Criminal Property Confiscation Grants Program

Who is eligible to apply?

Incorporated not-for-profit organisations and Local Government entities are eligible to apply.

Is my project eligible for funding consideration?

Your project must:

• take place in Western Australia.
• operate for a minimum of one year to a maximum of two years.
• not exceed a $200,000 funding request.
• align with at least one of the below Program objectives:
  • provide support services and other assistance to victims of crime;
  • prevent or reduce drug-related criminal activity and the abuse of prohibited drugs; or
  • aid law enforcement, with a focus on community safety and crime prevention initiatives.
• be a new initiative that is not currently delivered by other community groups or government agencies. An enhancement to an existing project may be accepted if it is a new direction, affects a different target group or is implemented in a different location.

Please ensure you read the Program Guidelines (PDF, 293KB) prior to applying.

What is ineligible for funding?

Your project will not be approved for funding if:

• the request will fund the organisation’s recurrent operating costs.
• the project budget includes retrospective expenses. (i.e. costs incurred outside the specified grant period).
• the project has already commenced.
• the project has previously been funded by discontinued funding arrangements or grant programs.
• you request funding for:
  • Closed Circuit Television, fencing or lighting.
  • large scale capital equipment or capital works, including maintenance, upgrades or construction;
  • the purchase of motor vehicles.
  • the purchase of furniture, mobile phones, audio-visual, office and IT equipment, including laptops or personal computers.
  • costs incurred in the preparation of your grant applications, such as the cost of a survey, consultations, workshops or forums establishing the need for your project.
  • research or research projects, conferences, forums, seminars or consultation.
  • overseas, interstate or intrastate travel, including travel to conferences.
  • individual scholarships.
  • projects providing personal protection for specific individuals.
  • fundraising, sponsorship, uniforms, trophies or individual membership fees.
  • services or programs targeted towards individuals under the supervision of the Department of Justice, such as those in prison, detention or on bail.
  • in-school programs, or programs targeting school-aged youths during school hours.
  • services or programs that duplicate existing programs for the target group.
  • activities for which other Commonwealth, State, Territory or Local Government body has primary responsibility.

Please ensure you read the Program Guidelines (PDF, 293KB) prior to applying.

Can I use the grant to purchase equipment?

Funding is not generally provided for the purchase of equipment. Please refer to the “What is ineligible for funding?” question in this FAQ above. All items ineligible for funding are also outlined in the Program Guidelines (PDF, 293KB).

Contact the Grants Administration Team via confiscation.grants.program@justice.wa.gov.au or by phone on 61 8 9264 9929 or 61 8 9264 9903 for assistance before you apply.

How much funding can I apply for?

Grants of up to $200,000 are available. However, this Program is a match-funding program. The amount you apply for must be matched by either:

• contributions from your organisation
• funding from other government agencies
• corporate donations.

In-kind goods or services, cash or a combination of these can also be used. However, this component cannot exceed 50% of the matched contribution.

Does the match-funding have to be confirmed when I apply?

No. If your application is successful, you will have 12 months from the date of an offer of a grant to finalise the matched funding contributions.

You will be asked in your application to list the other sources of funding you have identified, and if you have had conversations with potential contributors or if you have applied for another grant.

How do I apply?

When there is an open funding round, an Apply Now button will appear on our website to access our SmartyGrants online application form. Please check the deadline date and time as late applications will not be accepted.

When will I hear if my application is successful?

Please allow at least six months from closure of the funding round for outcomes to be announced. You will be notified in writing if your application has been successful.

1. Understand the Program's Purpose

Before you begin your application, it’s essential to understand the goals of the Criminal Property Confiscation Grants Program:

• The program funds initiatives that aim to reduce crime, or the effects of crime.
• It supports community-based projects or programs that make a positive difference in crime prevention, intervention, and recovery.

Make sure your project or initiative aligns with these goals.

2. Check Eligibility

Ensure that your organisation or project meets the eligibility criteria. Generally, eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated non-profit organisations
• Local government agencies

Check the full eligibility criteria on the program’s website or in the grant guidelines to confirm that you qualify.

3. Gather Necessary Documents

Prepare any supporting documents that might be required for the application. These can include:

• Proof of your organisation’s legal status (e.g., certificate of incorporation, charity registration)
• Audited financial statements (last 1-2 years)
• A detailed project plan or budget, detailing proposed use of CPCGP funding
• Documents related to the matched-funding criteria, such as confirmation of funding from another agency. If you are seeking to match funding from another grant/agency and have not yet been notified of an outcome, you can provide evidence of an application. Please note you may need to identify alternative sources of matched funding should the outcome be unsuccessful.
• Letters of support from partner organisations or project stakeholders, if applicable

Having these documents ready will make the application process smoother.

4. Understand the Grant Application Format

Most applications will be submitted online, and you will need to fill out an online form. The form typically includes sections like:

• Applicant Details: Basic information about your organisation and what it does.
• Project Description: A detailed explanation of your project.
• Budget: Breakdown of how the funds will be spent.
• Expected Outcomes: What the project aims to achieve.

Ensure you carefully read the application form and understand what is required for each section.

5. Write a Clear Project Description

Your project description is the heart of your application. This section should cover:

• What the project is about: Explain the project’s goals and activities.
• Why the project is needed: Describe the problem or issue the project will address and how it will reduce crime or its impacts. Use evidence to back up the need for the project (e.g., local police statistics, community/stakeholder feedback of issues in the area, identified gaps in service delivery).
• Who will benefit: Identify the target group(s) that will benefit from your project (e.g., young people, victims of crime, local communities).
• How the project will be delivered: Outline the key activities and steps involved in implementing the project.

Be specific, realistic, and focus on how your project will make a measurable difference in reducing crime or its impacts.

6. Develop a Budget

Provide a detailed budget for how you will spend the grant funds. Items that cannot be funded under the CPCGP should be costed against another funding source, or by your organisation.

Details in your budget should include:

• Direct costs: Materials, equipment, and staff costs that are directly related to your project.
• Indirect costs: Any overhead costs (e.g., administration) that can be attributed to the project.
• Other funding sources: If the project is being co-funded or supported by other grants, include that information.

Ensure your budget is clear, reasonable, and directly linked to the project’s activities. Please ensure you read the Guidelines and understand what items cannot be funded under the CPCGP.

7. Set Measurable Outcomes

The Grants Administration Team want to know how you will measure the success of your project. Be specific about:

• What success looks like: Define clear, measurable outcomes (e.g., “Reduce incidents of youth crime by 20%” or “Provide 500 hours of support to victims of crime”).
• How you will measure progress: Describe the tools or methods you will use to track the progress and success of the project (e.g., surveys, interviews, statistical reports).

Ensure that your outcomes are achievable and aligned with your project’s goals.

8. Demonstrate the Capacity to Deliver

Show that your organisation has the skills, experience, and resources to successfully deliver the project. Highlight:

• Previous experience: If your organisation has managed similar projects before, mention this and any relevant outcomes or achievements.
• Team expertise: Describe the qualifications of key staff members who will be working on the project.
• Partnerships: If you are working with other organisations or stakeholders, describe how these partnerships will contribute to the project’s success.
• References: You may be asked to provide 1-2 references as part of the application. Please ensure your references are aware they may be contacted by the Grants Administration team regarding your project.

9. Proofread your Application

Before submitting, read through your application carefully to ensure:

• It is clear, concise, and free of jargon.
• All required sections are completed.
• There are no spelling or grammatical errors.
• The budget adds up and is realistic.

Ask a colleague or someone else to review your application for clarity and completeness.

10. Submit your Application

Once you’ve completed the application and reviewed it thoroughly, submit it through the online portal. Ensure you submit it before the deadline. Strictly no late applications.

11. Follow up (if necessary)

After submitting, you will receive confirmation that your application has been received. If you do not receive a confirmation email from SmartyGrants, check it has not gone to your spam/junk folder.

If you still have not received a confirmation email, please contact SmartyGrants Support for assistance:

Phone: 61 3 9320 6888
Email: service@smartygrants.com.au

If the Grants Administration team contacts you for additional information or clarification, respond promptly and provide the requested details.

Tips for Success:

• Be clear and concise: Use simple, straightforward language. Avoid overly technical or complex terms.
• Stick to the guidelines: Follow the instructions provided and make sure you meet all the requirements.
• Align with program goals: Ensure your project is directly related to reducing crime or its impacts.
• Plan for sustainability: Show how your project’s outcomes will be maintained after the funding ends, if applicable.

By following these steps, you will improve your chances of submitting a strong and effective application to the Criminal Property Confiscation Grants Program. Good luck!