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Area Assistance Scheme

Funder: Department of Community Services (NSW)

Program summary

The Area Assistance Scheme is now closed!

The Area Assistance Scheme (AAS) is a regional community development program run by the Department of Community Services. It provides grants to local councils and non-government organisations for projects that improve community well being and how communities function. The AAS works within a whole-of-government framework to deliver its outcomes.

Key dates

Closing date of next funding round to be advised

Who can apply?

Incorporated non-profit community organisations, councils or regional organisations of councils, that have a current Australian Business Number (ABN). AAS funding is available only in the following regions; Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra, Macarthur, North Coast and Western Sydney.

Applicants must also meet the Eligibility Criteria as stated in the Funding Guide.

All applicants must have a Registration Code before they can apply for Area Assistance Scheme (AAS) funding. If you do not have a Registration Code your project application will not be accepted.

This Registration Code is available from your Community Project Officer (CPO) at your local Council for local projects and sub-regional projects, or from the Area Assistance Scheme Senior Regional Strategies Officer (SRSO) for regional projects. Follow this link for CPO & SRSO contact details.

To apply for funding

The 2009 AAS Funding Round is now closed.

Why have we introduced Registration Codes?

The introduction of Registration Codes is to ensure that you discuss your project with the relevant person. This will provide the opportunity for the CPO or Senior Regional Strategies Officer to give you guidance against the eligibility criteria and assist you in preparing a good quality application. They will also have a better understanding of your project proposal as it moves through the assessment process.

Who can't apply?

Some organisations that are not eligible for AAS funding include, schools, universities, child care centres, privately run kindergartens, other government departments and service clubs. Please read the Eligibility Criteria in the Funding Guide for more information.

What will be funded?

The AAS funds one year only projects between $10,000 and $110,000. Projects funded under the AAS fall into two broad categories.

Capital (Facilities and resources - one off) e.g. renovations to facilities, equipment and fit out of facilities.
Other one-off projects that do not require recurrent funding e.g. brochures, information kits, one-off events or action research.

For details download the following files:

2008 successful projects (Excel document)

What will NOT be funded?

Applications that do not meet the AAS Eligibility Criteria.

The AAS will not fund a direct service of another government agency or local council.

Current priorities

All projects funded by the AAS must meet at least one of the priorities identified in the AAS Funding Outcomes framework. AAS 2008/09 Funding Outcomes are on page 14 of the Funding Guide.