Plain-language grant guidance

Using an auspice for a church grant

An auspice may let an eligible organisation hold and administer funds for a group that cannot apply directly—but only where the funder allows it.

The short answer

Confirm the arrangement before applying. The auspice usually carries contractual, financial and acquittal responsibility, so it is more than lending an ABN.

What to agree

A written agreement should make responsibilities, fees, risk, reporting and ownership clear.

  • Who signs and receives funds
  • Budget controls and any fee
  • Insurance and safeguarding
  • Reporting, records and acquittal

Questions for the funder

Programs vary in whether they assess the auspice, the project group or both.

  • Is auspicing permitted?
  • Which entity must meet geography rules?
  • Who owns funded assets?
  • Whose financial statements are required?

Important boundary

Guidance, not a determination

These patterns help you ask better questions. The current program guidelines and the funder’s decision control.