Application process

To apply for funding, you will need to complete and submit the expression of interest application form through our secure online grants system, SmartyGrants at https://aboriginalaffairs.smartygrants.com.au/

Fill out the fields in the form, remembering to press save regularly, and when all fields have been completed, hit submit. Those who are successful in the EOI process will be invited to submit a full application via Smarty Grants.

DCJ staff will review the EOI applicants. For Stage II, DCJ will have a panel of assessors to review each application and outcomes will be provided to applicants in June 2024

SmartyGrants is a user-friendly web-based grant management system. It allows AANSW to oversee the whole Justice Reinvestment Grants Program online, including the applications, grant management and communications.

Applying online means we can reduce the program’s reliance on paper and need for applicants to print documents. It utilises available technology and makes the application process simpler and quicker.

You will need to register in the SmartyGrants system. Click on the links and follow the instructions on the page.

The registration process is simple and straightforward. Once registered, you will be able to start your application. If you have previously registered on SmartyGrants, you do not have to reregister.

Late submissions will not be considered or accepted unless in emergency or extreme circumstances. Where possible, the Justice Reinvestment Team may ask for a Cultural Review from DCJ Aboriginal staff. DCJ’s decision on whether to accept the request will be final.

To complete an application form you will need access to the internet on a PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer, or a tablet or smartphone (although some tablet and phone devices may not display or interact correctly or clearly as the site is not optimised for smartphones).

There is no need to install software. To access SmartyGrants, you only need an internet browser and an internet connection.

SmartyGrants is compatible with the latest versions of the following browsers (while SmartyGrants does try to ensure backwards compatibility with older versions, there may be some limitations):

• Google Chrome
• Safari
• Firefox
• Opera
• Internet Explorer / Microsoft Edge

Applications can be completed at any time before the closing date. Applications can be completed across multiple sessions. You can access the application form and system using any computer that has an internet connection.

As a last resort, hard copy application forms can be requested from DCJ and completed. They need to be sent back to DCJ prior to the closing date.

Yes, it is safe to apply online. Your application and information are submitted to a secure database which is only able to be accessed by authorised program staff and assessors.

Your information does not go ‘offshore’. It is securely held in a data warehouse in Sydney and is backed up regularly.

Yes. DCJ has a Step by Step Guide for applicants available on our website which includes a PDF version of the application form. In addition, once you register in SmartyGrants you will be able to download a copy of the application form.

No. You can complete your application in multiple sessions, just remember to save your application regularly.

For your application to be considered you will need to make sure you submit it. When your application is ready to lodge 

click on the Submit button.

Applicants can choose to submit a video response to Expression of Interest application project questions.

For these questions you can choose to respond by uploading a short video or audio recording of yourself or other members of your organisation, reading the questions and answers aloud.

You will still need complete all other eligibility and applicant details in the online application form.

Responses can be filmed or recorded on a mobile phone, webcam, or portable video device. Professional editing or production is NOT required or expected.

DCJ staff are available to support you with recording and preparing a file for upload if required.

When planning to record your video or audio response think about:

• Location and background.
• Equipment – mobile phone or computer
• Style – are you answering the questions or is someone interviewing you?
• The quality – is it clear and easy to hear?
• Practicing getting more comfortable and natural in front of the camera or microphone
• Watching the video or listening to the recording and make notes on where you can improve responses
• Ensure you have a copy of the application form and that you answer all the questions.

Yes. Before submitting your application you can review what you have written. You will not be able to change any part of the application once submitted.

Yes. When you submit your application in SmartyGrants, you will be sent a confirmation email confirming that your application has been received by DCJ.

The confirmation email will be sent to your nominated email address so please keep DCJ updated if your contact details change. This confirmation email will contain your application’s unique ID or reference number, as well as a copy of your application. Please keep this in a safe place as part of your records, as you may need to refer to it later. If you have any questions regarding your application, you will need to quote your application’s unique ID number.

Yes. It will be attached to the confirmation email you will receive via your nominated email address. Please keep it in a safe place as part of your records. You can also access a copy of your application through the ‘My Submissions’ area once you have logged into the online system.

A Step by Step Guide is available to help you complete the application form. You can also get help by contacting the DCJ Justice Reinvest Team.

Phone: 02 8688 8940
Email: justicereinvestment@dcj.nsw.gov.au

It is the responsibility of the grant applicant to keep DCJ up to date with any change in contact information, including the contact details of authorised signatories. Please email justicereinvestment@dcj.nsw.gov.au to update contact details.

DCJ is not responsible for any consequences should the applicant’s application be withdrawn due to out-of-date contact details in SmartyGrants or failing to complete required documentation by specified due dates.

For EOI Stage I:

Requirement: Mandatory (Required at Stage One)

Criteria: Evidence of the applicant organisational Status

Documents

Evidence of any of the following:

• ACCO status (certificate of ORIC registration or Constitution or Rule Book indicating governance structure)
• Incorporated Association registered with NSW Fair Trading
• NSW based not-for profit company limited by guarantee (must be registered with ACNC and/or have DGR status)
• NSW based Indigenous Corporation (must be registered with ORIC)
• NSW Local Aboriginal Land Council
• NSW non-government organisation established under its own Act of Parliament

For Full Grant Application - Stage II: to be confirmed

Requirement
Mandatory (Required at Stage Two)

Criteria
Evidence of local Aboriginal Community Support

Documents

• Letters from local Aboriginal community members and organisations
  
• Evidence of local Aboriginal community involvement in project development (e.g., Community Working Party arrangements, community feedback sessions, etc).

Requirement
Mandatory (Required at Stage Two)

Criteria
Public liability insurance

Documents

• Certificate of currency Or
• Budget includes the purchase of Public liability insurance

Requirement
Recommended (Required at Stage Two)

Criteria
Project Plans

Documents
A detailed plan showing the life of your project from planning through to completion.

Planning templates are available on our website.

Requirement
Mandatory (Required at Stage Two)

Criteria
Quotes

Documents

• Quotes from external suppliers for budget items over $5,000.

Bank account details are required at the Stage II application stage to reduce a delay in payment.

If your application is successful and you have completed the funding agreement, the funds will be paid automatically to your nominated bank account.

It is the applicants’ responsibility to provide correct banking details, including the authorised signature to verify the applicant’s bank details, in their application form. Funds transferred to an incorrect bank account may not be recoverable.

A copy of the application form can be downloaded once you have registered in the online system.

The application form includes separate questions for each stream, but you will only need to answer the questions for the stream you have selected.

A Step by Step Guide has been developed to show you how to complete the application questions for each separate stream.

Your application will be assessed for eligibility and if it is considered eligible it will move to the next stage which is the assessment of application against the program’s assessment criteria.

This will be confirmed in Stage II of the Justice Reinvestment Grant Program.

DCJ will advise all applicants by email. This email will be sent to the applicant’s contact email addresses as provided in the grant application.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in June 2024. This is subject to Secretary approval.

DCJ will notify all applicants of the outcome of their application via email. Should an applicant be unsuccessful and wish to discuss this further, a feedback session can be arranged with the Justice Reinvestment team.

For any questions regarding the program, please contact the DCJ Justice Reinvestment team via email justicereinvestment@dcj.nsw.gov.au