s Shed Health & Safety courses such as Handling Chemicals - Workshop OHS and machinery safety Health & Wellbeing Resources such as: - Books - DVD s - Handbooks and Manuals Events Funding can be requested for an applicant to plan and deliver a Major Regional Event that should have a strong health focus but may also include Shed operational topics. The funding will provide assistance with costs associated with an event that require Compulsory Elements including: - Reference to the AMSA Events model/template and Manual or similar - Delivery of a Spanner in the Works? men s health check programme at the event - A programme of Health related guest speakers, health information sessions/stands, community services participation - Letters of Support for the event from three (3) regional Sheds confirming their intent to attend The funding request can also include: - Transport subsidies for members to attend the event - Catering - Hire of equipment such as a PA system 4 P a g e
Category Two- Shed Improvements Please Note- the building of a new Shed or premises is not supported under this programme Shed Improvements Category Two Funding to be used for: Shed Improvements, modifications or refurbishment of a Men s Shed facility such as: Improvements - Electrical upgrade or additional lighting and/or power points Max $8,000 - Replace/repair roof, damaged external and internal walls, - Creation of a clean, dust free area, Repair and/or replace toilet facilities, Upgrade or replace unhygienic kitchen-cabinets Enclose outdoor space for additional work or storage area, Container to address storage or lack of work space, Labour and materials to address health and safety such as concrete/paved access, air conditioning, security such as window grills, locks Category Three: Equipment The Priority focus in Category Three is providing financial support to - new sheds (less than 2 years old) and - those Men s Sheds that can who can clearly demonstrate a high need Tools & Equipment for new Sheds or existing Sheds in a high needs Category environment. Three: - Tools for Shed activities such as wood and metalwork, hobbies, crafts, Equipment gardening activities e.g. Air compressor, power tools, raised garden beds, Max $5,000 thicknesser, welders, leatherwork tools, wood lathe - Specific equipment to develop/improve areas within the Shed such as the kitchen and office e.g. microwave, computer, filing cabinet; workshop e.g. dust extraction or air filtration system Applicants can apply for requests in each Category HOWEVER the maximum funding offered to an individual successful applicant will be capped at $10,000 4. What cannot be funded? Sponsoring bodies cannot request funds to reimburse their organisational expenses - the grant funds are for those expenses incurred directly by the Shed project e.g. organisational wages/fees The construction of a Men s Shed A designated Men s Shed co-ordinator Motor vehicles Individual projects requiring ongoing funding from AMSA. The Men s Shed funding is provided for a specific activity/purpose on a one-off basis The purchase of land Repair of facilities damaged by vandalism, fire or other natural disasters where the act is covered by insurance Additional funding for Men s Shed components that has already received substantial funding from Government. 5 Page
Help and Support Please email amsa@mensshed.net if you have enquiries about: Recent changes to the NSDP Items/services that are eligible for funding 5. What are the Programme Priorities? The priorities for the NSDP include Men s Sheds that: Have not received funding within a category under previous Rounds of the programme Are located in areas of greatest need Can demonstrate a strong benefit in receiving the funds or a high level of unmet need that the funds will address That can demonstrate membership of the Priority Groups. Please Note: Applicants that have previously received funding are still eligible to apply. Priority Groups include Men s Sheds that provide activities for: Males living in rural and remote areas Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males Males with a disability and/or mental illness Migrant males Males who are socially disadvantaged and/or isolated Groups from areas where there is a high percentage of males out of work. Defence veterans Men suffering drug and alcohol abuse and Males who need support due to relationship issues 6. Who can Apply? Eligibility To be eligible for the National Shed Development Programme: 1. An applicant MUST be a registered legal entity 2. Must be a Men s Shed as per the definition set down in the AMSA Membership By Laws 3. If the Men s Shed is not a registered legal entity, an overseeing sponsor body can act on its behalf and submit an application 4. If a sponsor body acts as the applicant, written consent must be in place in the form of a signed Memorandum of Understanding or Agreement between the Men s Shed and the applicant body- the MOU document must accompany the application as an attachment 5. A Men s Shed operating in Australia that can be either a member or non member of the AMSA For the purposes of the NSDP, community-based organisations that have a legal entity such as Rotary Clubs, Health Services or any other relevant community-organisation who wishes to establish or improve an existing Men s Shed may apply. 6 P a g e
What is a Men s Shed AMSA recognises as a Men s Shed any community-based, non-profit, non-commercial organisation that is accessible to all men and whose primary activity is the provision of a safe and friendly environment where men are able to work on meaningful projects at their own pace in their own time in the company of other men. A major objective is to advance the well being and health of their members. AMSA may admit to membership a Shed that conforms to the above definition in all respects. Where its membership is restricted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander members for cultural purposes or restricted to residents of private facilities such as Aged Care and Residential Care facilities, such Shed will be admitted. 7. When do the Rounds Open? The NSDP offers two funding Rounds per annum. The announcement of the outcomes of a particular Round will trigger the opening of the next Round. All downloadable documents for each Round are available on the AMSA website www.mensshed.org 8. How to Apply All documents can be found on the AMSA website www.mensshed.org and include: - The Application Form - Funding Guidelines - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Writing an Application Guide To access the documentation, click on the Funding icon on the Home Page 9. Submitting an Application Applicants are required to: Ensure that all questions and sub sections have been answered - do not provide application responses as an attachment Have the application signed by a person with delegation of authority Include all the required attachments including: If applicable, a Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement between the Men s Shed and the applicant body/organisation Two (2) quotes from suppliers of goods/services to validate amount of funding requested. For Category Two Shed Improvements only, - A proposed site plan - A quote from a qualified professional (if applicable), - Relevant building permits that meet regulatory standards (if applicable) - Information on the ownership of the premises - Written permission/consent from the relevant owner for the proposed improvements. 7 Page
For applicants not insured with AMSA Group Policy, a Copy of the Shed s Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency from an APRA approved insurer Applicants must provide: - One (1) original copy of the completed signed application - One (1) only copy of any attachments. Please note: The Application that are not signed by a person with delegated authority, have missing responses or compulsory attachments will be eliminated from the evaluation process. To lodge your application you can choose to post or email: Australian Government National Shed Development Programme Australian Men s Shed Association PO Box 793 The Junction NSW 2291 If posting, please do not staple application nor place application within a bound folder OR amsa@mensshed.net 10. Combination Funding Requests Applicants can include all requests across the three categories onto one Application Form Example 1: Part E: Summary of Round Funding Requests Type of Funding Amount Requested Category One-Health and Wellbeing and Events Max $8000 $ 4,935.00 Category Two Shed Improvements up to $8,000 $4,387.00 Category Three Equipment up to $5,000 n/a Total funding requested Budgets Item/Service Detailed Description Health and Wellbeing and Events 1. First Aid kit 2. Food Handling and Safety x 5 members 3. Regional Men s Health Event - Catering $2300 - Hire of PA system $800 - Promotion $500 - Travel subsidies $400 $9,332.00 Cost $ 435.00 500.00 4000.00 TOTAL 4935.00 Shed Improvements 1. Materials to weatherproof roof and repair ceiling in work shop TOTAL 4387.00 4387.00 Total funding requested $9,322.00 8 Page
Example 2: Part E: Summary of Round Funding Requests Type of Funding Category One-Health and Wellbeing and Events Max $8000 Category Two Shed Improvements up to $8,000 Category Three Equipment up to $5,000 Amount Requested n/a $5,150.00 $1,408.00 Total funding requested Item/Service Detailed Description Shed Improvements 1. Power upgrade to Shed to address health and safety-new switchboard, lights and extra power points, safety switches $6,558.00 Cost $ 5150.00 TOTAL 5150.00 TOTAL 1000.00 279.00 129.00 1408.00 Total funding requested $6,558.00 Equipment 1. 255mm table saw 2. Microwave 3. Wet and dry 20L workshop Vac Example 3: Part E: Summary of Round Funding Requests Type of Funding Amount Requested Category One-Health and Wellbeing and Events Max $8000 $4,277.00 Category Two Shed Improvements up to $8,000 $5,320.00 Category Three Equipment up to $5,000 n/a Total funding requested Item/Service Detailed Description $9,597.00 Cost $ Health and Wellbeing and Events 1. Shed Health & Safety equipment e.g. PPE, safety glasses, goggles, ear muffs, fire extinguishers, Test and Tag equipment 2. Regional Men s Health Event - Catering $1450 - Promotion $350 - Travel subsidies $300 TOTAL 2,177.00 2,100.00 4,277.00 Shed Improvements 1. Materials to construct and line new internal walls to create separate work spaces and install 15 double power points TOTAL 5,320.00 Total funding requested $9,597.00 5,320.00 9 Page
11. The Evaluation Process The Evaluation of applications is undertaken by an Independent Evaluation Panel and recommendations are forwarded through to the Department of Health and a subsequent Ministerial announcement. It is important that, without exception, all applications conform to the Guidelines to ensure that equity and fairness is applied across the application and evaluation processes. It is also equally important that applicants have an understanding of the Evaluation process. What is the Application Evaluation Process? Step 1 Coded Identifier & Compliance Check Step 2 Eliminated Applications Step 3 Preparation of Spreadsheet Step 4 Entry of Priority Groups score Calculation of Initial Score and Ranking Step 5 The Evaluation Panel and evaluation process Step 6 Lodgement of Recommendations and announcement of outcomes Step One On receipt, all applications will be allocated a coded identifier.eg R17/137- this indicates the specific Round and the numerical order in which application was received. Each application is then logged onto a spreadsheet. Step Two All applications undergo a Compliance Check and examined as follows: Post mark- to ensure it has been posted on or before the closing date- those postmarked after the nominated closing date will be eliminated from the evaluation process ALL sections and questions within the application have been completed in accordance with the Guidelines - partially completed applications will be eliminated from the evaluation process. The Application has been lodged by an organisation that meets the benchmark definition of a Men s Shed and meets certain standards. For non AMSA members, this is determined by their responses to questions relating to activities provided, responses to definition of a Men s Shed. Applications that do not meet the recognised definition and minimum standards will be eliminated from the evaluation process. To ensure that activities, services and items requested are eligible for funding under the NSDP Guidelines Applications are signed by a person with delegation of authority. All essential documentation required and listed in the Document Checklist accompanies each application such as quotes. Applications that do not include all required supporting documentation will be eliminated from the evaluation process Exceptions will apply to those applicants who have contacted AMSA prior to the closing date to discuss difficulties with and solutions to complying with provision of two quotes. 10 P a g e
Eliminated Applications The Evaluation Panel may eliminate an application from further consideration however the reasons will be documented. e.g. the applicant has not provided all necessary attachments, the application was received after the nominated closing date. However, at the time of preparation of the applicant spreadsheets, applicants may be contacted by AMSA to be given an opportunity to correct an unintentional error which is not material to the submission. e.g. physical address of Men s Shed is not stated. Step Three To verify geographical areas of need and disadvantage, ABS socio economic and demographic data will be embedded onto the spreadsheet for each application and a score allocated. In the event of a large number of applications within a specific category, applicants may be shortlisted based on the ABS socio economic and demographic data score issued. Eligible applications will be evaluated by an independent Evaluation Panel as follows: The Application criteria will be based on the priorities set out in the Guidelines as outlined in Section 7: What Men s Shed projects will be given priority? Application selection criteria will be evaluated and allocated a score In the event that the panel requires further information, they will contact the particular applicant All applications will be ranked according to their total scores Funding will be awarded to the highest ranked applications in order of merit under each category The Evaluation Panel will complete the evaluation and selection process within two months of the nominated Funding Round closing date. Step Four A summary report of Recommended Successful Applicants will be provided to the Department of Health The Australian Government may announce successful grants by a media release or other communication AMSA will issue a News Bulletin outlining the successful applicants and the AMSA website will publish the complete list of successful applicants All applicants, both successful and unsuccessful, will be notified in writing of the outcome within the following two weeks. Please note: the NSDP attracts a large volume of applications however applicants may contact AMSA on amsa@mensshed.net to request a debriefing. 12. Notification of Outcomes A notice will be placed onto the AMSA website A news bulletin will be sent to AMSA members A package will be emailed to all successful applicants A Letter will be sent to all unsuccessful applicants 11 P a g e
13. Successful Applicants Successful applicants will receive a package including a Letter of Offer setting out funding conditions and reporting requirements AMSA will send all documents to: The applicant s main contact nominated on the application form The postal address or email of the applicant organisation provided on the application Please ensure that the main contact person nominated is aware of the process Successful applicants will be required to provide an invoice (including all their banking details for Direct Deposit) to AMSA in order to action the deposit of grant monies. Failure to provide the invoice will delay the distribution of grant funds. Please do not provide AMSA with an invoice from the supplier- we require an invoice from the applicant. 14. How to obtain additional information or assistance amsa@mensshed.net 1300 550 009 12 P a g e