15 September 2025
What is auspice?
Auspice refers to when an incorporated not-for-profit community organisation (the auspice organisation) applies for and receives grant funding on behalf of another group (auspicee) which isn’t eligible itself. The auspice organisation signs the formal funding agreement and is responsible for ensuring that the project for which the funds have been granted is completed, acquitted and accounted for.
Do I need an auspice?
If your group is not incorporated or does not hold current public and products liability insurance, you may still apply through an auspice organisation. If you are unsure of your entity’s eligibility or requirement for an auspice, please contact SRLA staff via communityfund@srla.vic.gov.au or 1800 105 105.
What is the value of an auspice arrangement?
Partnering with an auspice organisation enables groups that would otherwise be ineligible to apply to meet the eligibility criteria and apply for a grant. Finding an organisation to auspice you may also provide the following benefits, including:
- potential access to the auspice’s insurance and legal protection;
- an opportunity to broaden the reach and impact of your project;
- access to knowledge, expertise and community connections; and
- potential additional support for your project like help to develop a project budget, engage the local community and/or complete the acquittal report.
In turn, the auspice organisation also benefits from the outcomes of your project.
If your group is in an auspice arrangement you are still responsible for all aspects of the project delivery; however, the auspice offers additional support and is responsible for the grant being acquitted in line with the funding agreement.
How do I find an auspice?
Many incorporated not-for-profit community organisations auspice community groups which may not be eligible in their own capacity. If you are looking for an auspice, try contacting your local council for a list of auspice organisations or speak to organisations you have partnered with previously. You might also like to reach out to larger established organisations that share your group’s particular interest, mission and values.
Working with an auspice?
Once you have found an auspice organisation, the first step is to contact them and discuss your project and potential auspice arrangements. This is an opportunity for you to check that the auspice organisation is in alignment with your community aspirations, project goals and working styles.
If the organisation agrees to auspice you, you will need to develop an agreement in writing. This should outline both parties’ responsibilities, expectations, timelines and roles. Any agreement you draft is a legal document, so make sure the agreement reflects your capacity to deliver and available resources. Once the arrangement is agreed to and signed by both parties, you are free to seek out grant funding for your community group’s project. A SRL Community Support Grant requires you to attach the auspice agreement to your funding application.
An auspice may charge an auspicing fee, such as 5-10% to cover administration costs. You can include the auspice fee as an expenditure item. Depending on the terms of agreement between the auspice and the applicant, you may not be charged the auspice fee if you do not meet your income goals and/or the project does not go ahead. For an SRL Community Support Grant, your auspice will need to provide:
- Auspice organisation contact details
- Auspice Certificate of Incorporation (or other evidence of the entity structure) and ABN
- Auspice Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance and other insurance certificates (where relevant)
You will also need to upload an auspice agreement in support of your funding application.