Information technology and web
The 21st century of rapid techno-change can transform how a community organisation operates. That’s why Lotterywest provide grants for all kinds of information technology.
Application FormWhen to apply
Applications can be made at any time.
Who can apply?
These grants are available to not-for-profit organisations and local government authorities.
What can we support?
We support the purchase of information technology to meet your organisation’s needs. For example, grants can be for hardware and software networks, custom-designed software, database development, standard office applications or simply to upgrade a computer. Our grants can also cover the cost of creating a website, and developing your skills in website design and management.
We encourage you to look ahead. Good planning is essential to making sure that you have the right technology to meet your current and future requirements. We suggest plans that consider your organisation’s needs for three years or more. We also provide grants to assist with technology planning. For details, please refer to our Organisational development grants.
Requests over $25,000 must be accompanied by a technology needs assessment undertaken by an IT consultant (independent to the seller and external to your organisation, where possible). If you need help with identifying appropriate consultants please contact us.
Generally, we do not cover the cost of ongoing technical support for an information technology system or consumable items.
Most importantly, we want to understand what your needs and ideas are. Please talk to us.
What we look for:
- Appropriate technology planning
- How the information technology will benefit your current and future work
- Suitability of the equipment for its purpose
- Ability to implement and maintain the equipment
- Software that is accessible, particularly to people with a disability
- Uptake of opportunities to reduce the cost of information technology (such as the program below)
DonorTec Program
The DonorTec Program is a partnership between Community Information Strategies Australia Inc and TechSoup, a US-based not-for-profit organisation. Through this partnership donations are channelled from companies such as Microsoft and Cisco to Australian not-for-profit organisations. In return for an administration fee to cover costs, eligible not-for-profit groups may order products online at a reduced cost. More information is available at the DonerTec website.
Documents we need:
- A completed Lotterywest Grant Application Form
- Your latest Annual Report if you have one, or AGM minutes if you don’t and the most recent audited financial statements
- A copy of your Constitution
- Two written quotes for items over $3,000; a written estimate, advertised price, or one written quote for items under $3,000 (low value, miscellaneous items can be grouped together to $1,000)
- A scoping document or brief
- Details of your information technology planning
- An independent needs assessment (for requests over $25,000)
- An outline of the proposed website content, including what it will provide and to whom (for website development grants)
If your group is unincorporated, there are other things we need from you. Please refer to what we need.
Grant examples
Here are some examples of what our grants have helped:
- Server networks to support the operation of larger organisations
- Upgrading database and accounting software
- Peer to peer networks for users in the same office
- Purchasing off-the-shelf software
- Upgrading computers
- Photocopiers which are networked to the information technology system for use as a shared printer
- Firewall and virus protection software
- Staff training in the implementation of a new information technology system
Lotterywest offers many other grants, including for furntiure and equipment. If your idea does not seem to fit this grant area, our other grant types may help.
Further resources
Engaging others Resource Kit
Managing assets Resource Kit
Planning Resource Kit
FAQ’s and handy hints