WACOSS membership is made up of a vast network of individuals and organisations who are committed to our vision to create an inclusive, just and equitable society for all Western Australians.
WACOSS’s policy submissions and advocacy work are aimed at influencing policy decision makers at both a State and Federal level to provide a voice for vulnerable Western Australians.
WACOSS events provide a unique opportunity to network with sector leaders and take part in important sector discussions that will shape the future outcomes for those we represent.
WACOSS’s policy submissions and advocacy work is aimed at influencing policy decision makers at both a State and Federal level to provide a voice for vulnerable Western Australians.
Resources and capacity-building for Peak bodies to service their members.
Peaks Sector Support Grants project is a pilot project supported by WACOSS, funded by Lotterywest. It is an opportunity for WA community services peak bodies to apply to for grants up to $20,000 to facilitate training, or consultation and co-design processes with their members on a sector issue of strategic importance, where the need to do this is immediate. The focus of this project is emerging issues that require a quick response, which often is very difficult for small peak bodies to accommodate. Up to $100,000 per year is available over a two-year pilot period.
Essential Eligibility criteria
- The Peak applying must be a WA-based community services Peak body that is also eligible to apply for Lotterywest grants (Peaks not registered for GST are able to apply for a maximum of $15,000 only).
- The grant will fund an identified emerging issue that requires a quick response, and goes beyond the core business of the applying Peak.
- The proposal is for a small grant (less than $20,000).
- The project has a clear timeline, with a beginning and an end, and is no longer than six months.
- Each application requires written support from two other peaks or the Peaks Forum.
- For a professional development proposal, the applying Peak must have co-designed their training with the people or organisations that will be receiving it.
Desirable Eligibility Criteria
- No more than one grant per year except under exceptional circumstances.
- To fund a collaborative Peak Forum projects and research.
Principles and Behaviours
There is in-principle support from the Peaks to the following behaviours and principles when applying for funding.
- A collaborative approach to decision‐making and working together recognising the interdependence in the delivery of Community Services.
- Mutual trust and respect, with openness and transparency.
- Consultation on significant issues, including the development of funding submissions.
- Sharing of data and information produced via projects funded.
- Submit budgets that accurately reflect the real cost of the project, therefore ensuring the total funding pool has maximum impact.
- A contribution within the capacity of the Peak.
Peaks acknowledge the funding is limited therefore will only submit applications and funding requests that go beyond their core activities in which they are funded.
Application Process
The purpose of this pilot project is to acknowledge that issues faced by peak bodies for their members often require an immediate response. This pilot offers a simplified, faster application process than other grants.
- The Peak body identifies an issue it is looking to address with members, and applies via the application form.
- WACOSS and Lotterywest will review the application within ten business days.
- The Peak body is advised of the outcome.
- If the application is successful, the funding will be available to the Peak body within an additional ten business days.
- The Peak body facilitates the consultation, research or project.
- The Peak body reports back via the reporting form, providing a brief evaluation back to the WA Peaks Forum.
- The Peak body reports back to Lotterywest on the outputs and short-term outcomes achieved.
Reporting and Transparency
Peak bodies will be required to submit a report at the close of a funded project on the outputs and short-term outcomes achieved, via the Peaks Sector Support Grant Reporting Form.
WACOSS shall report to the Peak forum every six months on all funded projects. The Peaks forum will be invited to provide feedback to WACOSS on the effectiveness of the grants and make recommendations for improvement on criteria and process.
