Is my organisation eligible?
Under the terms of the Deed of The Ian Potter Foundation and the taxation laws, The Ian Potter Foundation can only make grants to charitable organisations with BOTH Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) item 1 and Tax Concession Charity (TCC) status.

We strongly encourage you to check that your organisation has DGR item 1 and TCC status before writing your application or you risk being ineligible.

How can I find out if we have the right tax status?
The Australian Government's Australian Business Register (ABR) at www.abr.business.gov.au enables you to search your organisation's name or ABN and see whether it is endorsed as a DGR* and TCC.

* Please note: There are two distinct types of DGR (item 1 and item 2) and the type is identified both on your organisation's ABN entry on the ABR and on your organisation’s notice of Endorsement as a Deductible Gift Recipient.

Where can I find out more about Tax status?
More information about DGR and TCC status can be obtained from the ATO Non-Profit Organisations website www.ato.gov.au/nonprofit . This website includes advice on who is eligible to obtain DGR status and how to apply.

How can I get copies of my organisation’s DGR and TCC notices?
If your organisation has DGR and TCC status, but you can’t find the notices, copies can be requested from the ATO on 1300 130 248. This process may take up to two weeks.

The TCC notice
Click here to see the full size version of the TCC Notice

What does the DGR notice look like?
Click here to see a sample DGR notice.

What if I don't have or can't find the DGR and/or TCC notice?
If you are unable to provide one or both of the notices with your application you should include a current print out of your organisation's details from the Australian Business Register.

Does a grant include GST?
The law regarding GST on grants is unclear. It is part of the ATO's current compliance program to clarify the law and it is up to the recipient of a grant to decide what to do. To assist you in your decision making, please refer to the attached links and Private Ruling #76897.

http://www.ato.gov.au/businesses/content.asp?doc=/content/16250.htm

http://law.ato.gov.au/atolaw/view.htm?docid=GST/GSTR200011/NAT/ATO/00001

http://www.ato.gov.au/rba/print.asp?doc=/rba/content/76897.htm

How do we apply to the Foundation?
There are five (5) different application forms tailored to the size and type of application. All forms can be downloaded from the How to Apply page.

Our criteria and guidelines for project selection are governed by the Foundation’s Funding Principles and the objectives (and exclusions) for each of our Program Areas. You should refer to your particular area of interest under What we Fund on our website.

We also encourage you to call the Foundation and speak to the relevant Program Manager: this is a requirement if you are applying for a grant over $50,000.

An Expression of Interest process applies for some applications in the Community Wellbeing, Education and Environment & Conservation program areas.

What do we do if our project fits into more than one Program Area?
We suggest that you apply to the area that you think it best fits and we will reallocate to a different area internally if we believe that it is necessary or more suitable.

 What if my CEO (or the appropriate person detailed on the application form) can’t sign the Declaration on the application form?
If the CEO is not able to sign the Declaration (eg. away on extended leave) the reason for this should be outlined in a cover letter and attached to the application form. An authorized senior person may then sign the Declaration.

How much can I ask for?
Generally, organisations ask for the amount that they need to run their project but it may also depend on a number of other factors. If there is uncertainty you should call the Foundation and seek the advice of the relevant Program Manager.

What if my organisation doesn’t have an Annual Report?
You should note this in your application form cover letter and if your organization has a Newsletter, Bulletin or Minutes from the Annual General Meeting these can be included. This information helps our reviewers to get a picture of the people within the organisation and the activities being undertaken.

Should I include support letters with my application?
Letters supporting your application are well regarded if they are both relevant and support your case for funding.

Can I still apply if my project start date is prior to the date indicated on the application form?
No, the Foundation does not fund retrospectively.

If my application has been declined can I re-apply?
Only if you are seeking money for a different  project.

What happens once the application is received?
Each application is logged into our data system as soon as it arrives at the Foundation. The Program Managers then make an initial assessment and may contact you to request further information or discuss the project, or make an appointment to meet you, especially if it is for a larger grant.

Where appropriate, IPF uses expert external reviewers to help ensure that funding is given in context and to the best of our knowledge and ability.

Projects are then short-listed for discussion by Committees that include members of our Board of Governors and a final set of recommendations are compiled for submission to the Board, at one of our thrice-yearly Board Meetings.

Are there any obligations if a grant is awarded?
All grants are made subject to the Standard Grant Conditions. The Standard Grant Conditions outline obligations for grantees, such as reporting and evaluation, after a grant has been awarded.

When will we find out if the application was successful?
Generally, the process of evaluation, assessment and approval takes approximately three months from the Funding Round Closing Date and you will then be notified in writing whether or not you have been successful.