Eighty-six Corangamite Shire groups and individuals will share almost $320,000 after Council allocated funding from six grant programs at its July meeting.
A total of $196,000 from the annual grants programs was allocated as follows:
- $46,508 in Community Grants to 26 applicants;
- $49,202 in Facility Grants to 29 applicants;
- $45,988 in Environment Support Grants to 17 applicants;
- $54,000 in Events & Festivals Grants to 14 applicants;
A combined $4,000 left for the Community, Facility and Environment Support programs was reallocated to the Events and Festivals Grant program.
Council also allocated Facility Design Grants totalling $21,586 to three community groups. The Facility Design Grants Program is a rolling program and accepts applications year-round, until the allocated budget for the financial year has been exhausted.
Another $104,225 was allocated to eight organisations from the Berrybank Wind Farm Grants program. The program, funded by Berrybank Development Ltd and is administered by Council to benefit community projects within 75 km of the wind farm.
Mayor Kate Makin thanks the community groups that had taken the time to apply.
"Local volunteer groups play an important role in bringing people together, supporting community connections and celebrating what makes our towns unique.
"The wide range of projects funded reflects the strength and diversity of volunteer efforts across Corangamite Shire.
"While the grants are modest in size, they can make a meaningful difference by helping community groups deliver projects and activities that might otherwise not get off the ground.
"Council's commitment to these grants programs shows we recognise the significant contributions volunteers make, with their time and effort generating benefits that extend well beyond the initial investment."
Because there were no applications to the Enabling Grants stream for shovel-ready projects, the $20,000 set aside in the budget will be offered in a second round.
Cr Makin took the opportunity during the live-streamed meeting to encourage all community groups to attend a grants writing information session coming up soon.
"I really encourage all community members to jump along to those grant writing sessions and understand how grants need to be written.
"It may help you apply for more State and Federal government funding as well.
