Council is inviting Warrnambool not-for-profit clubs and organisations to apply for support through the annual Community Development Fund (CDF).
The popular funding program supports sporting, recreational, environmental, cultural activities and community events to deliver health and wellbeing outcomes for Warrnambool residents, contributing to the liveability of the city.
Warrnambool Mayor Cr Vicki Jellie encouraged all eligible clubs and groups to apply.
"This is a great opportunity for clubs to kick-start a project, complete a project or stage an event," Cr Jellie said.
"We know that clubs and groups were hit hard by COVID. It affected fundraising, activities and made attracting and retaining members difficult.
"We have a total funding pool of $251,000 and a CDF grant can go a long way to helping out volunteer-driven organisations.
"Council has retained changes to the funding guidelines introduced last year to acknowledge the impact of COVID-19.
"This includes the removal of the requirement for contributions from clubs, retention of a larger CDF pool and the capacity for clubs to apply for grants of up to $5,000 (previously $3,000).
"This means community groups are not under any extra pressure to generate the income to match grant funding which might limit their ability to apply for funding at a time that it is most needed.
"The CDF has a long tradition of helping clubs and groups get projects off the ground."
Last year Council allocated a record $255,428 through the CDF to 71 clubs and local organisations.
The funding brought to life projects valued at $877,000.
Grant recipients are encouraged to seek local quotes for any required work so there is a wider economic benefit to the community.
