Last updated on August 6th, 2024 at 11:17 am
Has your organisation been asked to auspice a grant, but you are not sure exactly what that entails? Maybe you are already auspicing, but you’d like to know more? Or maybe you need an auspice? This resource will provide a wide overview and help you to ensure the governance for auspicing is on track.
Definitions:
‘auspice’ – to provide support, sponsorship or guidance
‘auspicee’ – the person or group requiring support
‘auspicor’ – the entity (an incorporated organisation) that auspices, or supports the group
‘incorporated organisation’ – organisations that must have a minimum number of members, be managed by a committee of management and are often not-for-profit
Why auspice?
One of the most common reasons for a group or individual to ask to be auspiced is the need to quickly and easily satisfy grant funding requirements, e.g. to apply for or receive a grant, you may need to be incorporated or have DGR status. If you are a small group that is not a registered business or charity, and are without an ABN, then you may not be eligible for some grants. You will be able to access this funding with a suitable auspicor.
An auspicing relationship is a collaborative relationship. The parties involved must work together, trust each other and communicate well. If you are an arts, community or cultural organisation, you will need to consider if the project you are being asked to auspice aligns to your values, goals or objectives.
If you are an organisation agreeing to auspice or an auspicee looking for this support, you must have a written agreement in place that sets out the roles and responsibilities of the auspicing relationship.
Auspice agreements
Auspice agreements are often used to help community organisations access funding for their activities including:
- one-off events such as art exhibitions, concerts, fairs or festivals by arts organisations
- pilot projects or program trials
- creative projects with or by young people
- activities run by newly-formed groups who are yet to be incorporated
Many organisations will charge a fee for auspicing to cover their administration costs, insurances and volunteer or staff time and expenses.
How does it work?
The auspicor would receive funding for the project, which they then distribute to the auspicee. Depending on the auspice agreement, the project can also benefit from the management, infrastructure, insurance protection and resources of the auspicor. The auspicee would have access to these for the period of the project. However, an organisation offering any level of auspicing service must be aware of the risks and complexity involved in the project. They must assess if the risk level and workload is appropriate for their organisation to manage.
Tip:
If your organisation is auspicing a grant and you want to offer your RAV Combined Liability Insurance policy as cover for the project, you must include the grant income in your ‘Gross Annual Income’ supplied to GSA Insurance.
You will need to advise GSA insurance brokers and RAV about your auspice agreement via email.
More Information
For a full guide on auspicing, including case studies and a full list of clauses to include in an auspice agreement, head to:
Image: 2020 Sustaining Creative Workers Grant Recipient Joel Carnegie. Auspiced by Auspicious Arts Inc.