Grants Policy
Purpose
This policy outlines the principles and procedures governing how the Children’s Rights Alliance Inc. trading as Children’s Rights Queensland (CRQ) applies for external funding and distributes grants to external organisations or individuals. The aim is to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with CRQ’s mission of promoting children’s rights across Queensland.
Commencement
This policy takes effect from March 2025 and supersedes all previous policies, whether documented or not.
Scope
This policy applies to:
- Leadership Team
- Executive
- Employees
- Contractors
- Volunteers
The individuals above will be referred to as ‘Team Members’ throughout this policy.
Definitions
- Grant Review Committee: A designated group responsible for assessing and approving grant applications.
- Grantee: An organisation or individual awarded a grant by CRQ.
- Strategic Goals: Objectives defined by CRQ to promote children’s rights and wellbeing.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Leadership Team: Ensure compliance and provide strategic oversight.
- Executive: Identify grant opportunities and oversee distribution.
- Volunteers: Promote child safety and adhere to this policy.
- Contractors: Conduct risk assessments and provide culturally safe environments.
Policy Statement
1.0 Applying for Grants
1.1 Strategic Alignment
CRQ will seek grant opportunities that:
- Align with its core objectives of promoting children’s rights as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
- Deliver initiatives or programs such as rights education programs, community engagement projects, and resource development.
1.2 Grant Selection and Approval Process
- Potential grant opportunities will be identified by CRQ’s leadership team or designated staff.
- A detailed application will be prepared, including objectives, budget, and project deliverables.
- Applications for grants exceeding $50,000 require approval by the majority of the CRQ Leadership Team.
1.3 Compliance and Reporting
- CRQ will adhere to all grant guidelines and contractual obligations.
- Regular progress reports will be submitted to funding bodies as required.
- Financial reporting will comply with Australian accounting standards and CRQ’s internal financial policies.
2.0 Distributing Grants
From time-to-time CRQ may be funded to distribute grants to groups and organisations.
2.1 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for funding from CRQ, applicants must:
- Be an organisation, school, or individual working on projects that promote children’s rights.
- Be based in Queensland or implement projects that benefit children in Queensland.
- Demonstrate a clear alignment with CRQ’s mission and objectives.
2.2 Application Process
- Grant application forms will be made available on CRQ’s website.
- Applicants must submit the relevant form for the grant with a proposal, including project objectives, timelines, budgets, and expected outcomes.
- Applications will be reviewed quarterly a Grant Review Committee appointed by CRQ.
2.3 Assessment Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Alignment with CRQ’s mission and strategic goals.
- Feasibility of the proposed project.
- Demonstrated capacity of the applicant to deliver outcomes.
- Potential for positive impact on children’s rights.
2.4 Approval Process
- Applications under $5,000 can be approved by the President or Grant Review Committee.
- Applications over $5,000 require approval from the CRQ Leadership Team.
2.5 Grant Agreement
- Successful applicants must submit a grant acceptance form or agreement outlining terms, conditions, and reporting requirements.
- Funds must be used exclusively for the approved project.
2.6 Monitoring and Evaluation
- Grantees are required to submit a final report upon project completion.
- CRQ reserves the right to conduct audits to ensure compliance with funding conditions.
3.0 Conflict of Interest
- Team Members must disclose any conflicts of interest in grant applications or distribution processes.
- Individuals with a conflict of interest must recuse themselves from related discussions and decisions.
4.0 Communication and Transparency
- All grant opportunities offered by CRQ will be publicly advertised on its website and through other relevant channels.
- Decisions regarding grant distribution will be communicated to applicants within four weeks of the review date.
- A summary of distributed grants will be made available in the format determined by the Leadership Team.
Breaches of this policy
Non-compliance with this policy by any team member may result in investigations, corrective actions, disciplinary measures (e.g., warnings or termination), or reporting to relevant authorities. Breaches must be reported promptly to a member of the Children’s Rights Alliance Leadership Team.
Related Documents, Legislation and Standards
- The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
- CRQ’s Code of Conduct.
- Australian Accounting Standards.
Policy Status and Review
- Approval: Approved by the Child Rights Alliance Inc. Leadership Team.
- Review: This policy will be reviewed every two years. Feedback from children, families, and stakeholders will guide updates.
Questions
Please contact us.