Victorian Bushfire Garden Grants

Australia's Open Garden Scheme is an active supporter of garden spaces for community enjoyment. Whether traditional gardens or modern spaces, playgrounds or parkland, vegetable plots or streetscapes, the Scheme wants to see gardens flourish across Victoria.

For these special grants we invite the communities in bushfire-affected areas of Victoria to submit their ideas, plans and dreams for community-based garden projects.

Victorian Bushfire Grants Information

The Victorian Bushfire Grants Fund has been established by Australia's Open Garden Scheme to support Victorian communities affected by the bushfires of summer 2009.

A total of $80,000 is available for the establishment, re-establishment or refurbishment of community gardens, parks and other public places in these communities.

Grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 are available.
Background
The ABC & AOGS
Bushfire Grants Funds
Eligibility
Essential Information
Selection Criteria
Other Funding & Support
Closing Date & Judging
Application Form
Contact Details
Other Garden Scheme grants
Background
Australia's Open Garden Scheme is a self-funding, not-for-profit organisation that promotes the knowledge and pleasure of gardens and gardening to all Australians. Each year more than 250,000 people visit around 600 private gardens which open for the Scheme.

By opening Australia's finest private gardens to the public, the community benefits financially in two very distinct ways: by donations to charity by our garden owners, and by the Scheme's own Community Grants program.

The Scheme is committed to encouraging gardening and improving our environment. One of the ways we achieve this is by funding community-based garden projects. Since 1987 the Scheme has funded over 400 community projects around Australia totalling more than $1,000,000.

Over the last 22 years, our garden owners have raised nearly $4.5 million for charity. Last season alone, donations topped $340,000 being money raised from garden entry fees, refreshments, stalls, plants sales and other activities on open days.
The ABC & Australia's Open Garden Scheme

ABC Radio has been a proud supporter of the Scheme since its inception in 1987. From local Saturday morning gardening talkback to 'Gardening Australia' on ABC Television, the ABC supports and recognises gardening as one of Australia's most popular pastimes. Australia's Open Garden Scheme in association with ABC Radio is proud to offer funding to community organisations for the creation or improvement of a garden for a public or community outdoor space.
Bushfire Grants Funds

Following the devastation of Black Saturday, the Scheme made certain funds available from its own reserves, and these were augmented by donations from the general public and a special one off opening of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch's famous garden Cruden Farm.

This special Fund replaces the Scheme's 2009 community garden grants program in Victoria.
Eligibility

  • The grants are for projects in communities affected by the bushfires of summer 2009.
  • Applications are invited from community groups and not-for-profit organisations.
  • Grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 are available (with a total of $80,000 to be distributed).
  • Jointly funded projects as well as projects with in-kind support are welcome. Details of other funding and support either in place or being sought should be included with the application.
  • Schools and educational institutions are eligible to apply. Direct evidence of student participation in the planning and implementation of the project is an advantage.
    Essential Information required

  • Applications must include detailed costings of all aspects of the project.
  • Applications must include a timetable for completion of the project.
  • Applications must show a demonstrated commitment to ongoing maintenance.
  • Applications must be accompanied by at least two independent references demonstrating broad community support for the project.
    Selection Criteria

    All applications should address the following selection criteria:

  • The project should be of lasting benefit to the local and wider community.
  • The project should be easily visible as well as accessible to the public on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. The accessibility criterion is waived for schools and educational institutions.
  • The project must have the demonstrated support of the local community.
  • The project should involve volunteers and/or community based groups.
  • The project should enhance the knowledge and pleasure of gardening.

    In addition, projects may have direct relevance to bushfires and fire awareness.
    Other Funding & Support

    Applicants are encouraged to actively seek opportunities for joint funding or in-kind support of projects. If you have any enquiries regarding this please contact AOGS on the number or email below.
    Closing Date & Judging

    Applications close at 5pm on Friday 30 April 2010.

    The judging panel will comprise representatives of Australia's Open Garden Scheme and ABC Local Radio.

    Members of the judging panel may contact applicants for further information, and to arrange to visit and inspect the site.

    Grants recipients will receive a plaque to be displayed on site and may be asked to participate in assisting AOGS in publicising the project.

    AOGS reserves the right to vary the awards or not to make an award if projects are judged of insufficient quality.
    Application Form

    You can download a PDF of the application form here >>
    (108 KB | get the free PDF reader)

    Or obtain a Word version of the application form here >>

    Or to receive this information by post, click here >> and email us your name and address.
    Contact Details

    Enquiries regarding these grants should be directed to the AOGS Events Office on (03) 5568 1138 or by email to events@opengarden.org.au

    Applications should be mailed to: Bushfire Garden Grants, AOGS, PO Box 187, New Gisborne, VIC, 3438.
    Other Garden Scheme Grants

    More information on our annual Grants Program is available here

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