About the Johnston Community Benefit Fund
This is a new project of the Johnston Electorate Office, aiming to support community connection in Johnston. The Fund is separate from the Johnston electorate allowance and is from local fundraising projects and donations. Community members will be invited to submit proposals to the Community Benefit Fund (the CBF) committee against specific criteria and the community based committee will assess and award grants.
What is the role of the Community Benefit Fund Committee?
The committee oversees the assessment of applications to the Johnston Community Benefit Fund. Its role is to ensure funding decisions are fair, transparent, and based on local community knowledge and expectations. The committee makes recommendations about which projects receive funding and ensures decisions align with the purpose of the fund.
Who is on the committee?
The committee has four members, with one representative from each suburb in the Johnston electorate. Members bring local insight, community connections, and an understanding of local needs. Committee members act independently and in the interests of the whole community.
How often does the committee meet?
The committee meets four times per year. Meetings are held in line with application rounds.
How long are meetings and what is the time commitment?
- Meetings typically run for 60–90 minutes.
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Committee members may also spend time reading applications ahead of each meeting.
Estimated total time commitment: Approximately 10–14 hours per year, including preparation and meetings.
How does the application assessment process work?
The process follows clear and consistent steps:
- Applications are submitted through the online form.
- Applications are checked for eligibility and completeness.
- Committee members review applications individually in advance.
- The committee meets to discuss applications and share perspectives.
- Funding decisions are made by consensus
What criteria are applications assessed against?
Applications are assessed based on:
- Clear community benefit within the Johnston electorate
- Degree to which the project would foster community connection and unity
- Alignment with local priorities and needs
- Feasibility and practicality of the project
- Accessibility and safety of the project
- Responsible and transparent use of funds
How are conflicts of interest managed?
Any committee member who has a conflict of interest with an application must declare it and they must not take part in discussion or decision-making for that application.
Who manages the administration of the fund?
Administrative support, including financial administration, managing applications and notifying applicants, is handled separately from the committee, by the Johnston Electorate Office. The committee focuses solely on assessment and decision-making.
How are applicants notified and what reporting is required?
Successful applicants are notified soon after decisions are made. Funded groups are expected to provide a short review of how the funds were used and the benefit to the community.
What values guide the committee’s work?
The committee operates according to principles of:
- Fairness and equity
- Transparency and accountability
- Respect for community knowledge
- Focus on genuine local benefit
- Fostering of community connection
This approach ensures the Johnston Community Benefit Fund remains community-led, locally informed, and accountable, supporting practical projects across the electorate represented by Justine Davis in the Johnston electorate.
