Time is running out for Victorian not-for-profit community groups to apply for grants through the RACV Community Foundation, with the 2020 submissions closing on 2 December.
Funding between $5,000 and $150,000 is available for projects and programs that support local communities across Victoria, from a total funding pool of more than $780,000.
RACV Community Foundation Chairman Graeme Chipp said the grants seek to support programs and initiatives that seek to reduce social isolation.
"RACV has proudly supported Victorians and their communities for more than 115 years. The RACV Community Foundation exists to support the wellbeing of all Victorians by investing in programs that help them be a part of, contribute to and tap into the collective strength of their communities," Mr Chipp said.
"RACV recognises the critical role that communities play in providing a safety net and support network for all Victorians and through the Community Foundation, we support initiatives that help to build new skills and create a sense of belonging and purpose with others in their communities."
Last year, the RACV Community Foundation 2019 grants round delivered more than $750,000 to 14 community groups and initiatives, including:
· $150,000 to Switchboard Victoria for its Scaling Out & About Program (SOAP)
· $147,000 to Australian Multicultural Community Services for its Senior Wisdom and Mobile Information Hub
· $130,000 to Little Dreamers Australia for its Young Carers Mentoring and Education Program
· $100,000 to STREAT for its STREAT's Ahead program.
The full list of the 2019 grant recipients is available here.
Since the RACV Community Foundation was founded in 1997, we have provided over $5.1 million to 500 Victorian charities and community groups.
Organisations applying for a grant through the RACV Community Foundation must deliver against at least one of the objectives and target groups listed below:
- Youth (16 – 24 years): Providing support to programs that aim to help young people build confidence, skills, belong and thrive.
- New Victorians (including migrants transitioning into Victorian society): Providing support to programs that recognise and celebrate diversity by welcoming all new Victorians, supporting the transition into society and exchange with resident Victorians in the community.
- Older Victorians (65+years): Providing support to programs that enrich and improve the lives of older Victorians by building a sense of confidence, belonging and purpose through social support.
The principles that guide the Foundation's approach to funding are:
- · - Early intervention
- · - Support in transition.
"Effective early intervention works to reduce risk factors and prevent problems occurring, or to tackle them head-on when they do, before problems get worse. It also helps foster personal strength and skills that help prepare members of the community and support better outcomes," Mr Chipp said.
Applicants need to display sound rationale and evidence and be able to demonstrate the capacity to deliver positive and sustained changes for beneficiaries.
There must be evidence of realistic, measurable and achievable outcomes and you need to outline how you intend to report, evaluate and articulate a social return to those impacted by the program or initiative.
To apply for a grant, or for
