Calling all Campaspe Community Groups - Round 1 Community Grants now open
If you’re a local community group, sporting club or other not-for-profit body looking for external funding to help bring your special project or event to fruition, Council’s Community Grants Program could help you achieve your goal.
Campaspe Mayor, Cr Leigh Wilson, said a total of $218,800 has been allocated to the 2016-17 Community Grants Program, to be distributed through two rounds in the categories of Assistance, Events, Environment, Recreation, and Heritage and Culture.
An amount of $109,400 is available as part of round 1, with applications closing on Friday, 15 April.
“Every year Council allocates thousands of dollars in community grants to over 100 worthy projects, activities and events delivered by not-for-profit groups of all sizes and interests,” Cr Wilson said.
“It’s a tangible way Council supports the good work of these groups whose volunteers work tirelessly for the benefit of their members and the broader community.
“From ground improvements and facility upgrades to recreational activities, environmental initiatives, cultural exhibitions and everything in between, community grants fund a diverse array of projects.”
“Big or small - it’s not the size of the project that’s important. It's the outcome in terms of improving the quality of life of our residents and the natural environment that matters,” Cr Wilson said.
Groups can submit one application to the program. Grants range from $1,000 through to $5,000 and are available in the following categories:
Assistance - grants of up to $4,000 for projects and activities that contribute to strengthening communities, and create new opportunities for community participation in social, learning, and civic activities.
Events - grants of up to $1,000 for community events, $3,000 for minor events and $5,000 for major events.
Environment - grants of up to $2,000 for projects which help protect and restore the natural environment, including projects that build community appreciation and knowledge.
Recreation - grants of up to $5,000 for projects which encourage partnerships between Council, and local clubs and organisations, to ensure that local recreation facilities are accessible to the community.
Heritage and Culture - grants of up to $1,000 for projects which support the shire’s historical past and the development of arts and cultural initiatives.
Applications are assessed based on their contribution to strengthening communities in the Shire of Campaspe. The assessment criteria includes economic benefit, project sustainability, community/social benefit, council plan alignment, and partnership.
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their project with the relevant officer for the category in which they are applying prior to submitting their application to ensure it complies with the guidelines and that the project timing is in keeping with the grants program funding schedule.
Cr Wilson encouraged groups to not leave their application to the last minute, "download the guidelines, understand what you need to supply, so you have time to put your application together."
Application forms and guidelines for the Community Grants Program can be downloaded from Council’s website at www.campaspe.vic.gov.au and are available in hard copy from Shire of Campaspe service centres.
Applications recommended for approval will be considered at the June 2016 Council meeting. A special ceremony will then be held in July to award the funds to successful recipients.