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Transport Access Regional Partnerships Grants Program 2020/21

This is a preview of the 2020/21 TARP Funding Agreement form. When you’re ready to apply, click Fill Out Now to begin.
 

2020/21 Transport Access Regional Partnerships Grants Guidelines and Funding Agreement

The Transport Access Regional Partnerships Grants Program (TARP) supports initiatives to improve services and outcomes for transport disadvantaged groups in rural and regional communities.

TARP provides funding to eligible organisations to assist people who are affected by specific circumstances that leave them with limited or no access to private transport, and difficulty accessing conventional public transport due to:

  • Limited access to a car or regular public transport services
  • An inability to access mainstream or community transport assistance
  • Socio-economic circumstances

Funding Criteria

Funding for projects is available on a trial or seeding basis. Recurrent funding is not available through this program.

  • The duration of funded projects can range from a few days up to 24 months. If a longer timeframe is required, a staged approach with defined milestones may be considered.
  • In most cases, funded projects will need to demonstrate that they can become self-sustaining.
  • Projects should aim to make better use of existing transport resources.
  • Consideration will be given to projects that provide innovative, demand-responsive services.
  • In some cases, funding will be provided for a product such as transport guides.
  • Partnerships with other organisations are encouraged, for example state agencies, local councils, transport operators, community organisations and other stakeholders.

Funding Exclusions

  • The purchase of vehicles
  • Capital expenditure on buildings
  • Projects that require ongoing funding
  • Research or academic studies
  • Staffing costs not directly related to service provision
  • Grant administration commissions
  • Projects that are primarily for the benefit of residents of other states or territories

Who Can Apply?

Eligible organisations include:

  • Current Australian Business Number (ABN) holders
  • Non-profit community based organisations
  • Incorporated associations
  • Local councils
  • Statutory agencies

Other individuals or groups are free to propose projects either directly to Transport for NSW, or to an eligible organisation in their region.

Most successful projects have a strong community base with many interested, engaged stakeholders who are working together for the best outcome.

If you do NOT have an ABN number but you do have a good transport improvement proposal 

We suggest that you talk this idea through with your Area Manager to determine how to proceed. All applicant organisations need to have an ABN. Transport for NSW welcomes all good ideas to improve transport. There may be opportunities to partner with others to submit an application. They may know other stakeholders in the community who are interested in your idea and be willing to work together to put up a coordinated application.

Eligible Projects 

The goal of the TARP grants program is to support the establishment of projects that will provide additional access and service options for people who are transport disadvantaged.

Projects need to address one or more of the following four areas of possible disadvantage:

  • Subsidies: This could include the provision of a subsidy for each person so they can afford to use the existing transport options such as taxi or bus vouchers or funds for a charter bus for one off events, such as NAIDOC Day or Youth Week.
  • Capacity Building: Projects that help build the capacity and skills of organisations or individuals to address transport needs. These types of projects may include travel training, or bus driver licensing projects that can help to get the necessary skills into a community.
  • Bus Services: A new regular bus service may be considered in areas where there are limited services available and a long standing and clearly identified need has been established.
  • Information: Projects that focus on improving information about transport services. For example the development of regional transport guides, maps or advertisement brochures for social and mobility information days.

For further information on these four criteria, contact your Area Manager. 

Transport for NSW Area Managers will help any interested organisations in working through the options available to them to solve their transport and access problems.

Contact the Area Manager in your region here -

Contact details can be found on the Transport for NSW website at - https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/area-managers

Accessing Funding

If you find a gap in services to a community or a group of people, contact theTfNSW Area Manager in your region. They may be able to provide information about services available to solve the problem, or if none exist, you may be advised to apply for funding of a new service.

The Application Process

The TARP grants program operates within a financial year. Applications open on 1 July and close on 1 June each year.

TfNSW Area Managers are able to assist you in developing your proposal and in drafting the application.

A completed form is then submitted to the Principal Manager who will forward it on for final approval.

Your completed application will be assessed on individual merit, considering factors such as the level of transport disadvantage experienced by the target group, how the proposal makes use of existing transport resources, and the impact the proposal is likely to have on the coordination of effective transport solutions.

Funding is granted with the primary aim of increasing the level and range of transport options to the target group(s). 

If the project is approved, TfNSW will write to the applicant with details of operational and reporting requirements.   

FAQs

What if my project also relates to other categories and does not 100% reflect the four categories (Information, Capacity building, Subsidy, Bus Travel)?

Some projects may sit across more than one category. You need to identify what proportion of your project belongs in what category.

For example if you want to provide information brochures to people as well as face to face travel training, you may apply for $2,000 for brochures and $8,000 for service delivery. In this instance your application would be asking for 20% information and 80% capacity building.

Any project proposal that sits outside of the four category areas would need to be discussed with the Area Manager to determine whether it is a project that could be developed within the criteria; or whether another agency would be better placed to develop your proposal.

Will I need to provide updates during the duration of the project?

All projects are subject to evaluation. The application process will ask you to describe what the outcomes and outputs of your project will be and how these will be measured. Your project will be evaluated against these.

Some projects will have a requirement for interim evaluations. This depends upon the project size and level of complexity.

All applicants should keep in contact with the Area Manager throughout the duration of the project lifecycle advising them of any significant challenges or successes, to ensure a positive trajectory is in place and is maintained.

Failure to evaluate your project or to provide evaluations in a timely manner may restrict your ability to apply for program funding in the future and require a return of unspent funds.

Will the chances of my funding application being approved be slimmer if I do not have a funding contract with TfNSW?

No. The TARP grants program partners with many different types of organisations including NGOs, small business and local Councils.

All potential project applicants will be considered on the viability and veracity identified by the project application. This includes appropriate governance mechanisms and project management functions in place to see that the project delivers a positive outcome for customers.

Is there a cap for the amount of funding that can be provided?

There is no specific cap. However there is a limited pool of funds to be used across the state to ensure equity in distribution of funds. 

This is a small non recurrent grants program and is available to primarily address local needs. However all potential applications should be discussed with the Area Manager who will advise if your request is considered feasible.

Do all questions and spaces need to be filled out?

Mandatory fields are marked with a red asterisk and must be completed to submit the application.

You will only need to fill in the sections relevant to your project. The application form is designed to provide guidance as you progress. Depending on the answers you provide, some questions will be automatically omitted.

We may also request additional information to enable the project to be properly appraised. If you have any questions, please ask the Area Manager in your region.

What attachments will I need to submit?

Attachments are not mandatory. However, you should attach any documents that are essential in supporting your application. 

Documents such as quotes for service, research documents, meeting minutes or project plans may help to inform the appraisal process and should be included.

Do not send irrelevant or redundant material that does not really support the need for the application.

Should the applicant/organisation name in the online application be the same as the applicant/organisation name on the tax invoice letterhead?

Yes. The tax invoice you provide to Transport for NSW must be in the same name - and have the same ABN - as the applicant/organisation that was successful in applying for funding.

How will the funds be transferred?

You will receive a confirmation letter from Transport for NSW advising that your application has been successful and requesting you provide a tax invoice. 

Upon receipt of the invoice, the funds will be transferred to a nominated bank account by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).   

Any concerns about payments should be directed to the Grants Officer via email at tarpgrants@transport.nsw.gov.au 

What if there are unspent funds from the  project?

All funds not spent on the project are required to be returned to TfNSW. If you have any unspent funds from your project you will need to contact the Area Manager in your region and discuss this with them. There is a procedure to be followed should the funds need to be returned.

Please note that failure to report on your evaluations or to provide information on the project to TfNSW upon request, may result in a request for return of funds.

What do you mean when you ask if my project is an ‘emergency’?

This question does not mean an ‘emergency’ in the sense that the project requires an emergency services response.

Transport for NSW recognises that there are times when a request for funding might be urgent, due to an emerging need in a community or where the need was unforeseen and the impact of not receiving assistance may be highly detrimental to the stakeholders. 

In these special circumstances, the project may be flagged as an ‘emergency’ if agreed by the Area Manager and the Principal Manager that there is enough evidence to support the case.

Every request for emergency funding will be considered on a case by case basis. Transport for NSW will prioritise ‘emergency’ matters for determination. However, this does not offer any guarantee that an approval will be granted.

External Media Coverage

By lodging this application for funding under this grant program, you agree that any media coverage makes reference to:

 "This project was proudly funded by the NSW Government (add - in association with - if applicable)".

Project Variations

What if I need to make changes to enable the project to succeed?

Project Variations are to be approved through the Area Manager. Consultation with the Area Manager is required PRIOR to any  changes to a project.  

Any changes to projects need to be approved by TfNSW. If circumstances alter and you consider the project will be better delivered through some changes, a variation may be considered.

Variations may include a change of purpose, service delivery details, dates, locations or target group(s).

If the Area Manager supports the project variation an application will need to be made from the Area Manager to the Director, Rural & Regional Service Delivery and Performance for approval. 

If the project is not considered viable in the current form or there is a lack of governance to fulfil the project aims, a return of funding may be requested.

Project Evaluation

Successful recipients of TARP project funding will be required to acquit the funding and report against the project goals.

As a condition of funding you will be required to submit evaluation updates throughout the duration of the project. This is an important way of demonstrating the benefits of your transport initiative to communities. If funded you will need to keep records that demonstrate the change delivered such as:

  • Patronage figures
  • Improved public awareness of available services
  • Number of people attending a service
  • Level of social activity people engage in
  • Better access to services
  • Other reporting criteria relevant to specific projects may be required.

Discuss the evaluation process with the Area Manager who will provide you with the appropriate reporting schedule should this application be successful.  

Completing the Application on Smartygrants

Please do not hesitate to contact your Area Manager for support when filling out this application.

ENSURE YOU SAVE AS YOU GO SO YOU DO NOT LOSE PREVIOUS WORK. 

  • Once submitted you will not be able to access your application for editing:
    • In the event you need to edit your submitted application, write to tarpgrants@transport.nsw.gov.au for assistance.