Community groups, event organisers and local organisations across Swan Hill Rural City Council are being encouraged to explore Council's refreshed grant programs, with more flexible funding options now available than ever before.
The Community Development Fund and Event Support Fund have been updated to include multiple funding levels, along with the introduction of new Quick Response Grants - giving community groups and organisations faster access to funding when opportunities arise.
Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to visit Council's website to familiarise themselves with the full range of funding options, eligibility requirements and new grant streams ahead of applications opening soon.
Mayor Cr Stuart King said the changes are designed to better support locals to bring ideas to life and respond to emerging needs.
"Our community groups are the heartbeat of our region, and these updated grant programs are all about giving them greater flexibility and support," Cr King said.
The Community Development Fund offers grants for projects that strengthen communities, improve facilities, support sustainability initiatives and enhance participation in local life.
The Event Support Fund now features four funding streams to support events of all sizes, helping drive visitation, celebrate diversity and deliver social and economic benefits across the region.
Past recipients of funding through the Community Development Fund include projects such as archery equipment for the Swan Hill Archery Club, a thermal blanket for the Nyah & District Community Pool, and small infrastructure works at the Lake Boga Bowling Club, while the Event Support Fund has supported events including the Robinvale-Euston Christmas Carnival, the Swan Hill Little Athletics Open Day, and the Lake Boga Bank 2 Bank.
Applications for the main funding rounds - offering between $1,000 and $5,000 across both programs - open on 20 April at 9am and close on 25 May at 12pm, with successful applicants expected to be notified in late July.
Cr King encouraged eligible groups to start planning early.
"If you've got an idea that will benefit your community, now is the time to take the next step," he said.
Council will be running community grant drop-in sessions and workshops in Swan Hill and Robinvale to help community groups and organisations with the application process.
Swan Hill - Art Gallery of Swan Hill - Tuesday, 21 April, 11am to 12pm drop-in session, 12pm to 1pm grants workshop.
Robinvale - Robinvale Resource Centre - Monday, 4 May, 11am to 12pm drop-in session, 12pm to 1pm grant workshop.
