Community organisations/groups, creative organisations, groups and individual artists in Yarra Ranges are encouraged to apply for up to $5000 in funding for programs and projects in the community, as part of Council's new COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Grants.
Grants applications will open on 1 August 2020 and close on 30 November 2020, with grants awarded at the end of each month to successful applicants.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Richard Higgins, said Council had organised the temporary grants program to assist community groups and artists impacted by the pandemic.
"Our community has come together in so many ways since the COVID-19 pandemic begun in March, and we've all heard heartening stories about people using their time and expertise to help others," Cr Higgins said.
"We also know that some community groups and many in our artistic community are struggling to make ends meet and so we've organised a temporary grants program to lend a hand.
"These COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Grants Program will function the same way as our monthly Small Grants, and will provide more money to groups and individuals in the community over the next six months.
"We're looking to fund programs and projects that build the capacity and resilience of communities and community organisations/groups, as well as creative organisations, groups and individual artists in Yarra Ranges or that support community relief efforts from the pandemic.
"We all know an artist or a community group that has been doing it tough since the pandemic began in March, and I'd strongly encourage everyone to share information about these grants and apply if you think they can help bring your idea to life."
Cr Higgins said that Council would provide $100,000 in total to the grants, as part of its package of COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Grants Programs.
"As with all of our grants programs, we can't always fund every project that comes to us. We'll be assessing these projects based on the community benefit and offering assistance wherever we can when we see a great idea," he said.
"If you've got an idea for a project that can help others in the community – through providing work, training, skills or helping build resilience – we want to hear about it."
Not-for-profit groups, including artists, are eligible to apply for grants.
