Funding Extensions for NFP Service Providers
14 May 2014 at 12:40 pm
The majority of current Not for Profit service providers with grant funding due to expire on or before 30 June 2014 are being offered funding extensions of six to twelve months under the Federal Budget – including national and state volunteer peak bodies.
However, under a restructure of the Department of Social Services, Family and Relationship Services, Communities for Children Facilitating Partners and Family Law Services will be offered five year funding as part of the Budget allocation.
“Five year funding will allow providers to invest resources strategically over the life of the agreement and use the best evidence based practices to get results over time,” Minister for Social Services, Kevin Andrews said.
“Other services will be offered extensions in line with other DSS program arrangements.
“Five year agreements will take effect from 1 July 2014. In the coming weeks (May – June) the Department will be writing to existing providers outlining the details of the arrangements and next steps.
“Extensions will enable service providers to continue service delivery as the new grant programme arrangements are put in place over the coming 12 months,” the Minister Andrews said.
“Most existing agreements will be extended for six months, allowing the Department to put longer term agreements and processes in place from the end of 2014 which reflect the Government’s broader approach to working with civil society.
“Some agreements relating to aged care, disability and mental health services will be offered a 12 month extension. This will assist providers to transition into the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the Aged Care Commonwealth Home Support Program, or other long term, ongoing programmes.”
Volunteering Australia says it is anxiously awaiting confirmation from the Department of Social Services about the specific details of the interim 6 month extension of grant funding to the majority of Not for Profit service providers, including Volunteer Resource Centres and National and State Volunteering peaks.
“The Department has indicated that it will be communicating with organisations very soon to confirm the extensions and outline the proposed new arrangements. We know that Volunteering Australia is not alone in wanting to end the uncertainty about future funding,” CEO of Volunteering Australia Brett Williamson said.
“The ongoing uncertainty has seriously impacted on services planning and resourcing, particularly the retention of key staff within the broader Not for Profit sector.
“We truly welcome the opportunity to lock in longer term 5 year funding agreements which will rebuild sustainability and confidence, so we can get back to focussing on providing services that support the well-being of individuals and communities,” Williamson said.
More information on new funding/grants:
http://www.dss.gov.au/grants/frequently-asked-questions
http://www.dss.gov.au/grants/extending-existing-grant-arrangements
