News Alert |

It is now easier for local not-for-profit community organisations to apply for funding through the City of Ballarat’s 2019-2020  Community Impact Grants program, after Council tonight adopted changes to the program. 

Under the changes, applicants will be able to complete a new streamlined application form for requests of under $2,000, excluding GST. 

The changes come as Round 1 of the 2019-2020 program opens this week on Friday, 2 August. 

The popular grant program is a great opportunity for community groups to apply for funding for projects, equipment upgrades, community or neighbourhood-based events or even ideas that need an injection of funding to become a reality. 

Other changes include: 

Raising the maximum grant allocation from $10,000 to $20,000, excluding GST, where applicants include a cash contribution based on a 2:1 match ratio for all requests over $10,000. This change is designed to broaden the potential scope and impact of the program.   Accepting funding requests for minor capital projects to upgrade infrastructure at venues not owned by the City of Ballarat or the Victorian Government. This will support minor capital projects where accessibility and sustainability improvements can be implemented at community venues.  Accepting partnership applications between local community organisations and schools that demonstrate broad community benefit. This is designed to boost the number of children’s and youth-based applications. 

The timelines for the Community Impact Grants Program for 2019-2020 are: 

Round 1 opens 2 August and closes on 2 September, 2019  Round 2 opens on 1 October and closes on 31 October, 2019  Round 3 opens on 3 February and closes on 2 March, 2020  Round 4 opens on 1 April and closes on 30 April, 2020 (round dependant on funding availability). 

The 2019-2020 Community Impact Grants Program guidelines and online application form will be available at ballarat.vic.gov.au on Friday 2 August.