Not for Profit
Rate Based Assistance for not for profit community, recreation and sporting organisations
This policy details the circumstances under which Council will provide rates based assistance to eligible not for profit community, recreation and sporting organisations.
Definitions
“Category 1 not for profit community, recreation and sporting organisation” means:
- A not for profit organisation which exists primarily to undertake community service activities and relies mainly on volunteer labour; or
- A not for profit organisation which has a high level of paid labour and a low level of volunteer labour however a substantial community benefit is provided; or
- A not for profit organisation which undertakes sporting or recreational activities for the benefit of only Juniors and relies on player and/ or fees and community fundraising only; or
- An owner of a cultural icon which is a tourist attraction and to which the public is given access for no fee or charge.
“Category 2 not for profit community organisation” means a not for profit organisation which exists primarily to undertake community service activities and receives on going Federal or State Government funding support for the organisation’s operations.
“Category 3 not for profit recreation and sporting organisation” means a not for profit organisation which undertakes sporting or recreational activities and does not hold a liquor licence.
“Category 4 not for profit recreation and sporting organisation” means a not for profit organisation which undertakes sporting or recreational activities and holds a liquor licence.
Criteria for rates based assistance
To be eligible for funding under this policy, the organisation must:
- Operate within the boundaries of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council;
- Own/ lease and occupy the land on which general rates are being levied and the rates notice issued in the organisation’s name;
- Not utilise gaming machines to raise revenue;
- In its constitution clearly prohibit any member of the organisation making a private profit or gain either from the ongoing operations of the organisation or as a result of the distribution of assets if the organisation is wound up (this condition does not apply to the owner of a cultural icon);
- Meet the definition of a category 1, 2, 3 or 4 not for profit community, recreation and sporting organisation;
- Lodge an application on the approved form as detailed in section 5.3 of this policy.
Level of assistance
(a) Council may provide:
- Organisations which fall within the definition of Category 1 not for profit community, recreation and sporting organisation, a concession up to 100% of the general rate and up to 100% of separate charges where applicable.
- Organisations which fall within the definition of Category 2 not for profit community organisation or Category 3 not for profit recreation and sporting organisation, a concession up to 100% of the general rate and up to 100% of separate charges where applicable, to a maximum of $2000 per annum.
- Organisations which fall within the definition of Category 4 not for profit recreation and sporting organisation, a concession up to 50% of the general rate and up to 100% of separate charges where applicable, to a maximum of $1500 per annum.
(b) If in the opinion of the Council there are exceptional circumstances which warrant it approving of an application from a not for profit community, recreational and sporting organisation for rates based assistance, notwithstanding the organisation is not eligible under the terms of this policy, Council may resolve to grant a concession it considers reasonable. The reasons for Council’s decision will form part of its resolution.
(c) Where the applications for assistance exceed the budget allocation made by Council, concessions will reduced on a fair basis as determined by Council.
General
(a) An approval for assistance provided under this policy will cover a two year period;
b) An application using the approved form must be lodged by 31 May prior to the first of the two financial years for which assistance is being sought. For 2008/09 applications must be lodged by the date determined by the Chief Executive Officer.
(c) Concessions are not available for vacant land or in circumstances where an organisation does not fulfil its lease obligations.
(d) Payment of the approved assistance will be forwarded (preferably by EFT) to successful organisations in sufficient time for the rates due to be paid prior to close of discount.
