| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Will scholarships be given out every year?Yes. This is an annual program. There are several closing dates throughout the year as scholarships become available, so bookmark the ASF website to check every so often.Is there an application fee?No, we do not charge individuals or organisations to apply for a scholarship.Who is eligible?Applicants must be either Australian citizens or permanent residents. This is a requirement of the Australian Tax Office in compliance with our DGR Status (see below). Applicants must also be directors, staff or volunteers of charitable not-for-profit organisations. Why must the applicant be an Australian citizen or permanent resident?The ASF is recognised as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). The Australian Income Tax Act, requires that funds donated to a DGR for scholarships can only be used for scholarships awarded to Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents. The Income Tax Act does not provide for any exceptions to this requirement. I'm a New Zealand citizen but living and working in Australia - do I qualify for a scholarship? Applicants with New Zealand citizenship are not eligible for ASF scholarships unless they have obtained Australian permanent resident status. New Zealanders are allowed to stay and work in Australia as they are automatically given a "Special Category Visa" ( SCV) when they arrive. People who hold SCVs are "Temporary Residents". Which organisations qualify as Not-for-Profit in Australia?Applicants must be from an Australian not-for-profit organisation that, in the opinion of ASF, generally fits one or more of the following criteria: · has a charitable, community-public
benefit or poverty relief purpose, as indicated by whether the NFP has
Australian Tax Office TCC and/or DGR status, or “registered charity”
status Are there any organisations that are ineligible for this Scholarship?ASF will generally exclude applicants from: · small unincorporated entities (informal organisations that provide sporting, recreational and social benefits) · organisations relying solely on member contributions e.g. mutuals and cooperatives (which provide benefits to members usually via a business activity) and licensed clubs (that provide services for a fee to members as well as grants to community organisations) · professional associations, self help clubs, non secular (religious purpose) organisations, government organisations carrying out the ordinary functions of government, social movements /campaigning organisations that work in the social change space, trade unions and political parties · schools, hospitals and universities, and government organisations except for their associated entities that have TCC/DGR status e.g. building funds, research foundations
Why don't you expand the eligibility criteria?The Council determines the eligibility criteria on the basis of government requirements – because we are a charity we can only make awards to Australian citizens or permanent residents – and on the nature of the awards themselves – it would be inappropriate to award a scholarship to undertake a program of studies, say, to someone not eligible to enrol in the program.I live outside Australia. Can I apply?These scholarships are only for Australian citizens and permanent residents of Australia who are employed by Australian charitable not-for-profit organisations. Australian citizens and permanent residents who live outside Australia who are employed by Australian charitable not-for-profit organisations are eligible as long as they meet the basic eligibility requirements and are able to meet any attendance requirements of the scholarship.Where can I get an application form?The application forms are available in the Scholarships section of this site.What's the deadline for applying?Your application must be received by the closing date shown for the scholarship concerned, which you can find in the Scholarships section of this site. You can send your application before then if it’s ready.I missed the deadline - can I still apply?No. Late applications will not be accepted.Can I apply again next year if I miss out this time around?You may apply for a scholarship as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. If you applied previously for a scholarship and were unsuccessful, and you remain eligible, you can apply again. How much money is given to each individual?The scholarships are offered by arrangement between the training organisation or university and ASF - any payments that may be required are made directly from ASF to the training organisation or university. ASF does not make payments to scholarship holders.What are the criteria for selecting scholars?The criteria differ for each scholarship, and are set out fully on the webpage for the scholarship concerned. The criteria do not include race, religion, gender, age, or sexual orientation. An applicant is asked to provide their date of birth only to help ASF distinguish between two applicants with the same name.How are scholars selected?ASF convenes special panels that comprise ASF Council members and may include volunteers from Rotary. These panels review applications and make recommendations for consideration by the entire Council. All decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.Must I plan to be a full-time student?No. All the scholarships offered by ASF are for part-time study so that you can continue to work in your current job and contribute to your organisation.What will be required of me if I am selected to receive a scholarship?You will receive full information about how to take up your scholarship when it is awarded.All the scholarships involve a commitment of your time. For some, such as those that provide attendance at a conference, you will need to schedule the time for that; for those that involve enrolment in a program of study, you will need to make arrangements for participating in the learning activities. You should consider carefully whether you can meet the time requirements before you apply – if your application is successful, but you find you don’t have the time to meet the requirements, you must resign the scholarship, but in doing so you will probably have prevented someone else from taking up the scholarship in your place. To ensure that ASF and its sponsors receive appropriate acknowledgement for their contribution to capacity building in the charitable not-for-profit sector, you may be asked to take part in one or two publicity activities. You may be asked to sign a media release form giving ASF permission to use your photo and refer to your application in media releases and on our website. Where do I find details of the actual courses and programs for which scholarships are offered?Check this site for the links to the university or training provider in each case.Where do the scholarships come from?ASF donors include companies, educational and training organisations, universities and philanthropic foundations. All are publicly acknowledged on the ASF website.How and when will I be notified if I receive a scholarship?It takes about 6 weeks to conclude the process of seeking referees reports, considering applications and making the awards. ASF will notify you by email of the result of your application for a scholarship.
How can I get on ASF's mailing list?Simply click here to fill out the form. I have some questions about how to fill out the form - whom do I ask?Use the contact form to send an email with your questions. 
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