Terms and Conditions for Rural and Remote Playgroup Grants Program

Play Matters Australia invites applications for the Rural and Remote Playgroup Grants Program in 2025. These Terms and Conditions govern the application, assessment, allocation, and usage of grants under this program. By applying for a grant, you agree to comply with these terms and conditions.

GRANT OVERVIEW

1.1 Small Grants

  • Value: Up to $1,000 in the form of an EducationAll voucher.
  • Eligibility: Open to all playgroups in defined rural and remote locations, regardless of Play Matters Australia affiliation.


1.2
Larger Grants

  • Value: Between $1,000 and $5,000 in cash.
  • Eligibility: Exclusively available to existing Play Matters Australia-affiliated groups. Funds are to be used for facility upgrades or improvements to support playgroup activities in defined rural and remote locations.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

2.1 Applicants must represent a playgroup located in areas classified as Moderately Accessible (MA), Remote (R), or Very Remote (VR) under the Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA).
2.2 Larger Grant applicants must be currently affiliated with Play Matters Australia.
2.3 Small Grant applicants may apply without Play Matters Australia affiliation.
2.4 Applicants must adhere to all guidelines provided as part of the application process.

APPLICATION PROCESS

3.1 Applications must be submitted through the official grant application form by Sunday, 27 April 2025.
3.2 Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
3.3 Applicants must provide accurate and verifiable information, including:

  • Contact details
  • Details of the playgroup’s location and activities.​
  • Proposed usage of funds (for Larger Grants).

3.4 Play Matters Australia reserves the right to request additional information or clarification as part of the application review process.

ASSESSMENT AND ALLOCATION

4.1 Grant applications will be reviewed by a Play Matters Australia-appointed panel.
4.2 Assessment criteria include:

  • Relevance and potential impact of the proposed use of funds.
  • Alignment with the program’s goal of enhancing playgroup facilities, resources, and experiences.
  • Demonstrated need based on the playgroup’s location and current resources.

4.3 Decisions on grant allocations are final and cannot be appealed.

4.4 Successful applicants must affiliate with Play Matters Australia to access grant benefits. A one-year complimentary membership will be provided at no cost to successful applicants for small grants as part of the grant award.

GRANT USAGE AND REPORTING

5.1 Funds or vouchers must be used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the grant application.
5.2 Larger Grant recipients are required to submit a brief report within six months of receiving the funds, detailing:

  • How the funds were utilised.
  • The impact on the playgroup and community.

5.3 Misuse of funds or failure to provide a report may result in the revocation of the grant and/or ineligibility for future funding.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

6.1 Play Matters Australia reserves the right to amend or withdraw the grant program at its discretion.
6.2 Grant recipients must acknowledge Play Matters Australia’s support in any promotional or public-facing activities related to the funded project.
6.3 Applicants consent to Play Matters Australia using non-sensitive information from their application (e.g., playgroup name, general location) for promotional purposes.
6.4 All data provided during the application process will be handled in accordance with Play Matters Australia’s privacy policy.

DISQUALIFICATION AND REVOCATION

7.1 Applications may be disqualified if found to contain false or misleading information.
7.2 Play Matters Australia reserves the right to revoke grant funding in cases of:

  • Misrepresentation of eligibility.
  • Misuse of funds.
  • Non-compliance with reporting requirements.

ACQUITTAL REQUIREMENTS

8.1 Obligation to Submit Acquittal Form
Grant recipients must complete and submit an acquittal form within six (6) months of receiving the grant funds or voucher.

8.2 Details Required
The acquittal form must include: A summary of how the funds or voucher were used. Evidence of expenditure, such as receipts, invoices, or photos of completed projects. A report on the outcomes and impact of the grant on the playgroup and community. An explanation of any unused funds and how they will be managed (if applicable).

8.3 Failure to Submit Acquittal
Failure to submit the acquittal form within the required timeframe may result in:
Repayment of the grant funds or voucher.
Ineligibility for future grants from Play Matters Australia.

8.4 Audit and Verification
Play Matters Australia reserves the right to audit grant recipients to ensure compliance with grant conditions. Grant recipients may be required to provide additional supporting documents or participate in follow-up reviews.

8.5 Acknowledgment of Support
Grant recipients must acknowledge Play Matters Australia’s support in any public communication related to the funded project as part of the acquittal process. By accepting the grant, recipients agree to comply with these acquittal requirements. Failure to do so may result in penalties or exclusion from future funding opportunities.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions or further information, please contact Play Matters Australia:

  • Email: support@playmatters.org.au
  • Phone: 1800 00 7529

By submitting an application, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.

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Membership Matters

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