Changes to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF)

As we move into 2020, there have been some important changes to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

Firstly (and most excitingly), the GCBF will now have five rounds per year, instead of four. This means more vitals funds for your community organisations, more frequently, said Chris Whiting MP

As part of this expanded schedule, there have been some changes to GCBF application guidelines, which will apply from round 104 onwards. The key changes are:

 

  • groups can no longer apply for grants while awaiting the outcome of a previously submitted application;

 

  • successful applicants are ineligible to apply in the next round after they have been notified that their successful application is closed;

 

  • entities can only apply for or sponsor one application within the same physical location per round;

 

  • organisations must purchase items from Australian suppliers, unless approval is given to purchase from overseas (e.g. specialist equipment not available locally);

 

  • acquittal time extensions of beyond a year will now only be granted if there are extenuating circumstances; and

 

  • requested items considered not to be in line with the original intent of the grant as determined by OLGR will not be approved, unless there are extenuating circumstances (e.g. natural disaster).

 

These new guidelines are designed to:

 

  • reduce the number of ineligible or non-meritorious applications received;

 

  • allow a more diverse range of organisations (including smaller stand-alone groups without a state body) to benefit from the GCBF;

 

  • reduce the confusion and disappointment that can occur when a group applies for the same thing in successive rounds, or self-funds a project thinking that they have been unsuccessful; and

 

  • ensure that funds are being acquitted as expeditiously as possible, while allowing for extenuating circumstances.

 

Ultimately, this will mean the GCB Committee is able to review and approve applications faster and more regularly (currently, they are required to review over 5000 applications per year).

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