Grant Auspicing & Project Support

Sometimes grants are set up so that only organisations, and not individuals or groups of individuals can apply for them. That doesn’t mean that you have to give up on the idea of applying for that grant, though. You could still apply for it with the help of an auspice organisation.

In the context of grant applications, an auspice organisation is one that receives the grant money on your behalf. They also have the responsibility for making sure that the project gets completed on time.

SAC can auspice grants where artists do not have the systems, procedures or organisational structure to administer their own grants. While we would like to support as many projects as possible, the reality of limited staffing means that we have to assess each request on a case-by-case basis.

If we agree to auspice your grant, SAC will enter into a signed agreement with you, outlining the full extent of the auspicor’s (our) and auspicee’s (your) responsibilities.

What we will do
Generally, we will review budgets, process payroll, all accounts payable and receivable for your project, as well as issuing cash production floats as required. Payments are usually made on Wednesday, though we try to be flexible and provide payments on other days with sufficient notice.

After accounts processing, we will also provide you with a full transaction report and profit and loss report for your project. At the completion of your project, we will provide you with final reports.

What we won’t do

• More substantial project support, other than financial administration, unless the artist and project have a past relationship with SAC and it has been considered in relation to our overall artistic program;
• Insurances, other than workers’ compensation for payroll employees (if required);
• Legal or financial advice; or
• Guarantees against loss, or credit on income not received.

Fees
For the administration of financials, SAC will charge a small fee, being a percentage of the total project income. This is to cover staff time and basic admin fees and charges, such as banking fees.

If using SAC’s payroll facilities, the auspicee is also responsible for on-costs such as superannuation, workers’ compensation and loadings.

Furthermore, should additional requirements such as an independent audit be required, the auspicee will be responsible for any costs incurred. Note, SAC is officially audited annually as part of its governance and accountability obligations, though some funding bodies require independent audits for grants above a specific amount.

Eligibility

• Individual or teams of artists who do not possess administrative systems that are able to fulfil financial and legal obligations required by funding agencies.
• Priority will be given to projects that align with the SAC’s philosophy and artistic interests.

Proposals
To help us assess whether SAC is in a position to assist, you will be required to provide information including:

• Project outline
• Project timeline
• Nature of assistance required from SAC (eg. Accounts payable and receivable, payroll, etc.)
• Budget
• Artist Biographies
• What grants have or will be applied for, application due date and notification
• A short statement explaining why you would like SAC
• in particular to auspice your grant.

Deadline
Proposals may be submitted at any time during the year. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposal with SAC staff before requesting support.