Applications are now open for funding assistance through Council's 2023/24 Community Grants funding program
Funding is available for not-for-profit, incorporated groups on an annual basis to assist with projects or programs that make a positive contribution to the Maroondah community. Groups must be located within or service the Maroondah community.
Deputy Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Tasa Damante, encouraged not-for-profit organisations and groups to apply.
"Council's Community Grants funding program provides support to not-for-profit organisations and groups in Maroondah that are making positive contributions to our community," Cr Damante said.
"I encourage these groups to apply, as the funding is a great opportunity to receive assistance to deliver a program, project or event in Maroondah or to purchase equipment or resources."
Groups can apply for funding through the following categories:
- Community Development Grants offer assistance of up to $5,000 to incorporated, not-for-profit groups to develop programs, projects and events that enhance community wellbeing and increase participation
- Small Equipment Grants Scheme offers assistance up to $7,000 to incorporated, not-for-profit groups to develop and deliver programs and resources to assist vulnerable people and those at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness
- Emergency Food Relief Grants offer assistance of $750 or less to cover small equipment purchases, printing or administration costs to incorporated, not-for-profit community support groups only
Applications close at 4pm on Friday 28 April. Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application in late June and funds will be distributed in July.
Croydon Hills Community Care (CHCC) received funding through a Community Development grant in 2022/23. The funding assisted CHCC to deliver the "Youth From Burma" project, which aims to engage and support first and second generation refugee youth from Burma now living in Maroondah by building pathways of integration, healthy expression of belonging, faith, and helping them see how to live and see people with dignity.
Gitta Clayton, Community Engagement Manager at Croydon Hills Community Care, said the Council grant enabled them to provide important resources, such as IT equipment, for youth workers involved in the project.
This assistance, in turn, benefited the community by allowing the youth workers to make "strong connections with schools, local services and the community" and set "a good example" for the community by demonstrating "leadership skills and healthy life choices".
"The youth workers encourage other young people in the community to follow their lead, and for their parents to have confidence in the youth workers as they see positive changes in their children," Gitta said.
"We are thankful for the Community Development Grant from Maroondah City Council, and we would encourage other community organisations to apply. Council provides support with any questions relating to the grants and make the process easy to apply."
