Strengthening Men s Sheds Program Guidelines for applying for grants to refurbish existing Men s Sheds March 2014
Minister s foreword Strengthening Men s Sheds Program The Victorian Government recognises that Men s Sheds are valuable community facilities, which provide men with opportunities to establish social networks, work on meaningful projects, learn new skills and contribute to their communities. Men s Sheds are safe, friendly and inclusive spaces that support the wellbeing and health of men and reduce the social isolation of many men. Men s Sheds play a significant role in local communities by supporting men who may be hard to reach, including men with a disability, farmers, war veterans, retirees, unemployed men and Aboriginal men. Men s Sheds are also accessible to other community members so that men, their families and broader communities all benefit from the role Men s Sheds play across Victoria. It is for these reasons the Victorian Government continues to support Men s Sheds and why I am delighted to announce a new funding round to support the refurbishment or modification of existing Men s Sheds in Victoria. Grants of up to $30,000 are now available to contribute to refurbishing or modifying existing Men s Sheds in Victorian communities to increase access to men s sheds and increase capacity of sheds to meet growing demand. The new funding of $500,000 builds on funding we provided in 2012 for refurbishing 36 Men s Sheds and $2.2 million to build 41 new sheds in 2013-14. The Victorian Government s funding commitment will help to support an effective, financially sustainable and self-sufficient network of Men s Sheds across the state and the creation of resilient individuals and communities. If your community or Men s Shed group can meet the funding requirements outlined in these guidelines, I encourage you to make an application. Hon Mary Wooldridge MP Minister for Community Services 2
Men s Sheds in Victoria The Men s Shed movement has grown rapidly over the past five years. There are now more than 270 Men s Sheds across Victoria. Men s Sheds are safe and practical places for men to meet, make social connections and actively participate in their local communities. The Victorian Government believes that Men s Sheds should reflect the rich diversity of Victoria s communities and the men within those communities. We understand that each Men s Shed will be based on the unique characteristics of its local community. A Men s Shed is defined by the way it engages men in activities, increases community participation and improves the health and wellbeing of men. The following characteristics are typical of Men s Sheds: They are often located in a shed or workshop space in a community-based setting. They provide a place for regular contact with other men and a range of practical activities including cooking, carpentry, horticulture and restorations. Activities promote participation and connectedness in an informal and familiar setting for men. Decisions about activities are made with and by the participants. Men s Sheds partner with other community organisations to share resources and build on existing services, and many undertake projects to assist the wider community. Partnerships can involve local businesses, councils, other government agencies, community groups and local clubs and associations. Successful Men s Sheds have a volunteer base to help with activities. Men s Sheds are accessible and inclusive. Benefits of Men s Sheds Men s Sheds are uniquely situated to engage, support and promote the social, civic and economic participation of men particularly men living in regional and rural areas and men experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. These groups are at greater risk of poor health, isolation, loneliness and depression than other Victorian men. Men s Sheds engage men in health promotion activities, skills development and pathways to further community participation, education, training and employment. Men s Sheds generate tangible benefits for local communities by: enabling older men to remain independent, active and healthy supporting social connectedness through improved self-esteem, confidence, physical and mental health for vulnerable men strengthening local communities by engaging men in volunteering, working with and mentoring others creating pathways to further education, training and employment 3
Strengthening Men s Sheds program funding 2013 Through the Strengthening Men s Sheds Program, funding is now available for communities to refurbish or modify their existing shed. Priority will be given to applications that can demonstrate a high level of need for the project in their community. Sheds with existing grants that have outstanding reports will not be considered. Building new Men s Sheds Grants of up to $30,000 are available to assist modification of an existing shed. Criteria Targeted funding to support men s sheds to develop or expand activities that support men with disabilities, health issues and disengaged youth. Applications from sheds with outstanding completion reports will not be considered for funding. Applications must provide information regarding the site for example, permission for construction work and/or copy of any lease agreements (documents that identify the landowner, men s shed site and agreement for proposed modifications). Funding contributions toward project costs are required. The Victorian Government will fund 2 dollars for every 1 dollar of other funding. Groups must be incorporated not-for-profit associations or local councils. Groups must meaningfully involve participants in the Men s Shed development and delivery phases. Applications are sought from existing men s sheds. Sheds must not have received previous funding from the Men s Shed Program. Examples Modifications to meet OHS standards. Modifications to increase disability access. Modifications to increase public access needs. Modifications to increase shed capacity. Refurbishment for expanding activities due to community demand. Refurbishments may include extensions to existing shed, including construction of external walls, ceiling, guttering and plumbing. Construction of ramps, installation of power points, installation of dust extractor and upgrade of fencing for security purposes. Demolition of existing walls where necessary. 4
Types of projects that may be funded Grants of up to $30,000 (excluding GST) are available for: Modifications to meet OHS and disability standards. Modifications to meet public access needs. Modifications to increase shed capacity. Refurbishments to expand activities based on community demand. Priority will be given to projects that can demonstrate: a high level of need for the project in their community a plan to attract participants, create a positive environment and address issues of social isolation and promote inclusion significant partnership and/or support from relevant community groups such as the local council, neighbourhood house or adult-learning providers a strategic plan to sustain the operation of the shed sheds which have not received government funding. Funding conditions Funding contributions towards the total project costs (excluding GST) are required, based on the ratio of 2 dollars from the Victorian Government for every 1 dollar from other sources. Other sources may include funding and support from the Men s Shed group, other government organisations, businesses, philanthropic organisations, the local council and community fundraising. These other funding sources are important because they demonstrate that your project has support from local businesses and the community, and will be well placed to receive donations and in-kind support during the building process. In addition, engaging with the local council can help your group to secure any necessary planning and building permits. Realistically costed in-kind expenses and voluntary contributions such as voluntary labour and donated materials can be claimed in the project budget to a maximum value of 25 per cent of the total project cost. You must describe the nature of voluntary labour and in-kind support in the application. When preparing your application, you should consult with your Local Connections Team within the Department of Human Services. Successful groups will enter into a Service Agreement with the Department of Human Services. This includes requirements to share project outcomes, participate in evaluation activities and complete progress and final reports. Final reports must be submitted within 90 days of program completion. No funding will be released to successful groups unless mandatory requirements have been fulfilled. Payments will be made according to the Service Agreement and project milestones. It is anticipated that 85 per cent of project funding will be provided upon signing of Service Agreement with the remaining 15 per cent paid upon project completion. Mandatory requirements Applications must demonstrate: consent for refurbishment (documents that identify the land owner, men s shed site and agreement for proposed modification/extension) proof of detailed design plans including an understanding of building permit requirements 5
proof of support from key community partners, including memorandums of understanding, if applicable, and consultations with local community members including local men development of an strategic plan outlining future funding sources and planning for whole-of-community use of the Men s Shed. Projects must be completed within two years of the funding agreement being signed. Following completion, the funded Men s Sheds must operate as inclusive and accessible community facilities for a minimum of five years. Eligible applicants Funding is available to incorporated not-for-profit organisations and local councils. Eligible organisations that currently auspice a Men s Shed program may also apply for funding, provided they can demonstrate consultation with men. Question Why do you want to refurbish/modify the existing Men s Shed? Where is your shed located? How will you deliver the project? Type of information Community needs and issues Level of local support Consultation undertaken Proof of land and confirmed site for the project Local council planning input and endorsement Project plan Strategies for successful completion Sustainability plan for the Men s Shed Who will be involved in the project? What will the project achieve? Local businesses Community groups Men s Shed activities Opportunities and anticipated benefits for target groups of men and the broader community 6
Application process Consider the following key steps in the application process: It is recommended that you discuss your application with the Local Connections Team within the Department of Human Services office in your area. This includes providing a draft of your application by Friday 16 May 2014. You should also discuss your application with the Victorian Men s Shed Association Final applications must be submitted to your Local Connections Team by 5pm on Friday 27 June 2014 A panel of departmental representatives will assess applications against the selection criteria and make recommendations to the Minister for Community Services. Key timelines Applications open Draft applications due with Local Connections Team Monday 31 March 2014 Friday 16 May 2014 Applications close Friday 27 June 2014 Late applications will not be accepted. Ineligible projects The Strengthening Men s Sheds Program will not fund: Men s Sheds that have received more than $25,000 in total through prior rounds of the Men s Sheds program leases or site purchases requests for retrospective funding where projects have commenced or are completed prior to receiving funding approval repair of damaged facilities where these could be covered by insurance project proposals that fail to incorporate disability or public access issues projects that require ongoing funding from the Victorian Government projects that do not support the principles of inclusion and access to the building for other members of the community costs to cover existing debt or budget deficits costs associated with purchasing a vehicle any applications that on assessment cannot demonstrate delivery within two years ongoing operational costs including but not limited to shed coordination costs or project management costs costs not directly related to building and construction equipment or free-standing furniture or resources, for example, tools and chairs. 7
More information Please refer to the information at the end of this document for contact details of the Department of Human Services Local Connections Team in your area. Appendix 1 contains an information checklist for application details. The Victorian Men s Shed Association (VMSA) contact details can be found at: www.vicmensshed.org. This document can be downloaded from the Department of Human Services web site at: www.dhs.vic.gov.au. Information Session There will be an information session for all interested parties on Thursday 1 May 2014.. General information session details: Date: Thursday 1 May 2014 Time: Venue: 10.30 am 12.30 pm Department of Human Services Level 1, Room 3 50 Lonsdale Street MELBOURNE 3000 To register please contact: coral.spencer@dhs.vic.gov.au or telephone 9096 7145. For those people who would prefer to attend locally and not travel to Melbourne we have arranged to link in from local DHS sites. Department of Human Services sites to link in to video conference Bendigo Dandenong Horsham Portland Stawell Sunshine Box Hill Geelong Mildura Sale Swan Hill Wangaratta Wodonga 8
Application form: Strengthening Men s Sheds Program 2014 What category of funding are you applying for? Refurbishment/modification of an existing Men s Shed Section 1 Contact Information Fields marked (*) are mandatory Part A: Applicant Organisation details * Name of Organisation: * Main Street Address: * Town / Suburb: * Postcode: * State: Postal Address (if different from above): Town / Suburb: Postcode: State: Authorised person (This is the person who is authorised by the organisation to make the application on their behalf) * Title: * First name: * Last name: Position: Telephone: Mobile: Fax: Email: * Type of Organisation: Incorporated Association Local Government Other (please specify) Applicant Organisation s Australian Business Number (ABN), if you have one: Are you a member of the Victorian Men s Shed Association (VMSA)? Yes No Do you need an auspice for this application? If your organisation is not incorporated, you must arrange for an incorporated organisation to manage the grant funds. This organisation will be the auspice organisation for the application and you will need to provide their details in Part B. Yes, I need an auspice organisation for this application No, I do not require an auspice organisation for this application Part B: Auspice Organisation details Name of Auspice Organisation: Main Street address: (Complete Part B: Auspice Organisation details) (Complete Part C: Contact Details for Project/Contact Manager) Town / Suburb: Postcode: State: Postal Address (if different from above): Town / Suburb: Postcode: State: Authorised person: Title: First name: Last name: Position: Telephone: Mobile: Fax: Email: Type of Organisation: Incorporated Association Local Government Other (please specify) Organisation s Australian Business Number (ABN): Has the auspice organisation agreed to manage the grant on your behalf? Yes No Part C: Contact Details for Project Manager/Key Contact Person Title: First name: Last name: Postal address: Town / Suburb: Postcode: State: Telephone: Mobile: Fax: Email: 9
Section 2 Project Overview Fields marked (*) are mandatory * Project name We will use this name on all correspondence. Please use 10 words or less. What are you going to do? Describe the project in 50 words or less. We will use this in reports and other publications. Which communities will benefit from your project? * Describe the place or community that will benefit (for places, please provide local government areas or suburbs/postcodes, for communities, please name the communities that will benefit). If your project has a wider benefit (e.g. State-wide) please provide detail here. Your response is limited to 250 words. Where will your project happen? Please provide the address of where most of your planned activity will take place including town / suburb and postcode. Address: Local government area: * When will your project take place? * Anticipated project start date: * Anticipated project completion date: 10
Section 3 Project Details that address the Assessment Criteria Please indicate how your project addresses the following assessment criteria: Why? (25 per cent), How? (25 per cent), Who? (25 per cent) and What will the project achieve (25 per cent). Refer to the program guidelines to help you answer the questions. Responses to each question should be no more than 500 words. Attach additional pages if required. Why do you want to do this project? Describe the need for this project; how your project will respond to community needs or issues. Which individuals or groups in your community does your Men s Sheds program aim to support and how will you attract these people and work with them to address social isolation? Detail the local support for your Men s Shed including details of consultations held with local organisations and local men. How will you carry out the project? Briefly outline a project plan, including timelines and outline how you will ensure the continued operation of your Shed in the coming years. Who will be involved in the project? Explain who will manage the project and list any other organisations you will work with on this project attach letter(s) of support that define the contribution to the project. What will the project achieve? Please provide a proposed outline of the Men s Shed program activities and services as well as opportunities that will be provided for volunteering or to link/partner with other community programs. How will its benefits and outcomes be sustained? Will the project be accessible to all members of the community? Is this project supported locally? 11
Section 4 Project Budget Please provide details of the income and expenditure for your project, excluding GST. Note that the total income must equal total expenditure. Please ensure that the details clearly show how the required funding ratio is being met. You are required to submit your budget using the categories provided. If you cannot provide enough details in this section please provide a summary here and the details on a separate sheet (or sheets) using the same categories. Income Expenditure * Amount requested from this program $ Project Construction $ Other State Government funding $ Contingencies, Escalations and Allowances $ Local Government funding $ In-Kind Labour $ Federal Government funding $ In-Kind - other support $ Funds from your organisation $ Funds from other Community organisations $ Funds from Business contributions $ Funds from Philanthropic contributions $ In-kind support from your organisation $ In-kind from other sources $ Other (please specify) $ Other (please specify) $ *Total income $ *Total expenditure $ Declaration I state that the information in this application and attachments is to the best of my knowledge true and correct. I will notify DHS of any changes to this information and any circumstances that may affect this application. I acknowledge that DHS may refer this application to external experts or other Government Departments for assessment, reporting, advice, comment or for discussions regarding alternative or collaborative grant funding opportunities. I understand that DHS is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and that if a FOI request is made, DHS will consult with the applicant before any decision is made to release the application or supporting documentation. I understand that this is an application only and may not necessarily result in funding approval. * Signature: * Date: * Print name: * Position: (To be signed by a person with delegated authority to apply - i.e. Chairperson, Secretary, Public Officer or Treasurer) Supporting documents Please submit the following documents with your application: A proposed site plan and a floor plan with indicative cost estimates, prepared by a suitably qualified professional Information about the ownership of the land (or building if the proposal involves the use of leased premises) as well as any relevant permission sought or obtained for construction work and/or a copy of any lease agreements. A copy of the Men s Shed strategic plan A list of relevant building regulations and planning permits to be sought for construction work Letter(s) of support and/or agreements with any partnering organisations Relevant quotes for purchase of any capital equipment for fit out A copy of the organisation s most recent profit and loss statement (unless this is a Local Government Authority) A copy of the Voluntary Labour and In-Kind Support Information Sheet Final Checklist Please ensure that the following actions have been completed prior to submitting your application: Consulted DHS Local Connections Team Application checked to ensure it addresses each assessment criteria Funding ratio criteria met, and budget balanced All supporting documentation available for submission Copy of application and supporting documentation retained by applicant for records 12
Voluntary labour and In-kind support information sheet By support in-kind, we mean goods or services that are provided to you for free in relation to your project which would otherwise be paid for (for example, support from volunteers). Many grant programs provide funding based on a collaborative or partnership basis, with all the participants contributing to the overall cost of the project. Contributions can be monetary or support in-kind. The cost of volunteer labour and other in-kind support can be included in your budget as a project expense. Always explain the nature and level of commitment and calculate a value for support in-kind, based on what it would have cost if you had to pay for it. If you include support in-kind in your budget, remember to include it in both your income and expenditure to ensure your budget balances. Project name... Details of voluntary labour (e.g. related to building construction) Task to be completed Name/s of those who will undertake task & qualification Number of hours Rate per hour Total cost Total S How to calculate voluntary labour and in-kind support: The maximum value of voluntary labour and in-kind support for a project is 25 per cent of the total project cost. Hourly rates for basic labouring works would be in the range of $15-$20 and up to $40 for other specialist support. Costings should be based on reasonable commercial rates. 13
Project name... Details of in-kind support Goods/service to be provided Supplier Value Total $ Please note: Wherever possible you should provide a letter of commitment from the proposed provider of the in-kind support. The maximum value of voluntary labour and in-kind support for a project is 25 per cent of the total project cost. 14
Department of Human Services Local Connections Teams DHS DIVISION DHS AREA LOCAL GOVT AREA LOCAL DHS CONTACT EAST Outer East Yarra Ranges, Knox, Maroondah Mieke Breman-Mertens. Mieke.breman-mertens@dhs.vic.gov.au 9843 6778 NORTH Inner East Goulburn Ovens Murray Loddon Manningham, Whitehorse, Monash, Boroondara Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie, Moira, Mitchell, Murrindindi Wodonga, Indigo, Towong, Wangaratta, Benalla, Mansfield, Alpine Loddon, Greater Bendigo, Campaspe, Macedon Ranges, Mount Alexander, Central Goldfields Leigh Garde leigh.garde@dhs.vic.gov.au 9843 6178 Ros Nam ros.nam@dhs.vic.gov.au 5761 1252 Erin Styles erin.m.styles@dhs.vic.gov.au 5722 0547 Neale Chandler Neale.chandler@dhs.vic.gov.au 5434 5786 Mallee Hume/Moreland Mildura, Swan Hill, Buloke, Gannawarra Hume, Moreland Bruce Thorne Bruce.thorne@dhs.vic.gov.au 5022 3146 Emma McDonald Emma.mcdonald@dhs.vic.gov.au 9412 2619 SOUTH WEST North East Outer Gippsland Inner Gippsland Southern Melbourne Bayside Peninsula Barwon Nillumbick, Banyule, Yarra, Darebin, Whittlesea Wellington, East Gippsland Latrobe, Baw Baw, South Gippsland, Bass Coast Casey, Cardinia, Greater Dandenong Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, Kingston, Bayside, Glen Eira, Stonnington, Port Philip Geelong, Surf Coast, Queenscliffe, Colac-Ottway Bianca Blair Bianca.blair@dhs.vic.gov.au 9412 5389 Jill Ayres Jill.ayres@dhs.vic.gov.au 5144 9140 Julia Lambert Julia.lambert@dhs.vic.gov.au 5177 2644 Rachel House rachel.house@dhs.vic.gov.au 8765 7330 Emma Robinson Emma.robinson@dhs.vic.gov.au 9784 3140 Amanda Miggins Amanda.miggins@dhs,vic.gov.au 5226 4991 Western District Central Highlands Brimbank/Melton Western Melbourne Warrnambool, Moyne, Glenelg, Southern Grampians, Northern Grampians, Horsham, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh,,Corangamite, Ararat, Pyrenees, Ballarat, Hepburn, Moorabool, Golden Plains Brimbank, Melton Melbourne, Maribyrnong, Wyndham,,Hobsons Bay Moonee Valley Anne Horsley Anne.horsley@dhs.vic.gov.au 5226 4509 Karen Monument Karen.monument@dhs.vic.gov.au 5333 6810 Helga Jennings helga.jennings@dhs.vic.gov.au 9275 7049 Dominque Swift Dominique.swift@dhs.vic.gov.au 9275 7400 15
APPENDIX (1) Strengthening Men s Sheds Program Check list for applicants Preliminary Requirements Who to consult Contacted the Department of Human Services Local Area office to discuss your application and access any supporting documentation that may be available Attended a Department of Human Services information session Contacted the Victorian Men s Shed Association to discuss your application. Consulted with local community members and the local council to discuss the need for a men s shed in the area and to provide support for your application Provided the local Department of Human Services office with a draft application Supporting Documentation To be attached to your application Information about the ownership of the land (or building if the proposal involves the use of leased premises) as well as any relevant permission sought or obtained for construction work and/or a copy of any lease agreements A copy of your strategic plan A list of relevant building regulations and planning permits to be sought for construction work Letter(s) of support and/or agreements with any partnering organisations if applicable A copy of your organisation s most recent profit and loss statement (unless this is a Local Government Authority) A copy of the Voluntary Labour and In-Kind Support Information Sheet Final Check Have you addressed the Assessment Criteria? WHY do you want to do this project? HOW will you carry out the project? WHO will be involved in the project? WHAT will the project achieve? 16
If you would like to receive this publication in another format, please call 03 9096 7145 or email coral.spencer@dhs.vic.gov.au This document is also available on the internet at www.dhs.vic.gov.au Published by the Victorian Government Department of Human Services, Melbourne, Australia March 2014 Copyright State of Victoria 2013. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Authorised by the Victorian Government, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 17