Capital Grants Program
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The Australian Government Capital Grants Program funds large and small infrastructure projects for non-government schools through Block Grant Authorities (BGAs) in each State and Territory. For further information, see the administrative arrangements under which BGAs operate.
There are two BGAs in each State, one Catholic and one Independent. There are joint Catholic/Independent BGAs in both the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. BGAs receive and assess applications from non-government schools and make recommendations to the Minister for funding. They administer the projects after approval, which includes monitoring progress of the projects and making payments. Non-government schools wishing to apply for Australian Government grants must join the relevant BGA.
The type of projects which may be funded include the extension or refurbishment of existing buildings, the construction of school facilities such as general learning areas, administration buildings and other structures, or the provision of equipment and furniture as part of a major project. For a detailed list of projects which may be considered for funding please refer to the Administrative Guidelines.
In 2008 the Australian Government is providing over $126 million for capital works in non-government schools across Australia.
Is my school eligible to apply for funding?
To be eligible for Australian Capital Program funding a school must have be a participant, or prospective participant in a BGA, be receiving, or have good prospects of receiving, Australian Government general recurrent grants funding and be engaged in the delivery of primary and/or secondary school education. Details of eligibility requirements are listed in the Australian Government Programmes for Schools Quadrennial Administrative Guidelines - 2005 to 2008.
Can schools which have already received funding reapply?
Schools which have been successful or unsuccessful in applying for Capital Grants Program funding may reapply for funding in the later years. BGAs will assess applications and recommend eligible projects for funding according to need.
How does a school apply for funding?
Schools contact their BGA for application forms and closing dates.
Is a school able to appeal a funding decision?
BGAs must provide reasons for a rejection and give the school an opportunity to have its application reviewed independent of the original assessment.
Who will notify the school of the funding decision?
The Australian Government Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations or her Delegate writes to school Principals advising them of grants to their schools. The BGA will also make a formal grant offer when the school is required to sign an agreement with the BGA accepting the conditions of the grant.
What is recognition?
Schools must provide appropriate recognition of Australian Government Capital Grants Program funding. Recognition requirements include acknowledging the Australian Government’s funding contribution in all publicity concerning the project, and conducting an official opening ceremony on completion of the project. More detailed information about recognition requirements is listed in the Summary of Recognition Requirements for Non-Government Schools.
Does my school need to erect a construction sign?
The school must ensure that appropriate building signs, advising of the correct level of Australian Government financial assistance, are erected on construction sites. Construction signs must be removed prior to the opening ceremony. The wording for construction signs must be sent to schoolopenings@deewr.gov.au for approval prior to the official opening.
Does my school need to have an opening ceremony?
All schools which have received Australian Government funding must hold an opening ceremony within seven months of completion of the project. There is to be provision for an Australian Government representative to speak at the opening. Where the Australian Government has contributed more than 50% of the project cost, the Australian Government Minister, or the Minister’s representative, will have the option of officially opening the facilities.
A school can be granted an exemption from holding an opening or may defer an opening by writing to the Minister.
Does my school have to invite the Australian Government Minister to the opening ceremony?
A school which has received Australian Government funding must invite the Minister or the Minister’s representative to attend the official opening ceremony. The invitation should be faxed to the Schools Opening Officer at the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) on (02) 6240 7849 two months prior to the opening ceremony. The date chosen for the ceremony cannot be a parliamentary sitting day. If you have queries they should directed to schoolopenings@deewr.gov.au.
Does my school need a commemorative plaque?
Plaques acknowledging Australian Government funding and, where opened by an Australian Government representative, the name of the person opening the facility, must be erected on new or refurbished buildings. The wording for plaques must be sent to schoolopenings@deewr.gov.au for approval prior to the official opening.
The 2005 Administrative Review of the Operations of Block Grant Authorities (BGAs) examined current BGA practices in the administration of the Government’s Capital Grants Programme and the Investing in Our Schools Program for schools. The review ‘s particular focus was on strengthening BGA accountability, transparency and effective practice and ensuring parents have appropriate input into capital grants project selection processes.
Please refer to the Approved grants - non government schools page.