2020 ACT Adult Community Education Grants Program - Application Guidelines

Introduction

The ACT Government is committed to empowering all Canberrans with the knowledge and skills they need to lead rewarding lives and contribute to the community. The ACT Adult Community Education (ACE) Grants Program supports this commitment by funding projects that enable all Canberrans to participate in work and lifelong learning opportunities.

ACE learning activities are delivered in welcoming, informal, community-based settings. The non-threatening, inclusive adult environment makes ACE an attractive option for those seeking to develop foundation skills critical for effective vocational education and training (VET) and labour market participation. ACE activities support participants to gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive in formal VET settings―such as traineeships, apprenticeships or other work-related training―and for successful entry into the workplace.

The online application process for the 2020 ACT ACE Grants Program will open on 20 January 2020 and close at 5:00 pm on 28 February 2020. Project delivery commences from April 2020.

The ACT ACE Grants Program is an ACT Government initiative.

Details of the ACT ACE Grants Program and the application process are outlined below or refer to the (PDF 612KB).

About the 2020 ACT Adult Community Education Grants Program

The purpose of the 2020 ACT ACE Grants Program is to deliver quality foundation skills training in accessible and inclusive community settings, to support Canberrans experiencing barriers to learning, training and work to meet their needs and aspirations.

The 2020 ACT ACE Grants Program is seeking applications from eligible organisations for projects that:

offer highly supportive pathways into further training and work
engage Canberrans with low levels of educational attainment and/or who experience social, health and/or economic barriers to thriving in learning, training and work
develop the employability and core language, literacy, numeracy, learning, and digital technology skills of adult learners
tailor training provision to the needs of a target cohort/s and local labour market needs for skilled workers
implement outcomes-focused project delivery, assessment and reporting.

The 2020 ACT ACE Grants Program is designed to support:

the unemployed, underemployed or people not in the labour force
youth at risk (17-24 years)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
people living with disability
parents returning to the workforce
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
mature-aged people (45 years or older)
workers displaced due to industry restructures
veterans seeking to enter the civilian workforce
carers
people without post-school qualifications.

The expected outcomes from the 2020 ACT ACE Grants Program projects are:

increased participation in work-related foundation skills training by adult learners from targeted cohorts
participants transitioning to further training, employment or volunteering after engaging in an ACE project.

Strengthened quality framework

In 2019, the ACT ACE Grants Program was revised to reflect feedback gathered from stakeholder consultation and to incorporate ACT Government strategic priorities. The 2020 ACT ACE Grants Program continues to implement the changes introduced in 2019, including:

Two-year funding agreements, to:

make available more stable, longer- term funding for ACE providers
promote the development of a culture of continuous learning and opportunities for ACE participants.

Support by the ACT Government and the Skilling Australians Fund provided increased funding for the ACT ACE Grants Program in 2019 to support ACE providers to implement the new, strengthened quality framework for ACT ACE Grants Program Projects.

The funding cap increased to up to $50,000 for individual two-year projects and up to $100,000 was made available for joint two-year projects. These increased funding caps have been maintained in 2020.

In 2019, a new funding model was introduced for joint projects. More information is provided in Available funding.

This initiative is intended to foster greater collaboration between eligible ACE providers.

The online application form supports applicants to focus project proposals on the outcomes to be delivered, as opposed to descriptions of planned activities. (An example of an activity is ‘a computer class’. An example of an outcome is ‘the participant demonstrates the ability to send an appropriately worded email’).

The application form includes a Training and Learning Plan template intended to focus proposals on what the project participants will learn. Applicants are provided with detailed instructions to complete the Training and Learning Plan template using identified:

units of competency from the accredited Foundation Skills (FSK) Training Package
modules of non-accredited foundation skills that map to accredited FSK units and
units of competency from AQF Level I, II or III vocational qualifications.

Successful 2020 ACE Grants recipients will have the flexibility to choose and adjust the activities they use to achieve specific training outcomes. There will be no need to seek approval for a change of activity as long as it will lead to the same specified training outcome. This will allow ACE providers to respond in an agile manner to the unique and varied needs of ACE participants.

Skills Canberra will revise the reporting system for 2020 ACE Grant recipients to ensure a simple and effective way of capturing measures of success.

Eligibility criteria

Any organisation seeking a 2020 ACE Grant must demonstrate that it meets all the following criteria:

is not-for-profit
has a physical presence in the ACT
has an Australian Business Number (ABN)
has a minimum of $10 million Public Liability Insurance
has volunteer workers insurance cover if volunteers are engaged by the applicant
has worker’s compensation insurance.

Eligible ACE participants are:

17 years or older; and
an Australian or New Zealand citizen; or
a holder of a permanent residence visa; or
a migrant, refugee or asylum seeker holding a temporary or bridging visa providing work and/or study rights.

Commercial organisations or RTOs that are for private profit
TAFEs
Universities
Organisations that are not registered as a business in the ACT or whose principal place of operations is not in the ACT
State or Federal government agencies.

An ACE Provider (who is not a not-for-profit RTO) can deliver accredited training through an auspicing arrangement with an RTO. The RTO may be a not-for-profit RTO, a for-profit private RTO or a TAFE.

The training and assessment is delivered by the RTO. The RTO issues the statement of attainment to participants and is responsible for the training and assessment meeting the national registration requirements of the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).

The ACE provider can only enter into an auspice training arrangement with an RTO that has the relevant Training Package on their scope of registration.

Administrative requirements

Successful applicants must:

enter into a Deed of Grant with the ACT Government which outlines the requirements of the 2020 ACT ACE Grants Program and the conditions under which the funding is awarded
report project outcomes and acquit the grant funding as outlined in Reporting and Acquittal of Funds
hold and keep current for the grant period, all insurance coverage required by law, including, but not limited to:
- workers compensation insurance
- public liability insurance for $10 million or more per claim, including voluntary workers insurance cover if volunteers are engaged by the applicant
include an acknowledgement of the 2020 ACT ACE Grants Program as an ACT Government initiative on all publicity relating to the 2020 ACT ACE Grants Program, including publications, promotional and advertising materials, public announcements and activities or any products or processes developed as a result of these guidelines
participate in publicity opportunities, including assisting in writing short articles on the 2020 ACT ACE Grants Program and achievements for local and national newsletters and reports
collect and retain information (for example, a range of demographic information), as specified in the Deed of Grant.

Skills Canberra may visit providers funded under the 2020 ACT ACE Grants Program for the purpose of observation and information gathering.

Available funding

A total of $150,000 (GST incl.) is available in 2020. Funding is available for individual and joint projects. Projects may:

deliver only non-accredited foundation skills modules
deliver a combination of non-accredited foundation skills modules and accredited FSK units of competency
combine general FSK and entry-level industry-specific competencies.

Note: Any one organisation will not be funded for more than two projects.

Up to $50,000 (GST incl.) will be available for individual two-year projects. Individual projects can deliver non- accredited training, accredited training, or a combination of both (see below for more information).

Up to $100,000 (GST incl.) will be available for joint two-year projects. Joint projects can deliver non- accredited training, accredited training, or a combination of both.

Joint projects are defined as two or more ACE providers partnering to deliver an ACE project.

Applications for joint projects have the following additional conditions:

all project partners must be eligible ACE providers
each project partner must be able to clearly articulate their role in the project
each project partner must be listed and sign the application form to acknowledge their role and responsibilities in the delivery of the project
only one organisation can be identified as the lead organisation
the lead organisation is responsible for all legal requirements outlined in the Deed of Grant
grant funds will only be paid to the lead organisation (organisations that apply for joint applications should have an agreement in place between all partners prior to the commencement of the project).

Funding for non-accredited training is based on approximately $600 per participant per year.

Non-accredited training must be designed to prepare individuals for successful entry into further training and/or employment. Non-accredited training should focus on general competencies, also called foundation skills. Foundation skills refers to employability/work-ready skills, work experience, and learning, reading, writing, oral communication, numeracy, digital technology, problem solving and teamwork capabilities.

Projects offering non-accredited modules must use the FSK Training Package as a guiding framework and demonstrate a natural progression (pathway) from ACE non-accredited modules to accredited units of competency. A list of FSK units can be found at Appendix A.

Funding for accredited training is based on approximately $1,000 per participant per year.

Accredited projects can deliver and assess training using any relevant units from the FSK Training Package and/or industry-specific units from Certificate I, II or III level qualifications.

The 2020 ACT ACE Grants Program provides the opportunity for ACE providers to select combinations of units that will enable learners to build the specific foundation skills required to achieve vocational competency.

The aim is to prepare individuals for successful entry into further training and/or employment (such as an apprenticeship or traineeship) through short courses which may combine general and industry-specific competencies. ACE projects delivering accredited training can include work experience to support the ACE participant to gain employment on completion.

Applicants’ existing services unless the applicant can demonstrate additional outcomes.
Duplicative services that are already being delivered in the ACT.¹
Purchasing or leasing of real estate.
Capital equipment to assist with the ongoing operation of the organisation.
Retrospective costs – projects or activities which are already underway or have been completed.
Staff travel and accommodation expenses.
Expenses incurred prior to signing the Deed of Grant.

^{1. The delivery of full qualifications would be considered duplicative as this is funded under other VET programs, such as Skilled Capital and Australian Apprenticeships. Skills sets that are funded under the Skilled Capital Program would also be considered duplicative.↩}

Payments

An initial payment of up to $25,000 for individual projects or $50,000 for joint projects will be made available within 30 days of receipt of an invoice to the Chief Minster and Economic Development Directorate (the Directorate), following execution of the Deed of Grant.

A second payment of up to $25,000 for individual projects and $50,000 for joint projects is payable upon submission of a half-yearly report by 11 September 2020. This payment will be made available within 30 days of receipt of an invoice to the Directorate, following the Directorate’s acceptance of the half-yearly report.

Reporting and acquittal of funds

Successful applicants must expend the approved funds on the delivery of the 2020 ACT ACE Grants Program funded activity by the end of the project period, as specified in the Deed of Grant. The recipient must complete and submit the following reports by email Skills Canberra:

half-yearly progress reports in the format stated in the Deed of Grant
final acquittal report in the format in the Deed of Grant.

Evaluation criteria

To select the applications that best meet the objectives and requirements of the 2019 ACT ACE Grants Program and offer the best value for money, applications will be assessed against the following evaluation criteria.

**1. Organisational effectiveness (overall weighting = 40%)**
Assessable criteria	Weighting
Criterion 1a: Community engagement The applicant organisation/s effectively engages with and responds to its community or community of interest.	10%
Criterion 1b: Adult community education focus The applicant organisation/s clearly identifies that adult community education is one of its key functions.	10%
Criterion 1c: Capacity The applicant organisation/s demonstrate the capacity to deliver quality adult education programs and services to meet the learning needs of the local community or a community of interest.	10%
Criterion 1d: Past performance The past performance of the applicant organisation/s as an ACE Provider (where relevant) will be considered. Applicants new to the ACT ACE Program should provide evidence of past performance in delivering similar projects.	10%

**2. Activity effectiveness (overall weighting = 60%)**
Assessable criteria	Weighting
Criterion 2a: Target cohort/s Each target cohort is clearly identified and strategies to attract and retain participants are well explained.	15%
Criterion 2b: Training and Learning Plan The learning objectives, content, approach and methodologies are clearly defined and there is strong evidence that the proposed course will deliver quality adult education outcomes.	25%
Criterion 2c: Relationships and networks The applicant organisation has effective relationships and networks with other organisations who can support the project and the transition of participants into further training and/or employment.	15%
Criterion 2d: Risk management Potential and known risks are identified and strategies have been provided to mitigate risk.	5%

**Non-weighted assessable criteria**
Non-weighted assessable criteria	Weighting
Criterion 3: Value for money² Clearly demonstrates value for money is a likely outcome of the proposed project.	N/A

^{2. Proposals should indicate any financial and/or in-kind contributions the applicant organisation can make towards the project. Financial and/or in- kind contributions from the applicant organisation are not mandatory. However evidence about how the proposed project design will leverage the applicant organisation’s existing resources will strengthen assessment against the relevant criteria.↩}

Evaluation process

The evaluation process will include the following steps:

Each application will be checked to ensure it:

meets the Eligibility criteria
proposes new initiatives and does not seek funds to support applicant’s existing services unless the applicant can demonstrate additional outcomes
will not be duplicative of ongoing projects/initiatives
includes a financial proposal with itemised budget for the entire duration of the project
provides all information required by the application format.

In the instance of an incomplete application, Skills Canberra will contact the applicant requesting the required information be provided within two working days. Applications that pass the Compliance Check will be shortlisted for assessment by the Evaluation Panel.

Applications will only progress for assessment by the Evaluation Panel if they pass the Compliance Check. The Evaluation Panel will assess the written applications against the evaluation criteria and the value for money each application offers.

The Evaluation Panel will be comprised of government officials, and may include industry experts, peak bodies or representatives provided the organisation or the individual does not have a conflict of interest. The Evaluation Panel members will be required to sign a Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Undertaking form and other disclosure documents.

A final selection will be made based on applicants’ ability to soundly demonstrate the suitability of their application to meet the requirements of the 2020 ACT ACE Grants Program. The Evaluation Panel may seek clarification from applicants and consider references before recommending their selections.

The Evaluation Panel will provide their recommendations to the ACT Government decision-maker for the 2020 ACT ACE Grants Program fund who will make the final decision about which projects will receive grants.

Application process and key dates

Applications must be submitted via the Smarty Grants online application process.

The Smarty Grants weblink will be available from 20 January 2020 and will remain open until 5:00 pm on 28 February 2020.

The details in the application must be complete and correct at the time of submission. No additional documents or attachments will be considered by the Evaluation Panel, unless requested by Skills Canberra or the Evaluation Panel. Applicants will be provided with a receipt at the time of lodgement.

Organisations awarded grants will be published on the ACT ACE Grants Program webpage on the Skills Canberra’s website following notification and the execution of the Deed of Grant. Grant recipients should not publish any announcement of their success prior to Skills Canberra’s publication of the list of grant recipients.

Unsuccessful applicants may request verbal feedback on applications from the Directorate. Requests for feedback must be submitted in writing to Skills Canberra and received by Skills Canberra no later than 10 April 2020.

Milestones and indicative dates:

Application process opens - 20 January 2020
Submission closing date - 28 February 2020
Announcement of Successful Applications - 30 March 2020
Contract negotiation - 31 March 2020 to 7 April 2020
Project Commencement - April 2020
Project completion - 31 March 2022

Complaints process

Grievances or complaints relating to the 2020 ACT ACE Grants Program may be lodged via the Directorate’s Complaints Handling Process. The complaint/appeal must be made in writing and can be emailed to CMTEDD Corporate. Complaints/appeal must be lodged within five working days of the announcement of the successful ACE Grant recipients. The Delegate will review the complaint/appeal within 15 calendar days and inform the applicant of the final decision. This decision will be final and cannot be challenged.

Appendix A - List of FSK Training Package units

Modules of non-accredited training must be based on a unit of competency from the following list of FSK Training Package units.

A hyperlink has been added to each accredited FSK unit of competency in the table below. The hyperlink takes you to training.gov.au where you will find more details, such as the elements that make up the unit. This information will be useful when designing non-accredited modules that map to an accredited FSK unit.