This page contains useful resources, information and weblinks to help community organisations seeking to build on their existing strengths and enhance their effectiveness.

Please contact the IDU if we can help you sift through appropriate material for your enquiry or recommend resources. Phone 03 6231 0755.

Material has been grouped into alphabetical order. Click on the suject area you are interested in below.

• Business and Strategic Planning

  HELPDESK Phone 6231 0755

• Community and Social Enterprise 
• Community Economic Renewal
• Community Gardens
• Finances
• Funding and Grants
• Good Governance
• Human Resources
• Industrial Relations
• Information Communication Technology
• Legal Matters
• Management Support
• Policy and Procedures 
• Useful Sites 
• Workforce Development

 Management Support Online – 15% discount to TasCOSS members
MSO is a web based service for NGOs and community based organisations resourcing staff and members of boards and management committees in all aspects of governance, management and operations. It includes templates and tools to download and use, animated training programs with voice over, good practice guides, links to sites and contacts, and a confidential advice service.

To subscribe to Management Support Online:
1. Go to:  www.managementsupportonline.com.au
2. Click on the 'Subscribe Now' section and enter your organisation details.
3. Where asked for 'Discount Information' click on 'TasCOSS 15%’

Once your organisation has paid your subscription rate, you will receive an email from Management Support Online advising you of your user name and password and with details about how to activate the remaining passwords for other members of your organisation.

Business and Strategic Planning

• The Our Community website has useful templates and information on business planning.
• Department of Economic Development has a range of Business planning guides, including an interactive DVD, as well as guides on starting small businesses. These are available on line or contact their Business Point 1800 440 026
• Business Enterprise Centres (BEC's) throughout Tasmania offer businesses, including community organisations, a range of services and assistance.
• Business Planning - Links from Tasmanian based Axiom Training Services website with useful resources for small business.

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Community and Social Enterprise

• Community Enterprise Connections - provides news, resources, links and points of contact designed to support and network people involved in the development and establishment of community enterprises. Resources include a very practical Resource kit, a DVD, and case studies of community enterprise projects. Developed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence in Victoria.
• The New Mutualism Booklet series. A number of great resource books on community & social enterprise, and social tendering. New Mutualism is a coalition of South East Queensland organisations involved in social enterprise. Go to the Foresters ANA website and head to their publications page for a full description and ordering information
• EnterprisingCommunities – The Victorian Government’s Community Enterprise Strategy Downloadable short booklet outlining the governments community enterprise strategy as well as proving case studies on some of the enterprises established in Victoria
• Social Firms Australia (SoFA) is a not- for- profit organisation developing social firms in Australia. SoFA is committed to improving the quality of life as well as the social and economic integration of Australians living with a psychiatric disability.
• Ashoka: Innovators for the Public and Changemakers.net are developing the profession of social entrepreneurship and social enterprise around the world by launching and supporting leading social entrepreneurs, spreading their new ideas and buildingthe profession's institutions for social change. Both have informative, low-volume email newsletters you can subscribe to.
• Social Enterprise Partnerships - A British website that aims to resource and promote social enterprise

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Community Economic Renewal

• Plugging the Leaks – the UK-based New Economics Foundation have a website that has information and ideas on the power of keeping wealth within a local community rather than “leaking” out to other areas.
• Foresters ANA– a Brisbane based organisation that promotesethical finance, mutual aid and community development.Attempting to reinvigorate community finance in Australia. Have created some great initiatives and a group that is keen to support and mentor initiatives Australia wide. Through its community trust has supported manycommunity organisations in Brisbane to develop alternative income and asset bases, including anumber of community enterprise.

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Community Gardens 

Community Gardens have the potential to combine community development and community enterprise initiatives. See the following sites:

• The Tasmanian Community Gardening Network is coordinated by Eat Well Tasmania. Their website provides useful information and links to other resources.
• The Australian Community Gardens Network is an informal, community-based organisation linking people interested in community gardening across Australia
• Ravenswood community garden has been running for 10 years and has developed a robust operation linking strongly with their local community and schools. See our article on the garden’s recently developed community enterprise.

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 Finances

• The Australian Tax Office has specific resources for Non-Profit organizations. You can also call to talk to an operator at the Not-For-Profit Hotline which is 1300 130 248. For tailored responses to specific questions you can send detailed requests by mail to the 'Not-For-Profit Centre, PO Box 1130, Penrith, NSW 2740.'
• 'Tax Basics for Not for Profit Organisations' This publication explains which taxes and concessions affect non-profit organisations and directs you to where you can find more detailed information.
  You should use this publication if you are a treasurer, office bearer or employee involved in the administration of a non-profit organisation.
  You can view the new version on the ATO website or order a paper copy by phoning 1300 720 092 and quoting NAT number 7966.
• E-Record - a free, electronic record keeping software product produced by the ATO. It helps small businesses (including non-profit organisations) to keep good business records and meet their taxation reporting obligations.
• The Our Community site also step through the essentials on financial issues such as GST and taxation for community groups, such as what tax is due, and what taxes you can get concessions on, as well as fundraising, budgeting and business planning.
• Guide for Community Treasurers is a free handbook on financial management for community organizations including pointers on keeping the books, asset registers, cash flow and tax, to help you run a successful operation. A very useful resource.  Downoad for free or Phone Westpac on 1300 660 953 to be sent a copy.

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Funding and Grants

Below, are some starter ideas for potential grant sources or organisations with lists of grant sources. Please feel free to contact us and suggest others that you have found useful.

General Grants Information

• Grants alert - To subscribe to an email alert service notifying about a broad range of grants, send an email to wt.admin@dpac.tas.gov.au at Women Tasmania  
• Sport & Recreation 2007-08 Community Grants Program
  Sports & Recreation Tasmania distributes more than $2 million pa in funding to community organisations that aim to increase participation in sporting and recreation activities. Some of the community funding programs are run on a continuous basis, while others have a predefined closing date.
• Grants Management - Range of resources from 'Our Community's' Centre for Best Practice in Grants Management, devoted to improving the efficienty and effectiveness of Australian Government grantmakers and funders.

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Grant Writing

• Guide to Successful Grant Applications – a good general guide put together by a consortium of Tasmanian Grant providers and community organisations. May 2006.
• Writing a successful Partnerships to Jobs Application - An IDU factsheet compiled from feedback from the Tasmanian Department of Economic Development.
• Free Review of Not for Profit Funding Submissions by Granted - Granted is a not-for-profit organisation that provides advice to community sector organisations developing funding applications. Their service is free, independent and confidential.  For an outline of the steps to take to utliise this free service, see How to Use Granted

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Commonwealth Funding

• http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/tgo/funding_alert_service - Receive funding information by Email from the Tasmanian Government Office in Canberra. They can assist community organisations to find Commonwealth funding programs.
• Grantslink is the Australian Government’s funding portal. You can also speak directly to a person who will assist you with your queries on Free call 1800 026 222 (9am to 6pm Mon-Fri, AEST).

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State Funding (Tasmania) 

• Arts Tasmania Funding Information
• Community Support Levy - Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services - Charitable Organisations Small Grants Program up to $10,000.
• Positive Ageing Small Grants Program - Provides Local Government and community organisations in Tasmania with grants for events, projects and activities (up to $2,500) and regional events and projects ((up to $6,000). The Program aims to promote positive ageing in the Tasmanian community and to facilitate the organisation of new activities for older Tasmanians that help maintain their health, their participation in community life, their independence and their quality of life. For a copy of the Program funding guidelines, click here. For a funding application form, click here.
• Partnership to Jobs Program - the Tasmanian Department of Economic Development’s Partnerships to Jobs program funds start-up community enterprises, employment projects or businesses that employ groups of people who have been out of the workforce for a while. They can fund things such as start-up expenses, wages,equipment or training and skill development. You can also contact Business Point 1800 440 026 for further information.
• What makes a successful submission Suggestions about the things DED is looking for in a good submission.
• The Tasmanian Community Fund makes grants to community organisations that make a difference by enhancing well-being and improving social, environmental and economic outcomes for the Tasmanian Community.
• Women Tasmania - Small grants program and links to other grants

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Philanthropic Trusts, Community & Corporate Funders

• Australian National Council on Drugs - provides information on fundingavailable in the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Sector, but this list will also be usefulto many other community organisations. 
• Rio Tinto Alcan Community Grants - four (4) community grants of $2,000 will be offered in each of three grant rounds per year.  Closing dates will be announced each March, June and September. These grants are open for not-for-profit organisations and individuals not currently eligible for community funding under the company’s existing programme. Application forms and copies of the eligibility criteria are available from the Rio Tinto website or by telephoning Jane Adams on 6382 5119 or email Jane.Adams@riotinto.com
• Telstra Foundation Community Development Fund supports projects that aim to connect children and young people to their community.
• Mary Potter Trust Foundation (closes 18 April 2008) provides grants of up to $15,000 to charitable organisations that work actively towards addressing the human rights and social justice needs of the disadvantaged. There are currently five major areas of support: people with mental and physical disabilities; people at risk; indigenous people; long-term unemployed & refugee and asylum seekers.
• Myer Foundation Grants Program provides grants across Australia to charitable bodies that improve peoples’ lives in lasting and positive ways. As well as making small grants, the Foundation will consider making larger grants over longer periods of time.
• Helping Hands Grants Program from Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR)  provides grants of up to $50,000 for not-for-profit organisations to fund projects and activities that offer clear public benefit for communities living in small rural and remote locations in Australia, contributing to their development in social and community welfare, economic, environmental, health, education and culture. Applications from communities with a population of 10,000 or less will receive preference. There are also several other FRRR grants programs advertised on the same website.
• Philanthropy Australia is the national peak body for philanthropy. Provides information about philanthropy, but also has resources available for those seeking grants. For example, for a price you can subscribe to a service that provides regualar updates on philanthropic grants available. Your organisation can also purchase the Australian Directory of Philanthropy (2006 version) for $65.00 (plus postage) and is also available in an online version ($75).  

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Good Governance

•   Management Support Online   - 15 % discount to TasCOSS members: 
  MSO is a web based service for NGOs and community based organisations resourcing staff and members of boards and management committees in all aspects of governance, management and operations. It includes templates and tools to download and use, animated training programs with voice over, good practice guides, links to sites and contacts, and a confidential advice service.
  For details on how to subscribe to MSO click here.
•  Our Community incorporates comprehensive resources related to strong organizations, encouraging good practice in everything from fundraising and social marketing to risk management and governance. The Our Community site has downloadable factsheets on a range of Board and Governance issues.
• Code of Governance for the Australian Community Sector  Launched June 2008. Developed by Our Community through extensive consultation. Organisations Information Kit is produced by ACTCOSS, and has a very useful, simple guide to governance in community organisations. It includes information sheets which can be downloaded for free, and covers a range of common questions related to the daily running of a non-government or voluntary organisation.
• Business Affairs - Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading - Information on Managing your association (for incorporated bodies), including roles and responsibilities of office bearers, and your obligations under the Associations Incorporations Act.
• Board Meetings - Information on how to run effective meetings, meeting etiquette, tips for the Chair etc. Easy to read downloadable helpsheets available from Our Community.
• Organising a Great AGM - Helpsheet from Our Community.

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Human Resources

• Australian Human Resource Institute - Australia's national association representing human resource and people management professionals. Offers some online tools and short courses in Human Resource Management via distance learning.
• Human Resources for small non profit organisations. U.S. based site with some down to earth human resources information for small organisations.
• Staff Contracts - Information sheet from ACTCOSS.
• Staff Performance Management - Information sheet with starting points for managing staff performance.

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Industrial Relations

 Jobs Australia

• Services: National peak body for non profit organisations and largest network of employment and related service providers in Australia. Funded and owned by its members.  Provides an independent voice for members who range from large charitable organisations to small local community-based agencies.  Offers members a service advisingnot for profit organisations about how best to meet their obligations as employers.  Advice to members about human resource management and industrial relations matters, including coverage of more than sixty awards and Federal and State employment legislation.
• Contact: Keith Godfrey, Industrial Relations Advisor, Ph 6343 1999 or Free Call 1800 006 331, Email: kagey@ja.com.au  

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce & Industry

• Services: Provides the following services:
• Industry Representation - Assists members in particular industries and ensures their interests and concerns are presented to Industrial Commissions and other tribunals
• Workplace Relations Advisory Service - Provides members with advice on most matters affecting the employment contract including enterprise agreements, award pay rates, award interpretations, terminations, unfair dismissals and contracts of employment
• Industrial Award Service - Access to an accurate and reliable loose-leaf industrial award update service
• Advocacy and Representational Service - TCCI Workplace Relations Advisers provide advocacy and representation in matters such as anti-discrimination, unfair dismissal, underpayment of wages, breach of an award, workplace or enterprise agreement, enterprise agreements, award pay rates and redundancy disputes.
• Contact:
• Hobart, Ph 6236 3636, Email: admin@tcci.com.au
• Launceston, Ph 6336 3536, Email: launceston@tcci.com.au
• Devonport, Ph 6423 4760    , Email: admin@tcci.com.au

Australian Government Workplace Authority

• Services: Primary role is to accept lodgements of workplace agreements.
  Also provides free support and information to both employers and employees on agreement making, and assists employers and employees understand the Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard.
• Contact: Ph 1300 363 264  (8 am – 8 pm Monday to Friday).

Commonwealth Department of Employment & Workplace Relations – Work Choices National Adviser Network Program

• Services:Delivers information and advice to employers and employees about their rights and obligations under the unfair dismissal and unlawful termination provisions of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (the Act), and good management practices to support these provisions in the workplace
  Currently offering workshops in Tasmania in conjunction with TCCI.
  Contact:General WorkChoices Infoline 1300 363 264

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Information Communication Technology

• TechSoup - One stop resource for the technology needs of non-profit organisations. U.S. based site, offers a variety of information in the form of articles, links and helpsheets on a range of technology needs your organisation might come across.

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Legal Matters

• Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania – Provides free legal advice through a telephone advice service and a Referral List of legal and non-legal organisationsand support services.

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 Management Support

• Management Support Online   - 15 % discount to TasCOSS members: 
  MSO is a web based service for NGOs and community based organisations resourcing staff and members of boards and management committees in all aspects of governance, management and operations. It includes templates and tools to download and use, animated training programs with voice over, good practice guides, links to sites and contacts, and a confidential advice service.
  For details on how to subscribe to MSO click here.
• The Management Support Unit (MSU) is a component of sector development in NSW. MSU assists NGOs with best practice in management and governance. Resources available to download online.
• Not-For-Profit Network provides information for Associations, Charities, Unions, Community & Social Services, Arts & Culture, Sports, Philanthropic, Religious and other Not-for-Profit organizations in the Australasian Not-for-Profit Sector. Subscription to their various services comes at different levels, but their Email bulletins and online forums are free.
• Share ideas, questions, information with others across the Not-For-Profit Sector in Australia... The Not-For-Profit Network (NFPN) has recently launched a new online forum which we hope will be valuable for connecting with other organisations across the community services industry in Tasmania. The forum is free to use. Simply click on the above link, and go to the ‘register’ button to create your own unique username and password. Then just log in (back on the home page).
• Partnership Resources – Models and Tips at http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/future_communities/reform_implementation_unit ( “Features” down the right side of the website). Over 150 stakeholders and staff from across family services and disability sectors attended the Partnering Workshop in October 2008, facilitated by Kris Honey from KNH Consulting.  The workshop provided an overview of a range of different partnership models that can be developed in applying for submissions for these new services including the strengths and issues that each model will present to stakeholders.
• Nonprofit Good Practice Guide – this site is American in focus but has a comprehensive range of articles and resources on a range of Nonprofit management issues.

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Policy and Procedures

• The Our Community Policy Bank is a good place to start for information on policy development and loads of example policies available for free download.
• An excellent range of samples and templates are included in the Management Support Unit of NCOSS. Click here for Policy and Procedures Manualfor Management & Governance.
• More example policies and procedures can be found here on the ACTCOSSsite.
• The Community Door home page of the Queensland Government has information, tools and resources to support community-based organisations.
• The VOICE materials (Valuing Organisational Improvement and Community Excellence) are available online at the QLD government website and include loads of user-friendly onlinetemplates and examples, including management resources designed to help with the day-to-day running of a community organisation. They are also available by a free interactive CD-Rom by contacting Smart Service Queensland on 131 304. VOICE was developed as part of the Strengthening Indigenous Non-Government Organisations initiative. Although targeted at Indigenous organisations, its resources are relevant to all NGOs.

TasCOSS is willing to share our policies and procedures with other organisations who may need to review their policies, or establish a manual from scratch. Please contact the Industry Development Unit for more information Ph. 03 62 31 0755.

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Useful Sites

www.acevo.org.uk - UK Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations.

www.ssireview.org Stanford Social Innovation Review – strategies, tools and ideas for nonprofits, foundations and socially responsible businesses.

www.istr.org International Society for Third-Sector Research -  International association promoting research and education in the fields of philanthropy, civil society and the nonprofit sector.

www.jhu.edu/~ccss/ Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies - Seeks to improve understanding and the effective functioning of not-for-profit, philanthropic, or “civil society” organisations – offers a combination of research, training, and information-sharing both domestically and internationally.

www.probonoaustralia.com.au/  - “a commercial company with a 'for purpose' agenda” - offers free.

www.volunteermatch.com.au and News Service the Not for Profit sector and those wishing to connect with them. Also offers Directory of Not for Profit Organisations, consulting services and training seminars.

http://sic.conversationsnetwork.org/ - Stanford University Centre for Social Innovation - social innovations interactive network.
 
http://www.financehub.org.uk/default.aspa - info, tools, tips, discussion on third sector funding and finance.

http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/ - UK publication for everyone who needs to know what’s going on in the voluntary and not-for-profit sector.

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector - UK Cabinet Office, the Office of the Third Sector (OTS) leads work across government to support the environment for a thriving third sector (voluntary and community groups, social enterprises, charities, cooperatives and mutuals), enabling the sector to campaign for change, deliver public services, promote social enterprise and strengthen communities.

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Workforce Development

• For information on theTasmanian Disability Services Sector Workforce Development Strategy click here.
• Workforce Planning Toolkit - Produced by the Queensland Government, this free toolkit, available online, provides managers with development support across a range of people management practices, such as recruitment, performance management, training and skill development and management development. While specifically produced for managers within the Queensland Disability Sector, many of the resources are usefuland generally applicable in other contexts.
• CPNS-QUT-Nonprofit PodcastsProgram 26: The next generation: values in the workplace and defining charities in Australia and the UK.Posted: 03 Aug 2008 09:10 PM CDT
  Presenters: Dr Harry Zaphir, Executive-in-Residence, Faculty of Business, Queensland University of Technology Professor Myles McGregor-Lowndes, Director, The Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies
  To download this or other podcasts go to: http://www.bus.qut.edu.au/research/cpns/podcast/

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Disclaimer: Links to other websites have been included for your convenience. TasCOSS does not accept responsibility for information or services on any other website.