Council’s Community Grants program is now open

Published on 15 March 2018

Applications for Council’s Community Grants Scheme are now open for not-for-profit clubs and organisations based in the Loddon Shire, to deliver projects that directly benefit residents.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available for successful applications.

Council’s Director Community Wellbeing Wendy Gladman said the funding program intended to improve the quality of life for people in the Shire.

“The Community Grants Scheme is aimed at helping these not-for-profit organisations enhance the provision of activities, facilities or delivery of services to people in our community,” Mrs Gladman said.

“Applications are assessed against a range of criteria, including demonstrated community need, improvement of existing facilities and/or increased participation, community benefit and more.”

Successful grant applications will be funded on a two-to-one basis. This means that for every $2 provided by Council, the successful applicants must contribute a minimum of $1 towards the cost of the project.

Since the Community Grants Scheme started in 2000/01, Council has provided around $2.2 million to support over 730 community-based projects, worth almost $5.5 million.

“Last year alone, the Community Grants program allocated around $197,000 in funding across the Shire, with 36 groups receiving full or partial funding of the grant applied for,” Mrs Gladman added.

“This included $10,000 towards an electronic scoreboard for the Newbridge Football Netball Club, $10,000 for a playground reinvigoration at Inglewood Kindergarten and $10,000 for a mower at the Boort Golf Club.

“A range of other groups also received funding, such as the Pyramid Hill and District Historical Society, Inglewood Riding Club, Serpentine Exercise Group, Boort Yando Cricket Club, Wedderburn Historical Engine and Machinery Society, and many more.”

Applications for Council’s Community Grants Scheme close at 5pm, Tuesday 1 May.

To find out more and for an application form, visit www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Live/Community-support/Council-grants or call Council’s Community Support Team on 5494 1253.