Grants, sponsorships and donations reviewed

Published on 26 June 2020

Campaspe Shire Council has adopted a streamlined grants, sponsorships and donations program along with a business assistance policy ready for the 2020/21 financial year.

Mayor, Cr Adrian Weston said Council identified the need to review the many and varied grant and assistance programs in place to increase their fairness and availability to all.

“The review highlighted more than 20 programs in place with different levels of application and approval,” Cr Weston said.

“It also highlighted the need to capture not only cash donations, but the cost of in-kind support provided by Council, as well as a mixture of both cash and in-kind.”

The revised grants program has five streams:

Community grants (annual and responsive) – To assist community groups and organisations in providing programs and activities to improve the wellbeing of Campaspe residents. This includes initiatives that address conservation, biodiversity, recycling, waste and pollution reduction.

A limited number of responsive grants can be allocated for events and opportunities that occur when the annual grants program is not open.

Junior individual development grants – To encourage and support young people aged 18 years and under in their personal development and growth. More specifically, it will support local young people who have been chosen to represent their institution, club or organisation at a State or National level in a variety of areas including sport and recreation, culture, the arts, science and technology.

Donations – Assistance to organisations that have urgent requirements, or to support an emergency situation, and are not eligible for other grants.

Sponsorships – community and not for profit – In kind and/or cash contribution to support community organisations and groups to stage events and activities for the benefit of the local community.

Sponsorships – business and commercial – In kind and/or cash contribution to support local business and commercial entities stage events within Campaspe.

In addition, Council revised and adopted the Business Assistance Policy and associated grant program providing funds in an effective and fair manner to local businesses to support them diversify and expand, as well as attracting new businesses to the shire.

Guidelines and application forms for each program will be made available in the coming months through Council’s website.