Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has been able to assist 147 community organisations throughout the Region by providing more than $45,000 as part of the Community Support Micro Grants program.
As part of its pandemic response (stage one), TRC Environment and Community Committee Chair James O'Shea said Council was able to help local groups get through this difficult period by offering a one-off round of Micro Grants to not-for-profit organisations.
"The Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our community and added a new set of challenges for groups trying to adapt to a new normal," he said.
"Our community organisations would usually rely on annual fundraising activities but this has been limited due to the cancellation of events and gatherings of groups.
"To help these groups through these uncertain times Council made a decision to use unspent funds from the Community Grants Programs in 2019/20 financial year and put them towards this program which gave groups a chance to apply for funding up to the amount of $499.
"Council received an overwhelming response with 216 applications being submitted for a total of $45,547.85 in available funds.
"Of those, 147 applications were approved for funding for eligible items/projects such as purchasing Skype memberships and new sporting equipment for sporting groups.
"The Skype memberships has allowed the groups' committee members to stay in touch and hold important meetings that will assist with immediate and future planning to ensure the groups' longevity.
"Another grant was used to fix the deteriorating guttering on the 'Feed Shed' at the Toowoomba Riding for Disabled club grounds. The roof area of the Feed Shed is used for the collection of rainwater that is the only water supply for watering horses at the club grounds.
"Many groups also chose to purchase hygiene and sanitising products which will assist in providing a safe community space for the future months ahead as social distancing restrictions begin to ease.
"It's great Council has been able to help these not-for-profit groups as they provide many benefits to our community such as providing meeting spaces for community events and small group interaction and support for members of our community who need a helping hand.
"These groups play an integral role in providing a space for locals to come together and share interests and support one another."
