Our Grants Program
The Foundation provides grants in the State of Victoria to support the following goals:
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The development of programs to provide opportunities for girls and women who may not otherwise have access to such programs
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The promotion of the pursuit of excellence by girls and women
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The promotion of opportunities for leadership in girls and women.
In its first fourteen years the Foundation has awarded grants and scholarships of approximately $4 million in total.
Two special grants are made annually:
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The Invergowrie Foundation/ McPherson Family University Scholarship honouring the 1933 philanthropic gift from W. E. McPherson of Invergowrie, the beautiful family home in Hawthorn.
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The Invergowrie Foundation/ Invergowrie Past Students Awards which recognises the important role of the Invergowrie Homecraft Hostel in the history of the Foundation.
All grants are made on the initiative and/or at the discretion of The Invergowrie Foundation.
Grants to Community Organisations
The Invergowrie Foundation makes grants to enable organisations to fund educational opportunities for girls and women in the State of Victoria. Funds may be applied to the development and/ or operational costs directly related to the provision of these educational opportunities.
These grants enable organisations to:
On completion of the project which must be deemed to benefit the community, organisations must submit a report including an audited statement of expenditure. Recipients of grants are required to acknowledge and promote The Invergowrie Foundation where possible.
Examples of community grants can be found in the Chairman's Report.
Application Guidelines
Eligibility
The Invergowrie Foundation reserves the right to initiate projects with selected community organisations. To be eligible for assistance a project must comply with the goals of The Invergowrie Foundation by clearly demonstrating a commitment to encouraging disadvantaged girls and women to further their education.
A project will be eligible for assistance if it:
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supports the education of girls and women who are disadvantaged
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is of benefit to the community, and
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is run by a not for profit organisation with annual audited accounts.
Exclusions
It is unlikely that a grant will be provided by The Invergowrie Foundation if an organisation is:
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unable to provide audited accounts
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primarily dependent on government funding and is applying for a project which should be covered by such funding
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a well-established, well-resourced organisation seeking funding for a mainstream project
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applying for funding to cover general staff salaries, motor vehicle expenses, or normal operation costs; payment for specific project staff would, however, be considered.
Unsuccessful applications
The Invergowrie Foundation reserves the right to decide which projects will be funded in any given year. The decision on all applications is final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding unsuccessful applications.
Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in a subsequent year.
Cancellation of a grant
The Invergowrie Foundation reserves the right to cancel a grant if, in its opinion:
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the purposes for which the grant was approved change substantially
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there is evidence of unsatisfactory progress
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reporting and audit requirements are not met satisfactorily
Dates for applications
Grant applications are considered in August, November, February and May each financial year. Preferably, applications should be received by the Foundation by the middle of the preceding month.
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How to Apply
The Invergowrie Foundation has established a three-stage process in the selection of successful applications for grants.
1. Preliminary Proposal
In seeking a grant, applicants must first submit a Preliminary Proposal describing the project, its aims and level of funding required, which may be lodged using the online Proposal form.
Or by mail:
Chief Executive Officer
The Invergowrie Foundation
First Floor
24 Glenferrie Road
Malvern Victoria 3144
The Foundation will assess all proposals to determine their merit. The past achievements of the organisation and the value of the project to the community will be considered.
2. Full Proposal
Applicants whose projects fall within the guidelines for an Invergowrie Foundation grant will be asked to submit a full proposal for the project. At this stage, applicants must provide:
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a detailed description of the project and its purpose
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the proposed timetable for the project
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a detailed project budget
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supporting documentation attesting to the merit of the project.
3. Interview
Applicants may be required to attend an interview. Final decisions will be made following the interviews. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application.
Research Grants
The Invergowrie Foundation, where it deems appropriate, makes grants to research projects that are aligned to the Foundation goals.
All grants are made on the initiative and/or at the discretion of The Invergowrie Foundation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does my organisation apply?
Applicants must first complete a Preliminary Proposal form describing the project, its aims and level of funding required. The completed form may be lodged either on-line or by mail. Applicants may then be requested to submit a full proposal.
Where do we lodge our application?
Applications can be sent via The Invergowrie Foundation website or mailed to The Invergowrie Foundation
What if my organisation is based in a state other than Victoria?
Unless your organisation is based in Victoria, it is ineligible for a grant.
Does the Foundation award a set number of grants each year?
No. The Invergowrie Foundation has funds available each year and the number of grants given is dependent upon the number of applications approved and the amounts requested.
What is the maximum grant my organisation can apply for?
As a general rule, $15,000 in one calendar year. Depending on circumstances, however, larger grants may be considered.
If my organisation has previously received a grant from The Invergowrie Foundation can it apply for another grant?
Yes
Can my organisation apply for more than one project in one year?
Yes
Can any not for profit organisation apply for a grant?
Yes, but it is unlikely that your organisation will be successful in its application for a grant if:
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it cannot provide audited accounts
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it is primarily dependent on government funding
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it is applying for a project eligible for government funding
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it is a well-established, well-resourced organisation seeking funding for a mainstream project
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it is a commercial enterprise
What can't my organisation apply for?
Funds will not be provided for general staff salaries, motor vehicle expenses or normal operation costs - payment for specific project staff would, however, be considered.
What happens after we've lodged our proposal?
Preliminary proposals will be assessed by the Grants Committee of The Invergowrie Foundation. Applicants may be called for an interview prior to the Committee making its final decision.
How will we know whether or not our organisation has been successful?
At each stage of the selection process, your organisation will be advised either by e-mail, telephone or mail of the application's current status. If you are to be interviewed, you will be contacted to arrange a time. You will be advised whether successful or not.
If my organisation is unsuccessful one year, can it apply in any subsequent year?
Yes.
If my organisation is unsuccessful, can it appeal the decision?
No. The Foundation's decision is final.
Will I have to add GST on the grant?
No. The Australian Tax Office has issued a private ruling that enables The Invergowrie Foundation to make a grant to a not for profit organisation that is considered a gift rather than a grant of financial assistance. For further details please contact the Chief Executive Officer.
Other Grants and Scholarships
In addition to grants to community organisations, The Invergowrie Foundation provides other grants and scholarships in support of the education of girls and women in the State of Victoria.
1. Tertiary Academic Scholarships
These grants are awarded and administered through various tertiary institutions in the State of Victoria. Applications for these grants are not available directly from The Invergowrie Foundation.
2. Tertiary Residential Scholarships
These grants are awarded and administered through various tertiary institutions in the State of Victoria. Applications for these grants are not available directly from The Invergowrie Foundation.
3. Grants to Girls' Schools
Grants are made from time to time to girls' secondary schools across all sectors of education in the State of Victoria. These grants are made on the initiative and at the discretion of The Invergowrie Foundation.
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