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FAQ: Community Savers

What is Community Savers?

Community Savers is a funding stream under the Public Facilities Program, under the NSW Climate Change Fund. The Public Facilities Program aims to assist water and energy savings in public and community facilities in NSW. The focus is on projects delivering real water and energy savings and generating community support. It provides $30 million over five years.

Projects must save:

• drinkable water supplied from a reticulated water supply network in NSW, and/or
• electricity and related greenhouse gas emissions and/or reduce peak electricity demand in NSW.

The Public Facilities Program also has a Demonstration stream but this will not continue. This follows a recommendation made by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) within their 2009 review of NSW climate change mitigation measures.

What projects does Community Savers support?

Under Community Savers, up to $40,000 funding is available for not-for-profit organisations such as community groups, rural organisations and local clubs, to undertake simple, low-cost water and energy upgrades in the facilities they occupy.

Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• projects which improve the efficiency of buildings and appliances - e.g. lighting upgrades, installation of skylights, insulation for cooling and heating efficiency, ceiling fans, solar reflective glazing
• projects which reduce electricity consumption and/or peak demand - e.g. hot water system upgrade to gas, solar or heat pump
• projects which reduce drinkable water demand from a reticulated water supply network - e.g. dual flush toilets, irrigation system upgrades, water recycling, rainwater tanks, stormwater harvesting
• education activities which have the potential to increase the adoption of efficient technologies and behaviours.

What projects are ineligible for Community Savers funding?

Funding will NOT be provided for:

• Projects in residential dwellings
• Projects that do not result in energy, water or peak electricity demand savings
• Projects that involve the installation of:
• Solar photovoltaic systems
• All foil insulation, or
• LED lighting (except for foyers, showrooms and exit lights)
• Projects that are public awareness or education only
• Devolved grants, that is funding for one party to distribute funds or products to other parties
• Projects that it is reasonable to expect would proceed without assistance from the NSW Climate Change Fund.

Who can apply for funding under Community Savers?

Community Savers is open to organisations operating on a not-for-profit basis that are community or educational facilities, including, but not limited to:

• pre-school facilities
• rural organisations such as Country Women’s Association
• health and aged care facilities
• religious organisations
• registered clubs, such as sporting and ex-services clubs
• other public and community-based facilities operating on a not-for-profit basis

Community organisations operating within council or government owned buildings are eligible to apply.

What is your definition of a not-for-profit organisation?

For the purposes of grants administration in NSW, a not-for-profit organisation is one which is not operating for the profit or gain of its individual members, whether these gains would have been direct or indirect.

A not-for-profit organisation can still make a profit, but this profit must be used to carry out its purposes and must not be distributed to owners, members or other private people.

How do I apply for Community Savers funding?

Applications are called within contestable funding rounds. Future rounds will depend on funding availability.

When funding rounds open, they are advertised in regional and metropolitan newspapers and application forms and guidelines are available from the OEH website.

Anyone wishing to be notified when new funding rounds open can subscribe to the Climate Change Fund mailing list ccf@environment.nsw.gov.au or by calling the Environment Line on 1300 361 967.

Is there a minimum threshold for water or electricity savings?

No, there is no minimum threshold for water or electricity savings.

Can I submit applications to more than one round of Community Savers?

Yes, you can submit applications to various rounds of Community Savers. Being successful in one funding round does not preclude applicants from applying in future rounds. Depending on the number of applications received, preference may be given to organisations who have not received funding in previous rounds.

I have identified a project which generates savings in both water and energy (or at several different sites). Should I submit separate applications?

An eligible organisation is eligible for one funding contribution per site each financial year under the Community Savers. This can be for a combined water and energy saving project.

A separate application needs to be submitted for each site.

I work for a local council or State Government agency. Where can I apply for funding?

Local councils can access funding through the Environmental Trust’s $50 million Urban Sustainability Program. Contact: envirotrust@environment.nsw.gov.au or (02) 8837 6093.

Budget-dependent general State Government agencies can access the $40 million NSW Treasury Loan Fund. Contact: government@environment.nsw.gov.au or (02) 9995 6355.

How will applications be evaluated?

Applications will be assessed by an independent evaluation panel including experts with relevant technical and water and energy expertise. The panel will assess proposals and make recommendations to the Minister, in accordance with the selection criteria detailed in the published Guide for Applicants.

How is the Climate Change Fund funded?

Monies for the Climate Change Fund are raised from contributions from Energy distributors (Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and Essential Energy), Sydney Water, Gosford City Council and Wyong Shire Council.

How much money will my project get?

The maximum funding available for each project is $40,000. The level of funding will be determined on a project-by-project basis. There is no requirement for the applicant to contribute funds towards their project. However, financial contributions from the applicant and/or other sources will improve the cost effectiveness and therefore competitiveness of the project in relation to other applications. Successful applicants may not receive the full requested amount.

Can I get funding from other sources?

Applicants are encouraged to explore further opportunities for funding from other sources. If funding from another source has been secured for the same project, or if an application is currently lodged with other funding sources, applicants are required to advise OEH. This includes funding from other grants, e.g. Urban Sustainability Program, national rainwater tank programs.

When will applicants know if they are successful?

Applicants will be advised on completion of the assessment process if their application is successful.

How long can my project last?

Projects under Community Savers stream are expected to be fully implemented within 12 months of receiving funds.

Can I come in and talk to OEH about my project beforehand?

We encourage you to ring the Environment Line on 1300 361 967 or email us at ccf@environment.nsw.gov.au if you have any questions about the Guide for Applicants or your application.

However OEH will not discuss individual projects in person to ensure there is transparency in the assessment process.