How Mountain Shade helps you with Community Shade grants
The Victorian Shade Grants Program is a Victorian State Government initiative that provides an opportunity to fund the purchase of new or upgraded shade solutions in an aim to lower damaging UV exposure for the Victorian public. The grant applies to portable shade structures such as tents, gazebos and marquees for sporting and recreation clubs, community and other groups using public outdoor venues.
We have been providing assistance in all rounds of the shade grants, through providing a better understanding of the application process and by delivering the highest rated portable shade solutions to support our community. The grants that are available that apply to portable shade structures, such as tents and marquees, apply to community groups. We have included frequently asked questions below from our experience with these marquee grants programs.
Shade Grants Program Round 5 2020
Applications close: 11 September 2020, 11:59 p.m
The current round of grants applications is now OPEN
Contact Mountain Shade on 1300320540 if you have any queries or if you would like to orient yourself in preparation for the 2020 application round.
Some frequently asked questions about the Vic Shade Grants Program
What is the Victorian Shade Grants Program?
The Victorian Shade Grants Program is provided through two grant schemes: the Community Shade Grants Program, and the School Shade Grants Program for Victorian Government schools. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) administers the grants program and is inviting Victorian government schools and incorporated community groups to apply for a shade grant.
What is the aim of the shade grants program?
The community shade grants program and the school shade grants program are Victorian State Government initiatives aimed to promote an improved uptake of sun protection practices across the state. Shade grants are being awarded in an effort to reduce the Victorian public’s exposure to UV radiation by increasing accessibility to shade.
What does the shade grant program cover?
A grant from the shade grants program can fund up to 100% of the total project cost for all relevant items. Eligible items include:
- new permanent shade.
- repair or replacement of existing permanent shade.
- natural shade.
- portable shade.
- and sun protective items.
Who can apply for the shade grants programs?
There are two distinct grants that 2 different groups of eligible applicants can apply:
1. Community Shade Grants
- Community groups.
- Sports clubs.
- Competetive Sport Clubs ( Cycling. Mountainbikes, Motocross)
- Scouts and Guide groups
- Local councils.
- Kindergartens.
- Early childhood education and care services.
- Churches.
2. School Shade Grants
- All Victorian Government state schools are eligible to apply. ( Catholic and Independant schools not eligible ( sorry) – Call Mountain Shade for other Schools Grant Options 1300320540
All applicants must be not-for-profit, must provide services to the community in Victoria, and is preferable to hold an Australian ABN that links to the Australian trading name.
How does Mountain Shade help with this shade grants program?
Mountain Shade is a long standing provider of heavy-duty portable marquees/gazebos/shade products to both schools and community groups. We specialise in latest technology products and use next generation materials. We have supported lots of applicants with their grants, working to inform and help them optimise the appplication and the opportunity available to their organisation. We deliver information on the Shade Grants program as well as being a product supplier of next generation heavy duty, Australian certified portable marquees and gazebos, with full custom printing and design options, to ensure that you receive the right product for your community club/school/charity/organisation.
We’ve maintained a product focus on the engineering and certification of our products, which directly impact the safety and the protection of the occupants of your portable marquee/gazebo/shade, manufacturing both our frames, roofs and accessories (like walls and awnings) to the highest Australian standards for Wind Rating, Waterproofness, Fire Resistance and Sun Protection. Our reinforced, multi-layer Polyester materials are constructed out of premium grade treated fabrics, leading our industry in waterproofness, fire rating and sun protection and ultimately longevity. Others claim things, Mountain Shade actually delivers products with the best warranties on the market, available across our entire range.
Are portable shade structures like gazebos and marquees funded by both grants?
Portable Shade structures like gazebos and marquees are only funded under the Community Shade Grant. In contrast, the School Shade Grants are, unfortunately, not available to fund portable shade structures. For schools, we have other program’s we can help with.
Can I customise/print my portable shade structure with the grant?
All our shades are modular in construction, and as a result can be upgraded and downgraded by the user. This means that you can start with a standard colour roof and walls, and upgrade to a printed roof, while keeping the walls and a standard coloiur roof as a spare. Then later you can upgrade some or all of your wall panels to printed, and thus printed roof and walls can co-exist with standard wall products on the Mountain Shade heavy duty frame platform. Of course, it is possible to customise your shade structure through the grant program activites, its just how we do it. As a community group who has been awarded a Community Shade Grant, custom printing and logo signwriting can be added to your portable marquee or gazebo shade structure and will not be covered by the grant program funding. We OFFER SPECIAL PRINTING DISCOUNTS for Clubs who are successful with their grants. The addition of these customisations can be quoted separately and are normally self-funded by your organisation. The combination of the grant funds and your own clubs investment creates an attractive, eye catching club marquee setup ,with the majority of the portable shade structure funded by the grants program. A printed marquee/gazebo/shade for your club is an excellent investment, as it creates improved club spirit and helps in club recruiting.
Is there a sun protection factor rating for portable shade?
The sun protection factor (UPF) of portable shade is tested and approved by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), the Australian Government’s primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety ( and just down the road from us ). ARPANSA provides Australia’s leading testing against damaging UV rays, and is the laboratory who tests the Australian Cancer Council and VicHealth‘s “SunSmart™” solutions. Mountain Shade is currently getting its fabrics re-certified with ARPANSA and you will see us on their website shortly.
What is the range of sun protection available?
ARPANSA provides sun protection ratings from UPF 2 for some shade cloths, to the “UPF Excellent” rating of 50+. Any fabric that has a UPF rating of 35 or above can provide all day protection from solar UVR (ultraviolet radiation).
The full range of Mountain Shade gazebos, folding marquees, and walls are rated “UPF50+ Excellent” by ARPANSA – the highest sun protection rating possible.
Is Mountain Shade an ARPANSA recommended portable shade provider.
Mountain Shade has had ARPANSA UPF50+ certification on its fabrics for over 10 years, and we were a pioneer of such standards for marquees/gazebos/shades. We are currently getting re-certified for our latest fabric range. Our canopies and walls have been tested in 2020 and are updated with every major product update.
What are the funding levels available through the shade grant?
Up to $50,000 of funding is available for community groups who meet eligibility under the competitive grants program. The following are the funding bands and the requirements for each:
Band 0 projects up to $700: Sun protective items only. No quote or letter required.
Band 1 projects up to $10,000: 2 quotes, 1 letter of support/approval required.
Band 2 projects $10,001 – $25,000: 2 quotes, 2 letters of support/approval
Band 3 projects $25,001 – $50,000: 2 quotes, 2 letters of support/approval required.
Written quotes are required to be within the past 12 months for the intended portable shade purchase. Letters of support and/or approval are required on behalf of any organisation or group who will own/manage/share the structure.
ABOUT US
MOUNTAIN SHADE PORTABLE SHADE PRODUCT RANGE OVERVIEW
We provide 4 portable shade solutions that are covered under the 2020 Community Shade Grants Program. The Mountain Shade HEX Steel, Mountain Shade HEX Alloy Heavy Duty, Mountain Shade HEX Alloy Gable and the Mountain Shade HEX Commercial Alloy are our gazebos and folding marquees that all deliver a UVF50+ rated UV protection factor to people under the roof/walls.
Each solution is snugly fitted with the Mountain Shade Heavy Duty Roof, the foldable fabric roof that delivers UPF 50+ Excellent shade protection. All our shade fabrics have been tested and approved by the Australian government, exceeding standards for all-day protection from damaging UVR.
Our involvement in the Community Shade Grants program.
We’ve been working with schools and community groups for over 12 years to ensure the right product keeps you and your club/charity covered. We are one of the longest-standing Australian manufacturers of portable shade structures whose mission has always been to deliver the latest technology for the best user experience at the right price. Each of our portable shade structures are engineered to withstand varied levels of outdoor weather conditions and each one is used with those who run community events. When you choose Mountain Shade, you’re choosing a proven brand that is striving to improve – not resting on its reputation..
ULTIMATE SUN PROTECTION
The entire Mountain Shade Marquee, Gazebo and Shade range is complete with our premium fabric roof, which has the UPF 50+ rated sun protection and is waterproof and fire rated.
Our roof’s and walls are manufactured out of premium-grade Polyester, treated for maximal sun-protection with PVC lining. The medium-weight fabrics ensure longevity and colour-fastness, while additional seam-sealing and our PVC lining also fortify your shade structure against the weather.
UPF50+ walls are a seamless additional accessory for the canopy and frame, connecting with heavy-duty velcro across its entire top length and looped to the legs. Both canopy and walls are treated to be waterproof and to retain long-standing UV protection.
How to Apply to the Victorian Shade Grants Program
A basic step-by-step guide for the shade grants application:
- Download the applicable shade grants program guides and check your eligibility: a. School Shade Grants Program – Round 4 2019 Program guidelines (word) b. Community Shade Grants Program – Round 4 2019 Program guidelines (word)
- Prepare your idea by discussing the project with the decision makers of your group and ensure concept approval.
- Meet all key groups that your project may impact and obtain written permission/support. This is very important
- Obtain 2x quotes for your required UPF 50+ rated portable shelters. Either visit the Mountain Shade Marquee Range on our website to select from our gazebos and marquees for an official quote, or Contact Mountain Shade for a personalised quote from a marquee specialist.
- Identify and document evidence as to why your project is needed (to include in your application) and start assembling relevant supporting information (for example, group membership numbers, nomination of a primary applicant and secondary admin contact). A Grant Writing professional service can help with these activities.
- Register with the Victorian State Government’s “SmartyGrants” program here: Victorian Cancer Agency. a. Register your details with the new registration link. b. An email will be sent to your registered email address to verify your account. c. Click the link on the email to login with your new account. d. Select the “Fill Out Now” icon to start your new application. e. Fill out your application accurately and thoroughly. f. Engage with your favourite or our recommended Grant Writing service to help you get all this done.
- Submit your application.
- Once submitted, your application will be subject to inspection by the Vichealth Shade Grants Program team.
GETTING STARTED
Obtain your official quote from our:
1:Our Marquee Options self quoting tools , our Request a Quote form on our website or
Additional Shade Grant Resources:
The Grant Professionals are a team of professionals that will do most of the work in preparing the grant application specifically for your club. They are friendly, easy to work with, and will make your grant application present at its best in the competitive application process.
Contact: admin@grantprofessionals.com.au
Phone: (03) 7019 8718