Financial and social accountability of community groups and the provision of public sector seed funding: A case study
Ken Crofts
Working Paper No. 05/06
May 2006
About the Authors
Ken Crofts is a lecturer in the School of Accounting at Charles Sturt University, Building C2–1, Bathurst NSW 2795 AUSTRALIA.
Charles Sturt University – Faculty of Business Working Paper Series
Managing Editor: Associate Professor Jayne Bisman, School of Accounting, Bathurst
Editors: Dr P. Mathews, School of Commerce, Wagga Wagga
Associate Professor M. O'Mullane, School of Business, Albury
Dr R. Tierney, School of Marketing and Management, Bathurst
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Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Literature Review
- Research Method
- Overview of NSW CTC Program
- Results
- Findings & Conclusions
- Appendix 1
- Reference List
- Abbreviations
Abstract
This paper provides a report on an investigation into the effects on financial sustainability and effective performance of community groups after the withdrawal of public sector seed funding. The results of the case study of the NSW Community Technology Centre Program suggest that community groups take necessary actions to remain financially sustainable, but that the withdrawal of seed funding diminishes the effectiveness of such groups to achieve social objectives. A range of alternative approaches to financing community groups are explored and recommendations made for the trial of a Performance Based Funding model utilising a Social Return on Investment metric.