Up to $10,000 of grant funding is available for eligible community groups and non-profit organisations throughout the Shire with Council announcing its 2022 Community Development Grants program application dates.
Baw Baw Shire Council's Community Development Grants program supports the delivery of a range of amazing community driven projects and programs across the region.
Stage one applications for the Minor Capital Works category will open at 9am Monday 7 March 2022. This category supports maintenance improvements for projects within community facilities and places, including upgrades to lighting, playing surfaces, installation of cabinetry, floor coverings and more.
Grants of up to $10,000 are available within this category and the community are encouraged to submit their expression of interest via the links available on Council's website until 12pm Monday 4 April 2022.
Subsequent rounds of grants applications for equipment and environment projects will open in April, with grants of up to $5,000 available for these categories.
Community Development Grants 2022 program dates:
Minor Capital Works
Expression of interest (EOI) Stage 1
- Open: 9am Monday 7 March 2022
- Close: 12pm Monday 4 April 2022
Applications (by invitation) Stage 2
- Open: 9am Monday 16 May 2022
- Close: 12pm Tuesday 14 June 2022
Equipment
Applications
- Open: 9am Tuesday 19 April 2022
- Close: 12pm Tuesday 31 May 2022
Environment
Applications
- Open: 9am Tuesday 19 April 2022
- Close: 12pm Tuesday 31 May 2022
Last year, Council granted over $140,000 to support a variety of community groups and non-profit organisations across the Shire. The 34 recipients were assessed against set criteria to determine their funding across the three categories of environment, equipment and minor capital works.
Warragul Playgroup Inc were successful in receiving a $5000 equipment grant as part of the 2021 program. This funding has gone towards much needed indoor and outdoor equipment upgrades.
"We're a community group here at the Warragul Playgroup," said President Cara Stevens. "Our fees essentially cover rent and cleaning, so we rely on fundraising efforts and support to help purchase new toys and resources for the little ones.
"The community grant has allowed us to purchase a range of things including picnic tables, bench seating for adults and kids, and craft tables. These additions will revitalise our outdoor space and are already attracting a lot of interest on social media and a point of discussion during our open days.
"We have grown from 23 families to 41 families in just one term and that's mostly due to families looking for engaging and active spaces where their kids can interact. As our playgroup grows, we have more plans to update our outdoor space and intend to reapply through the program".
