Major boost to Recreation Grants program

Published on 20 December 2019

There has been a major increase in the amount of funding local groups can apply for through Council’s Recreation Grants scheme.

Recreation Grants provide recreation groups with funding to undertake a broad range of small and medium-sized projects.

Funding is available in two streams:

Recreation Facilities Upgrade Grant This stream is aimed at capital works projects that will improve or upgrade recreation facilities within the municipality.

Recreation Development Grant This stream can be used for projects that encourage new leisure initiatives with the potential to expand the range and quality of recreation opportunities, or increase participation in a particular activity.

From the second round of 2019/2020 Recreation Grant applications, which open in February 2020, there have been increases to the maximum funding groups can apply for.

Maximum funding for Recreation Facilities Upgrade Grants has increased from $6,000 to $15,000, while Recreation Development Grants have gone from a maximum of $1,000 to $3,000.

Councillor for Recreation and Sport Glenn Milne said the changes followed feedback from previous applicants and local recreation groups.

”By increasing the amount of money groups can apply for, it broadens the scope of projects they can undertake,” Cr Milne said.

“This will result in bigger projects that ultimately have a greater impact in the community.”

Round 2 of the Recreation Grants scheme opens on Monday 3 February and closes on Monday 16 March. The application process has not changed.

Funding is provided on a $2 for $1 funding ratio, meaning that for every $2 Council contributes to a project, successful applicants must contribute a minimum of $1.

Cr Milne said that while the maximum amount groups can apply for has increased, the overall Recreation Grants funding pool remains the same.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss their potential projects with Recreation Officer Sue O’Brien by calling (03) 5018 8100.

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