Here we provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we receive during our funding round process. The 2012 Funding Round Instructions and Guidelines also include detailed information. Please note that these guidelines are for your reference only as there may changes for the 2013 Funding Round. If you have questions that are not covered, please email philanthropy@perpetual.com.au  and we will respond to you directly and add them to this page. 

Timelines and process

Q. Who can apply for funding in Perpetual’s 2012 funding round?
A. Any non-profit organisation registered in Australia with eligible charitable status.

Q. When does Perpetual accept applications for the 2012 funding round?
A. Applications open on Friday, 28 October 2011 and close 5pm EDST on Thursday, 12 January 2012. We only accept applications during this period via our online system. No extensions will be granted.

Q. Has the process for applying changed this year?
A. Yes, Perpetual has introduced a new online application process to make it easier for organisations to submit applications. This replaces the PDF format application used in previous years.

Q. When will my organisation be notified of the outcome of our application?
A. We will notify all organisations of the outcome by 29 June 2012.

Q. What feedback can you give me on our organisation’s application?
A. Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual feedback. We will advise your organisation of the outcome of the application by 29 June 2012.

Q. Can we meet with Perpetual during the assessment period?
A. Because we assess such a large number of applications, we are unable to meet with non-profit organisations during the application process.

Q. Can I contact Perpetual to find out how the application is progressing or to provide further information for the application?
A. Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are unable to give individual updates on applications or accept amended applications. The application you submit will be treated as your organisation’s final application and no additional information will be accepted.

Q. What should I do if my organisation’s circumstances or funding situation changes – for example if we secure funding from another source for the same activity as we have applied for?
A. Please email philanthropy@perpetual.com.au  with details of the change. We will consider the circumstances on a case by case basis.

Q. How do I apply for funding from The Shane Warne Foundation and when do these applications open?
A. The application form and timings for funding from The Shane Warne Foundation are the same as for Perpetual's annual funding round. Applications to The Shane Warne Foundation do not count towards the total number of submissions an organisation is permitted to make to Perpetual's funding round. 

Q. When does Perpetual accept applications for the 2013 funding round?
A. Information on Perpetual’s 2013 funding round will be available in November 2012 at www.perpetual.com.au/fundinground . To receive updates about future funding rounds you may register with us. If you have submitted a funding application in the past, there is no need to register as we will already have your details to notify you of future dates and events.

Funding recommendations and trends

Q. Our organisation has many funding needs. What should we apply for?
A. We recommend that you apply for your organisation’s greatest need. Perpetual can not provide advice regarding which type of activity or project you should apply for.

Q. What does Perpetual fund?
A. As a trustee it is our duty to ensure the funds from the charitable trusts and foundations we manage are distributed according to the terms of the founding document, for example a will or trust deed. In most cases, restrictions are placed on the trustee to provide funds:

• to a specific type of organisation
• for a specific cause or purpose
• to a specific geographical area.

Q. What sectors are funded?
A. Charitable trusts and foundations we manage distribute to Social Welfare, Health, Medical Research, Conservation and Environment, Education and Arts and Culture.

Q. How much should our organisation apply for?
A. You should apply for the amount required for your organisation’s activity. The maximum amount an organisation can request is $200,000. As a guide, gifts generally range between $10,000 and $100,000. In 2011, the average gift was approximately $60,000.

Q. What are my organisation’s chances of receiving funding?
A. In 2011, we received over 1,100 applications, of which approximately 160 activities (around 15%) were funded.

Q. Do you have information available on past funding recipients?
A. You can read about some of the organisations that have received funding in the past, in Impact our philanthropy newsletter. 

Application form

Q. Can we submit multiple applications if we are a national organisation?
A. Organisations may submit three applications in total, with no more than one application in any given state or territory. Please refer to the 2012 Funding Round Intrsuctions and Guidelines for specific details. Any additional applications over the maximum limit will be ineligible.

Q. What do I do if my organisation does not come under one of the sectors listed in the application form?
A. Please choose the sector that is most closely related to your organisation. Your other answers throughout the application will provide us with the required information.

Q. How can my organisation secure multi-year funding?
A. Multi-year funding is by invitation only, and cannot be applied for without invitation.

Q. What happens if I make an error in the application form that has already been submitted?
A. The application you submit will be treated as your organisation’s final application, no further applications or additional information will be accepted. If key fields are missing or blank in the application form, your organisation may be ineligible for funding. It is critical to ensure the application has been correctly completed before submitting.

Q. Recent changes to legislation mean that some organisations do not need to have their financial statements audited, but can instead opt to have them reviewed by an appropriately qualified party. What is Perpetual’s view on this, and how should I indicate this in the application?
A. We will consider organisations for funding that choose to have their accounts reviewed rather than audited, provided they meet the criteria stated in the Corporations Amendment (Corporate Reporting Reform) Act 2010. If this applies to your organisation, you should include specific details under the question ‘Please provide any additional comments/information at question 2.13 on the application form, for example how your organisation qualifies and whether you have taken up this option for accounting’.

Q. What does the question ’Is your organisation a going concern’ mean?
A. It asks you to confirm your organisation’s ability to continue functioning as a business entity without the intention or threat of liquidation.

Q. My organisation’s Deductible Gift Recipient status is through a community partnership with another organisation, rather than being in its own right. Is my organisation eligible to apply?
A. Yes.

Q. Can I use the department name and address, instead of the univeristy details on the application form under “Organisation information”?
A. Yes, as long as there is sufficent infromation on the department to enable us to contact you, and the university name is noted somewhere on the form.

Q. Can I save a draft application and return later?
A. You can press 'save' at any point and log out. When you log back in, your draft application will be saved and you can start where you left off.

Q. Can more then one person work on an application?
A. A number of people can work on an application using the same log in details as long as only one person is working at a time. Ensure you save as you go.

Q. How will I know the application has been submitted?
A. The submit button is on the final page. You will not be able to submit your application until all the mandatory questions (marked *) are completed. When you submit the application you will receive an automated email indicating that the application has been submitted. This will be sent to the email you used to login.

Q. What should I do if I experience a technical difficulty with the application form?
A. If an error occurs, please contact Perpetual Philanthropic Services on 1800 501 227 during business hours or email philanthropy@perpetual.com.au  and quote the application number. 

Registration

Q. Do I have to complete Perpetual’s Registration Form as well as submitting an application?
A. No, once you have submitted an application, you will be registered with us. We offer the registration process for organisations who miss out on submitting an application or who are not ready to submit an application this year. If you have submitted a funding application in the past, or have registered with us, we will have your details to notify you of future dates and events.

Q. What should I do if my organisation is not applying for funding this year, but would like to receive updates about future funding rounds and other activities?
A. You can register with us by filling out an online registration form.