Welcome to DSF

Group funding for people with a psychiatric disability and Carer groups

GENERAL GUIDELINES

WHO CAN APPLY

Applications will be accepted from agencies or carer groups to develop program initiatives that demonstrate potential for positive outcomes either for carers of people with a psychiatric disabilityor for people with a psychiatric illness. Applications are restricted to those located whithin the Barwon South West Region. The region covers the areas comprising of the Shires of Glenelg, Moyne, Southern Grampians, Corangamite, City of Warnambool, Colac-Otways, Surf Coast, the City of Greater Geelong and the Borough of Queenscliff.

ACTIVITIES NOT SUPPORTED

(1) Projects that require long term or ongoing funding from the Disability Support Fund.

(2) Projects which have no clear outcome or focus.

(3) Projects where other funding and / or services exist.

GUIDELINES FOR AGENCY INITIATIVES

The Disability Support Fund has been established to assist people with a mental illness access community based health, social, recreational and vocational options, which would not otherwise be possible. The Disability Support Fund is the only one of its kind in Victoria.

ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED

Assisting groups to pilot program initiatives:

(1) Community based activities, programs & services.

(2) Services within the community, ie. Neighbourhood Houses.

(3) Specific short term projects with clear outcomes, ie. - independent living skills, attending recreational and vocational options.

(4) Opportunities which promote self-direction and choice, ie. self-development courses.

(5) Rehabilitation programs designed to enhance the participant's personal skills and social relationships.

(6) Community based programs via the purchase and maintenance of equipment.

GUIDELINES FOR CARER GROUP INITIATIVES

The Disability Support Fund's Self Help Carer Group Initiative has been established to assist carers of people with a mental illness.

ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED WHICH INCLUDE SOME OF THE FOLLOWING:

Assisting agencies or groups to access;

(1) Self help group initiatives

(2) Courses for carers eg. stress management

(3) Newsletters

(4) Payment for speakers for information nights / seminars

(5) Other initiatives that meet the guidelines.

SCOPE OF SUPPORT

(1) Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the guidelines carefully.

(2) Generally, funding will only be granted to agencies / groups once per annum, but if you would like to apply for additional funding please contact the Project Officer to discuss your ideas.

(3) Applications that are not funded have the option of being maintained as an active application. This means the application could be considered for funding in subsequent months. However, due to budgetary reasons or because other projects are seen as having a priority, funding may not be possible.

(4) The budget available per month across the entire Barwon South Western Region is:
* Agency Initiatives - $2,500.00
* Carer Initiatives - $1,666.66

(5) There is a maximum of $5,000 per application.

(6) All applications need to be forwarded to the Project Officer.

Applications are then presented to regional panels for consideration. The South West panel meets on the first Wednesday of every month and the Barwon panel meets quarterly.

PROCCESS FOR COMPLETING APPLICATION FORM

1. Contact the Project Officer (Carmel Hendriks) to discuss your proposal.

2. All applications must be completed in the same format as the application form provided.

3. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide full and accurate details as required on the application form. Details of what information is required to complete questions appear with each question on the application form.

4. Faxed applications will be received as long as the original hard copies are forwarded within 5 days.

5. Applicants will be advised of the success of their application within 14 days of the regional panel meetings but where possible sooner.

6. Agencies will be invited to have a representative attend the meeting (applicable to Agency Initiatives only).

For the Agency & Self Help Carer Group Initiatives application form click on the link below and print the page or save it. The form consists of three pages. You will need all of them.

DOWNLOAD FORM