FAQs

Q. Why do I have to provide evidence of my eligibility as a member of the described communities of Beneficiaries?
A. The Trust has a Beneficiary Database which contains a list of members who are eligible to apply for grant funding from the Trust.
If potential grant recipients are not registered on the Beneficiary Database, applicants must provide evidence of their eligibility for assessment. If an applicant fails to do so, their grant application will be rejected. If applicants are unsure, please check with the Trust’s Grants Administration Officer on 0499 992 865 or email [email protected].

Q. What do I do if I do not have documentary evidence of being a descendant of the described communities of Beneficiaries?
A. Please contact the relevant corporation for assistance. Details are as follows:

  • Yuwibara People
    Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation
    Email: [email protected]
  • Wiri/Widi People
    Gangali Narra Widi Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (ICN 8363)
    38 Daniel Street
    North Mackay QLD 4740
    Phone: 0447 067 171
    Email: [email protected]
  • Birri Gubba (resident in the Agreement Area)
    Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation
    Lot 55 Johnson’s Road
    Nebo QLD 4742
    Corporation Secretary: Mervyn Riley
    Phone: 0400 781 347
    Email: [email protected]

Q. If I am seeking funds for a primary/secondary aged beneficiary student, what do I do if I have no proof of school enrolment or a school’s laptop policy?
A. Ask the school’s administration officer for supporting letters on the school’s letterhead. You may use these draft template letters, or the school can provide their own.

Q. Who assesses the grant applications?
A. An initial assessment is undertaken by the Trust’s Grants Administration Officer to check compliance with the funding guidelines.
An assessment is then undertaken of the potential grant recipient’s eligibility as a Beneficiary. Then, each of the six Trustees assesses the grant application.

Q. Can I submit my grant application by post?
A. Applications should be lodged online, via the links on the Grants Programs page of the website. If applicants have any difficulties submitting their application online, please contact the Trust’s Grants Administration Officer to discuss alternative options on 0499 992 865 or email [email protected].

Q. I have an idea for a project but can’t find a suitable grant application form – what should I do?
A. In the first instance contact the Trust’s Grants Administration Officer on 0499 992 865 or email [email protected].

Q. How long will it take for a decision to be made on my grant application?
A. The Trust aims to decide all grant applications within 3-6 weeks. If a decision is likely to take longer, the applicant will be contacted.

Q. My grant application has been approved – when will I receive the grant funds?
A. Applicants should receive their grant payment within 5 working days of accepting and returning their signed funding agreement.

Q. My grant was approved but not for the full amount I requested – why?
A. Available funds for the program area, or the Beneficiary’s annual capped limit may have been reached. Not all items/expenses requested may have complied with the Trust’s funding guidelines.

Q. I am in urgent need of the grant monies I’ve applied for. Can my application be looked at urgently?
A. In the first instance contact the Trust’s Grants Administration Officer on 0499 992 865 or email [email protected].

Q. My grant application was successful. Will it affect my Centrelink payment?
A. Applicants should contact Centrelink on 13 28 50 for advice.

Q. My grant application was successful. Are the funds counted as taxable income?
A. The ATO advises that if you receive assistance from a charitable organisation, the payment you receive is not taxable. These payments have no GST implications.

Q. I’ve already used my own money for matters that are included in my grant application (e.g., for school fees).
A. Please provide copies of paid invoices with the grant application. The Trust will consider the situation and may decide to reimburse an applicant directly for the costs that have already been paid.

Q. My grant application was declined – what can I do?
A. See paragraph 21 of the Grant Guidelines for the review procedure.

Q. The grant round is now closed – can I still put in my application?
A. The Trust runs 4 rounds per year. The next round will open the following day.

Q. I’ve lost my SmartyGrants login details – what should I do?
A. Please go to the SmartyGrants FAQ – https://applicanthelp.smartygrants.com.au/help-guide-for-applicants/#HelpGuideforApplicants-FAQ’s

Q. My circumstances have changed (e.g., I am no longer attending university, or my project is no longer proceeding) – do I have to tell the Trust?
A. Yes. If an applicant’s circumstance changes from what was included in their original grant application, applicants must inform the Trust. Contact the Trust’s Grants Administration Officer on 0499 992 865 or email [email protected].

Q. I have a question and can’t find the answer anywhere in these guidelines – who should I contact?
A. In the first instance, contact the Trust’s Grants Administration Officer on 0499 992 865 or email [email protected].