Are you a community group, club or individual with an idea for a project that will benefit your community?
Applications to Corangamite Shire's grants programs open Monday 4 April, with funding available for events and festivals, arts, culture and recreation programs, equipment, facilities, environmental and community projects.
The Events and Festivals Grants Program offers up to $15,000, made up of a maximum of $10,000 grant funding and a maximum of $5,000 of in-kind support. It is intended for bigger events that increase visitation and stimulate economic activity in the Shire.
The Community Grants Program offers up to $2,000 towards community activities and events including workshops and equipment purchases, planning activities and the development of new community, leisure, cultural or recreational programs.
The Facility Grants Program offers up to $2,000 (on a dollar-for-dollar basis) to Committees of Management and clubs or organisations whose primary function in the Shire is to help with facility improvements or equipment.
The Environment Support Grants Program offers up to $2,500 (on a dollar-for-dollar basis) for environment and sustainability projects, including installation of energy and water saving items at community facilities.
The Berrybank Wind Farm Grants Program offers two new streams for funding to support beneficial community projects located within 75 kilometres of the development. In this first year a grant of up to $25,000 will be made available to support a larger community project. A funding pool will also support community projects up to $10,000 in value.
A new Enabling Grants Program offers up to $5,000 to assist community groups to develop 'shovel-ready projects'. These grants can pay for business case preparation, scoping, community consultation, plans and drawings, permits and approvals or engagement of professional grant-writing or other assistance to secure project funding.
Mayor Ruth Gstrein encouraged all prospective applicants to call Council and find out which grant program is best suited to their project.
"The grants team can make sure you apply for the right program and they can also give you advice on how to prepare your application for the best chance of success," Cr Gstrein said.
"Each year Council is very pleased to run these grants programs as a direct and practical way to help volunteers and community groups turn their ideas into reality.
"This year we have doubled the Community Grants maximum from $1000 to $2000 and removed the requirement for matching funding from the applicant. This will help organisations get back on their feet after the pandemic has disrupted their fundraising efforts."
"Be creative, be ambitious and if your plans match the funding criteria you might be able to achieve a great result for your club or community."
Guidelines, application forms and finance forms are available at www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/grants
Hard copies are available on request, or from the Civic Centre, 181 Manifold Street, Camperdown, 3260.
