The community has more opportunities to apply for grants in Surf Coast Shire Council’s revitalised grants program, which has a further $35,000 of funding available to help turn local dreams into realities.
Adopted at the June Council meeting, the new guidelines feature seven grants designed to be more accessible and flexible for applicants, and to spark community-led action.
“We understand that we need to work hand-in-hand with the people of the Surf Coast Shire to provide a grants program that helps deliver what the community wants and needs,” Deputy Mayor Cr Liz Pattison said.
“This re-designed grants program has been created thanks to extensive community engagement and will help the community play an even bigger part in shaping the place they love to live, work and play in.”
A total $122,500 is available across the program. The seven grants are:
• Community Initiatives – Standard: Clever, creative projects that help our community and environment thrive (apply in March and September). Grants up to $5,000.
• Community Initiatives – Quick: Clever, creative projects that help our community and environment thrive (assessed monthly, until expended). Grants up to $2,000. Quick turnaround.
• Natural Environment: Community projects that create biodiversity and increase participation in conservation (March and September). Grants up to $5,000.
• Artists and Creatives: Support artists to develop their arts practice and increase their profile (February). Individual $3,000, collective $5,000.
• Business Collaboration: To support a thriving, connected business community (March and September). Grants up to $2,000.
• Small Equipment: Minor equipment purchases, upgrades or replacement (assessed monthly, until expended). Grants up to $3,000. Quick turnaround.
• Climate Emergency: Initiatives that take action to mitigate, adapt or mobilise on climate change (expressions of interest open March/April, pitch event in June). Grants of $5,000.
The improved grants program aligns with Council’s aim to foster an environment where people with clever and creative ideas can make a difference in their community.
“We’re committed to working in partnership with the community to encourage connection, access, inclusion and participation. We love when the community wants to take more responsibility for their own projects, which this new-look program supports,” Cr Pattison said.
“It’s always an exciting time when we’re able to witness the impulse and energy of the community, via the grants program. I’m really looking forward to seeing what new and innovative ideas come through.”
The newly-adopted grants guidelines, eligibility and assessment criteria, and application processes will be made available via Council’s website surfcoast.vic.gov.au.
The guidelines will be implemented in 2022-23 and 2023-24, with a review to take place in two years.
