Guidelines

General Guidelines

The Trust supports projects that generally adhere to our mission statement. The overriding purpose of the Trust is to provide benefits to humanity, but in doing so it is important that areas of particular interest to the founder, Ray Ahearn, are taken into consideration.

Such areas include, but are not limited to:

Health, welfare and education of the incapacitated, impoverished, young or aged
Advancement of science and education
Provision of cultural and recreational facilities for the public
Providing opportunities for advancement for rural persons

The Trust prefers to support projects that benefit communities located in the Western District of Victoria.

After reading all of the information provided here, if you are unsure whether you may qualify for a grant you should forward a letter to the Trust, detailing the project for which you seek funding. The Trust will then advise you whether your project will be considered and you will be requested to provide additional information.

Funding Priorities

Priority will be given to applications that:

Demonstrate long-term sustainability
Will benefit the community
Seek to create positive change
Share the values of the Trust

Other Funding Areas

The Trust may consider applications in the following areas:

Capital grants
Funding in conjunction with government or other public or private organizations, including other Foundations
Scholarships (under some conditions)

Restrictions

The Trust will not fund:

Research projects
Individuals
Commercial activities
Political activities
Projects it considers does not meet its ethical standards
Cash prizes or gifts
Travel expenses and employee wages (except as part of a larger approved project)
Recurrent costs of an established program
Sponsorship

Period of Funding

The Trust will consider projects that require funding for up to three years. Projects that seek funding beyond three years may be considered, but will be reviewed by the Trust on a regular basis.

Funding Limits

While there is no specific limit to the amount of funding, applicants should be aware that even if your application is successful, it may be for a lesser amount than that requested.

Reporting

In some cases we will impose a condition of funding that a report is submitted to the Trust at the conclusion of the project. The Trust may request regular reporting in the case of a long-term project.

Other Important Notes for Applicants

Projects that require work to be undertaken by external contractors must include quotes.
There are no formal closing dates for applications. The Board of the Trust meets quarterly and will discuss all applications within 12 weeks of receipt.
If successful, applicants should note that funding will not be provided until it is demonstrated to the Trust that the full budget for the project has been met.