Grants to support and address member health and wellbeing, support health education, deliver relevant activities, and improve facilities and sustainability of Men’s Sheds across Australia.
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What is the National Shed Development Programme (NSDP)?
The National Shed Development Programme (NSDP) is an initiative by the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care, administered by the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA). It aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of men through the provision of financial assistance to Men’s Sheds across Australia. These sheds offer a safe and friendly environment where men can gather, work on meaningful projects, and engage in activities that promote health and wellbeing.
National Shed Development Programme level of support
The NSDP provides funding across five categories with specific limits:
- Category One: Health and Wellbeing and Events – up to a maximum of $8,000
- Category Two: Shed Improvements up to a maximum of $8,000
- Category Three: Tools and Equipment – $5,000 maximum
- Category Four: Mental health, wellbeing and events – $8,000 maximum
- Category Five: Automated External Defibrillators – $2,250 maximum
Co-contribution: There is no co-contribution requirement mentioned for any category.
National Shed Development Programme important dates
- Categories 1-4 Closes: Friday, 21 February 2025
- Category 5 Closes: Friday, 7 March 2025
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
National Shed Development Programme objectives and priorities
The main objectives of the NSDP are to:
- Advance the health and wellbeing of male members.
- Support health education and activities within the shed environment.
- Improve the facilities and sustainability of Men’s Sheds.
- Address the local needs of the community through appropriate programmes and activities.
The priorities for the NSDP include:
- Requests that address health and wellbeing and events
- Men’s Sheds in areas of greatest need
- Men’s Sheds who engage with and have membership from the 12 priority groups
- Applicants who have not received previous NSDP funding and can demonstrate need and engagement with the Priority Groups-applicants who have previously received funding are still eligible to apply and will be required to list all prior funding received – this will form part of the considerations by the Evaluation Panel.
Projects and expenditure eligible for National Shed Development Programme support
Individual Men’s Sheds in Australia can apply for a range of financial support across the following five funding categories:
- Category One: Health and Wellbeing and Events – Funding can be requested to plan and deliver, or broadly participate in, an event within their region with a strong health focus, which may also include some Men’s Shed operational topics.
- Category Two: Shed Improvements – Premises occupied by the Men’s Shed are eligible for funding to undertake improvements, modifications and refurbishment. PLEASE NOTE: the building of a new Men’s Shed is not supported under this Programme.
- Category Three: Tools and Equipment – The priority for funding under Category 3 is providing financial support to either a) new Men’s Sheds (less than 2 years old), b) Men’s Sheds that have not previously received NSDP funding or c) Men’s Sheds that have not received funding in the past six rounds. Tools and equipment are generally aimed at supporting interaction and activities within sheds.
- Category Four: Mental health, wellbeing and events – Funding can be requested to plan and deliver, or support attendance at, an event with a strong mental health focus, which may also include some Men’s Shed operational topics.
- Category Five: Automated External Defibrillators – Men’s Sheds are eligible for funding to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator, where either: the Shed does not currently have a working defibrillator on its premises; or it has a defibrillator that was purchased prior to 2016 (hence is older than 6 years). Applicants that currently have a defibrillator can also apply for replacement batteries and pads that are not under warranty.
The 12 Priority Groups for whom Men’s Sheds provide activities:
- Males not in work
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males
- Socially disadvantaged
- Isolated males
- Males with a disability
- Males with a mental illness (e.g. Depression)
- Migrant males
- Males living in rural and remote areas
- Defence veterans
- Males suffering alcohol abuse
- Males suffering drug abuse
- Males who need support due to relationship issues
What cannot be funded by the NSDP?
- Building a new shed/facility is not supported under this programme.
- Funds to support a designated co-ordinator or organisational office bearer expenses.
- Utility expenses such as electricity, telephone, internet etc.
- The purchase, leasing and associated maintenance of vehicles.
- Sponsoring bodies requests to reimburse their organisational expenses – the grant funds are for those expenses incurred directly by the Men’s Shed project.
- Sponsoring bodies requests to fund staff training expenses
- Sponsoring bodies requests to fund their organisational staff expenses.
- Sponsoring bodies requests to apply an administration fee.
- Individual projects requiring ongoing funding.
- The purchase of land.
- Repair of facilities damaged by vandalism, fire or other natural disasters where the act is covered by insurance.
- Additional funding for Men’s Sheds that have already received substantial funding from governments for similar applications and for which need is not identified.
Other National Shed Development Programme important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for National Shed Development Programme support
All Men’s Sheds in Australia, whether or not they are members of the Australian Men’s Shed Association, are eligible to apply. Sheds not registered as a legal entity may have an overseeing sponsor body apply on their behalf.
National Shed Development Programme assessment criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on their alignment with the programme’s objectives, the necessity of the requested funds, and their potential impact on the health and wellbeing of shed members. Priority will be given to projects that can show a significant benefit in terms of member health and engagement.
How do I get the National Shed Development Programme?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the National Shed Development Programme application
Applicants need to prepare:
- detailed project descriptions
- budget estimations
- any supporting documentation that can substantiate the need and expected impact of the funding.
It is also advised to have endorsements or support letters from local community bodies where relevant.
Applying for the National Shed Development Programme
Applications must be submitted via the Australian Men’s Shed Association’s official website, using the specified application form.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
National Shed Development Programme resources
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