As we all continue to navigate the new COVID normal the City of Greater Bendigo would like to remind community groups to apply for a Community Group Reactivation Grant to assist them to recover from COVID-19.
City of Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Director Vicky Mason said the Community Group Reactivation Grants are temporary grants that are in addition to the City's normal Community Grants Program.
"The temporary Community Group Reactivation Grants are available until June 30 and are available to local incorporated not for profit community groups and organisations who will be eligible to apply for grants of up to $3,000," Ms Mason said.
"These grants are a direct response to the impact COVID-19 has had on the traditional sources of volunteers that community groups rely on to provide the essential services, events, sports, recreation, arts and culture activities they deliver.
"The grants will support local groups recommencing their activities following the summer break.
"Volunteering is an integral part of the Greater Bendigo community and according to the last census 23.1 per cent of people aged over 15 years volunteer in our community which is considerably higher than the Victorian average of 19.2 per cent.
"However, Volunteering Australia recently reported that up to two thirds of volunteers have ceased volunteering as a result of the pandemic.
"This means community organisations need some help to recommence their activities, engage with previous volunteers, recruit new volunteers, grow memberships and community participation.
"The aim of the temporary grants is to support initiatives that encourage the reactivation of volunteers, members, community participation and the promotion of opportunities to increase community connections and networks to recover from the disruption of COVID-19.
Applications for the grants will be accepted until June 30, 2021. The application assessment is expected to take approximately three to four weeks to process from when they are submitted.
