Clubs, community groups and organisations can now apply for funding through three Mildura Rural City Council grant programs.
Council's Events Funding and Support Program, Recreation Assistance Grant Program and Community Partnership Grant Program all opened for applications this month.
Events Funding and Support
This program offers four funding streams:
- Hallmark Events (Tier 1): between $25,000 and $50,000
- Major Events (Tier 2): between $7,500 and $20,000
- Community Events (Tier 3): between $3,500 and $5,000
- Community Event Support Grants: up to $2,500.
Event organisers who have not previously applied through the Events Funding and Support program are asked to speak to Council's Events and Projects Unit before starting an application.
Councillor for Recreation and Events Mark Eckel said opening of the Events Funding and Support program came at an important time for the region in the wake of the recent flood event.
"Events will play a vital role in our region's economic and social recovery from the Murray River flood, helping to attract thousands of visitors to our region, and the economic stimulus this will drive," Cr Eckel said.
Community Partnership Grant
Community Partnership Grants are available every three years and provide an opportunity for Council and local community-based agencies to deliver projects and programs that improve health and well-being in our region.
This program aims to support innovative and inclusive community programs and services that fill a need in the region.
Up to $30,000 is available over three years (maximum of $10,000 each year).
Key aims of this grant program include:
- Ensuring people feel safe in our community
- Making facilities, services and activities accessible to everyone
- Ensuring residents feel part of the community and can participate in community life
- Ensuring residents have opportunities to shape their community.
Other aims include ensuring everyone has access to education opportunities, that young people have opportunities for the best start in life, and that youth are supported to reach their full potential.
Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Community Development Helen Healy highlighted the important role community-based groups played in the region.
"Our hard-working community groups are continually developing and delivering programs and activities that provide a whole raft of benefits for our residents," Cr Healy said.
"Whether it's opportunities for increased participation and social interaction, learning new skills, or improving access, these programs can really change peoples' lives, and it's great to be able to partner with them to make them a reality."
Recreation Assistance Grants
Council's Recreation Assistance Grants program provides almost $230,000 each year to support groups with projects that increase participation in sport and recreation, or increase access to a broader range of quality sporting and recreation facilities and programs.
Funding is available across four streams:
- Club Support Grant: up to $3,000
- Recreation Planning Grant: up to $13,000
- Minor Facility Upgrade Grant: up to $15,000
- Major Facility Upgrade Grant: between $15,001 and $50,000.
As part of the program Council will provide $2 for every dollar contributed by event organisers and clubs, however Club Support Grant applicants who have been flood-impacted, or are applying for projects that address Gender Equity will be exempt from this requirement.
Cr Eckel, who holds the Recreation portfolio, encouraged local clubs to apply for the latest round of grants which would not only benefit existing members, but help sports and clubs expand and grow.
"Sport plays a major role in the social and physical well-being of our community and the numerous dedicated local sporting clubs in our region sit at the core of that," he said.
"A powerful way not only for clubs, which are more than often run by small but extremely dedicated groups of volunteers, to grow their member bases and provide better conditions for existing members, is through our Recreation grants program."
All three grant programs are open for applications until Monday, 20 March.
