Finding funds to make a difference

RSL Queensland Sub Branches know how big a role fundraising plays in supporting their veteran community. However, a goal that a Sub Branch is working towards – whether it be a hall refurbishment or technology updates – can take a while to achieve if you just stick to traditional methods.

As part of RSL Queensland’s mission to find even more ways to support Sub Branches, we created a new role within the Membership and Network team. This role will give Sub Branches more opportunities to gain access to grants that have the potential to transform their ability to support veterans in their local community. 

A GRANT EXPERT FOR RSL QUEENSLAND

RSL Queensland's Fundraising Manager Network Deborah Scott-Ranson.

Enter Deborah Scott-Ranson, who with some 30 years’ experience in fundraising and grant writing, joined RSL Queensland in December 2020 to guide and support Sub Branches with grant applications. 

“I’ve visited about 50 Sub Branches since joining RSL Queensland and while no two are the same, the passion each has is, and they’re ready to work together,” she says. 

“My role includes everything from offering support with grant applications, helping put together wish lists for what they need and finding grants to support that goal, right up to writing the grant application on their behalf.” 

PERSEVERE THROUGH THE PROCESS

Deborah agreed that many people don’t apply for grants because the process can be daunting. 

“Some applications are relatively easy, but others can be 10 or more pages,” Deborah says. “The key is to have your basic information like quotes and financials ready to go.” 

Deborah has already worked with Sub Branches to secure more than half a million dollars in grant assistance. 

“It represents a genuine opportunity for each Sub Branch to enhance the services they can offer members and their ability to help their community.” 

MADE POSSIBLE WITH GRANTS

Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch President Hugh Polson getting ready for an event. 

Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch has been able to increase its income by hiring out their hall, thanks to grants allowing them to bring it “up to scratch”.

Sub Branch President Hugh Polson put together a grant application through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund about five years ago.

“They granted us $37,000 to convert the kitchen in the hall into a commercial kitchen,” he says. “We can host everything from wedding receptions to birthday parties and family reunions.”  

“If you’re going to rent out a facility like this it needs to be of a good standard. For example, we’ve put in a sound system and a 15-foot ceiling-mounted screen and projector.” 

“We still had two major things to be done – the floor and new furniture,” Hugh explains. “We decided we would apply for a grant to help with replacing the furniture in the hall.” 

“Deborah visited us and was able to help us prepare the grant application. The items we’ve applied for would otherwise be beyond our reach. To find over $26,000 to furnish the hall would take us a very long time.

“We received word in December 2021 that we had been given the grant and we should have our new pieces delivered in the next few weeks.”

CLEAR THE HURDLES, CROSS THE FINISH LINE 

“The biggest issue we had was identifying what we needed and getting the quotes. We had applied for grants in the past and knew the process could be time consuming. If you have the support of a professional grant writer like Deborah, it can be done in a fraction of the time.”  

Deborah echoed Hugh’s advice on getting quotes ready in advance.

“A lot of what the Sub Branches need funding for are building upgrades, replacing roofs, kitchen improvements. And because some of our Sub Branches are in rural areas there may only be one builder they can talk with,” she says. 

“I’ve had a lot of Sub Branches miss out on grant applications because they couldn’t get a quote in time.” 

For Hugh and his members, the ability to use the support of grants to ensure they’re running at a high standard is important. 

“We’ve got a whole range of projects and we’d like to apply for grants to help us bring them to life. We’ll be inviting Deborah to work with us on a strategy for how we can best apply for the right grants at the right times,” he says. 

“Being supported with grant funding means we can better meet our objective to support the veteran community.” 

USE GRANTS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE 

Thanks to a grant they received, the Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch can now hire out their hall to the local community. 

For Sub Branches seeking support with grant applications, Deborah says there’s nothing to be scared of when applying. 

“They can either email me or give me a call and we’ll have a conversation about what it is they’re wanting to do with the grant funding,” she explains. 

“And if they have a quote already or have started the process of getting quotes, even better!” 

“In addition, most grant applications need their certificate of incorporation, if they have one, and their financials, so having that prepared and ready to go is a great help.” 

READY TO TALK GRANTS?

Contact Deborah on Deborah.scott-ranson@rslqld.org or 07 3518 1738. You can also read our handy online guide on how to apply for a community grant.