For Wodonga Council, sponsorships and donations involve providing funds or in-kind support to an initiative, project, event or communication.

Donations and sponsorship is any financial or in-kind assistance that is provided by the council to any group or organisation to support a service, program, initiative or cause that will benefit the community.

Donation is a voluntary gift given to a charitable, public purpose or not-for-profit organisation without any material benefit or advantage being received by the council in return, and provided without any conditions or contractual obligations.

Sponsorship allows the organisation to associate the council’s name, brand, products or services in return for a negotiated benefit to council.

Benefits may include, but are not limited to the following. 

• Strong engagement opportunities enabling the council to connect with its community in a meaningful and relevant way that would not be possible without sponsorship.
• Acknowledgement of Wodonga’s Council’s sponsorship via the advertising and marketing undertaken. 
• In the case of an event, an invitation to key representatives at the council to attend and verbal acknowledgment of Wodonga Council’s support on the event day.

The council will only pursue sponsorship opportunities that clearly deliver one or more of the following outcomes.

• Provide opportunities to drive social, environmental, cultural and economic outcomes in the Wodonga municipality.
• Help address an issue affecting the Wodonga community. 
• Provide potential to generate revenue through attracting visitors/participants outside of the Wodonga municipality. 
• Enhance the profile and appeal of Wodonga.

Who is eligible to apply?

Not-for-profit organisations, groups and associations who have their own bank account, ABN, are incorporated or have an auspicing organisation are eligible to apply. The applicant must have an initiative, project, event or communication which has demonstrated support and which will be able to be used by the wider community are eligible to apply for sponsorship or donation from the council.

Who is not eligible to apply?

Organisations/activities that will not be considered for sponsorship or donations by Wodonga Council include those which:

• Are already receiving a contribution, financial or in-kind, from Wodonga Council; 
• Are a profit-making organisation; 
• May be construed as offensive or discriminatory;
• Could be detrimental to public health, safety or the environment; 
• Promote or encourage smoking, alcohol, gambling or any substance abuse; 
• Are linked to contentious issues and may present a reputation risk; 
• Are from religious groups, unless they are affiliated with an organisation which benefits the community as a whole; 
• Have an alignment with a political group, event or campaign;
• Duplicate existing sponsorships; 
• Have not honoured previous agreements; 
• Are schools, government bodies or departments; 
• Are from an individual or group seeking support for personal interests or pursuits; 
• Do not supply relevant information on how the funds are to be spent; 
• Are for existing operational costs (for example, wages, equipment, utilities or insurances);
• Would otherwise be inappropriate or contrary to law;
• Rely on ongoing funding from the council; and, 
• Where the activity/event/initiative is not being delivered within the Wodonga municipality directly supporting the local community. However, some cross border initiatives may be considered.

• Phone: (02) 6022 9300
• Email: communitygrants@wodonga.vic.gov.au