Camping Grants

With the sale of the UC Camping sites in 2023-2024, the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania Standing Committee set aside $5 million as an investment in the Money for Mission Fund, with the purpose of using interest earned to subsidise events that foster hospitality, refreshment, wonder, a connection with nature and intentional expressions of temporary community. The annual interest for the fund’s capital will be available for use each year.

The Synod’s Mission Grants Executive meets every month and will assess and approve grants up to $10,000. They are supported by a camping reference group.

Eligible Congregations or UCA Groups

In 2025, camping grants are being offered to groups rather than individuals. Applicants for grants must be UCA associated congregations or groups. Applications are to be endorsed by a Council of the Church, either a Church Council or Presbytery.

Applications for Camping Grant Funding by staff in Synod Ministries and Operations (SMO) are to be endorsed by the relevant Manager; and need to indicate clearly how the camp / event benefits local or regional initiatives.

Selection Criteria

Applications are required to be supported by an UCA-overseeing body on behalf of the camping group/individuals. This is to ensure that issues of insurance, child safety, OHS, and other compliance matters are considered and covered.

Funding will generally be capped at up to 50% of the cost of the event – noting that exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, pending advice of the financial capacity of the overseeing congregation/presbytery.

Funding is for an event to form a “temporary” gathered community rather than an ongoing community or series of events. The “camping event” is to be held over 2 days minimum to constitute a camp, noting that accommodation may not be required.  Examples of potential temporary gathered community include: walking on country, Messy Church camp, intergenerational camp, youth camp, spiritual retreat, leadership retreat, congregation camp.

Applications could be for broad subsidising of the event or to fund the participation of several individuals within the bigger group or attending an event.

Grants would normally be used primarily to assist participants (covering costs such as accommodation, catering, activities, travel etc) rather than the salary of a coordinator to organise an event.

Application process

• Applicants need to complete the UC Camping Application Form. If the applicant is not a council of the Church, then approval is required by an overseeing Church Council or Presbytery.
• Forms are to be submitted to the Grants Coordinator at grants@victas.uca.org.au
• On receipt, applications will be reviewed by the Grants Coordinator for completeness and then referred to a member of the Camping Reference Group for review and comment prior to consideration at one of the monthly meetings of the MGE.
• Applications will be assessed in light of the selection criteria noted above.
• Once considered, applicants will be advised of the outcome. If successful, grants will be paid per the grant schedule on the approval correspondence.  

Grant Distribution Process

• Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application after consideration by the MGE.
• For successful applicants, payments will be arranged through Synod Accounting Services within approximately 4 weeks from date of approval. Payments will be made directly into the bank account as nominated  on the application form. 
• A grant acquittal is required within 3 months of the camp / event. Any grant funds surplus to the camp / event are to be returned for redistribution to other grant requests.
• If a camp is cancelled, then the grant is to be returned in full so that it can be used to support other grants for camps / events. The applicant will be responsible for covering any costs incurred. 

Contact

For assistance with completing the application form or guidance through the process, please contact in the first instance Natalie Brown, Grants Coordinator, either via telephone on 03 9116 1960 or email to grants@victas.uca.org.au. Queries may be directed to the Camping Reference Group.

For this grant, complete the Camping Fund Grant Application Form.

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