Men’s Shed Funding Program

To be eligible to apply for funding, your application must be for a shed located in Victoria and:

• meet the definition of a men’s shed as outlined in the program guidelines
• respond to at least one of the program’s objectives
• show a community need for the project in line with the grant amount requested
• be submitted by an eligible organisation
• be seeking funding for an eligible purpose
• provide a 20% co-contribution
• incorporate the principles of universal design, including disability access requirements
• have no outstanding reports from previous Men’s Shed Funding Program grants.

If you are applying for $10,000 or more, the group must have:

• security of tenure in the form of a lease or licence of 5 years or more, or land ownership
• a strategic plan that covers the new or refurbished facility
• detailed design plans (in keeping with the complexity of the project) that include a proven understanding of building permit and planning requirements, including overlays.

Who is eligible to apply for a grant?

To be eligible to apply for grant, applicants must:

• have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) – to check your ABN, visit the Australian Business register.

and

• be an organisation incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012, Corporations Act 2001(Cth) or equivalent state legislation, or
• be a company incorporated under the Corporations Act and registered as a not-for-profit through the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, or
• if an Aboriginal entity, be incorporated, including Aboriginal not-for-profit organisations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Traditional Owner groups and land trusts, or
• be a local government entity

and

• have appropriate insurance cover (note: these grants do not include insurance cover).

If your group is not incorporated, you may be auspiced by an incorporated organisation for the purposes of this application. You must have a memorandum of understanding (MoU) or Auspice Agreement in place.

Auspicing

To be eligible for funding, organisations must be incorporated and have an Australian Business Number (ABN).

If a men’s shed group is not incorporated with an ABN, it must either become incorporated or arrange for an incorporated organisation to manage the funds. This organisation will be the ‘auspice’ organisation for the grant application. If the application is successful, the grant will be paid to the auspice organisation.

Shed groups with auspice arrangements must have an MoU, or equivalent document, in place with their auspice organisation. The MoU should specify the nature of the auspice relationship and each organisation’s roles and responsibilities. The MoU should also specify the ownership of all assets and funds. Include a copy of the MoU with your grant application.

For information about how to build a successful auspice arrangement and what makes a strong MoU, visit the Victorian Men’s Shed Association.

How to check your Australian Business Number

To check your ABN, visit the Australian Business Register.

How to check your organisation type

• For incorporated associations, cooperatives or organisations incorporated in other ways, visit the Consumer Affairs website.
• For a Company Limited by Guarantee, visit ASIC Connect Online.
• For registered charities, visit the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
• For Aboriginal corporations, visit the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations.

Who is not eligible for a grant?

The following organisations are not eligible for funding through this program:

• private (for-profit) companies
• sole traders and individuals.

All applications will undergo the following review and assessment process.

Eligibility check

We will review all applications against the eligibility criteria.

The eligibility check determines whether the application will go to further assessment.

Ratings against selection criteria

We will assess eligible applications against the selection criteria. This is based on responses provided in the application and any attachments.

Funding recommendations

The final selection of highly rated applications will consider:

• geographical spread and targeting to areas/communities in need, including small and geographically isolated communities
• the availability of similar infrastructure (nearby sheds, neighbourhood houses, bowls clubs)
• how the mix of projects achieves the objectives and priorities of the grants program, as outlined in these guidelines
• alignment with the Victorian Government’s commitment to self-determination (we will prioritise First Nations–led organisations for projects designed to support Aboriginal people)
• support for diverse men’s sheds.

Application outcome

The Minister for Carers and Volunteers makes the final decision. This is based on recommendations from the department’s assessment.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by email.

We will assess eligible applications against the following criteria:

Meets one or more of the funding objectives

Weighting 25%

• Strengthens social connections between community members and reduces social isolation for men.
• Supports men to be actively involved in their local communities in a way that suits them.
• Increases the capacity and variety of activities sheds can provide, to respond to community need.
• Builds and strengthens connections between shed groups and their local community.
• Increases the number and diversity of men who take part in men’s sheds.

Fosters community partnerships

Weighting 20%

• Provides benefits to the broader community such as sharing facilities on some days.
• Builds and strengthens partnerships with other community organisations and groups.
• Outlines the capability and roles of any partners.
• Provides strong evidence of community need, including showing where the project will fill a gap.

Supports inclusivity

Weighting 20%

• Proactively open to all men in the local community in a meaningful way. This includes men from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, with some men-only days offered.
• Geographically inclusive, which means the location can be accessed by most men in the target community.
• Where appropriate, the project includes women and gender-diverse people on some days or for specific activities, to help strengthen community relationships.
• The project design aligns with the principles of universal design.

Organisational capacity and readiness

Weighting 35%

• The project is realistically costed, based on evidence (plans and quotes match the complexity of the project).
• Project costs are proportionate to the expected outcomes and benefits.
• In-kind and financial contributions are confirmed in writing.
• The application clearly shows how the organisation will deliver the project on time and on budget.