Do you have a major project that needs funding?

Published on 09 November 2020

Community groups and organisations are encouraged to apply for funding from Gannawarra Shire Council’s Major Community Project Fund.

Following on from the success of the program in 2019/20, a total of $250,000, allocated in Council’s 2020/21 Budget, is available for community groups, organisations and clubs to apply for infrastructure projects “on non-Council owned or controlled land”. Examples of such land may include recreation reserves, sporting facilities, community halls and playgrounds on crown land or land managed by other agencies or community groups.

“Earlier this year seven community projects shared $257,107 from the program, which supported energy efficiency measures, infrastructure upgrades and planning for future works,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“Council is pleased to be overseeing the Major Community Project Fund for a second consecutive year and encourages all eligible community groups to consider applying.”

Applications will be considered for community, sport and recreation infrastructure projects, with funding of between $10,000 and $125,000 per project available. Funding preference will be given to projects that have confirmed funding from external grants, or other sources, and/or an in-kind contribution.

“Whether it is extending current facilities to improve participation, improving lighting or shade, installing renewable energy options or developing infrastructure that will give residents greater opportunities to be active, Council’s Major Community Project Fund will assist community groups and organisations in the Gannawarra achieve projects that may not have progressed without this type of financial support,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“Priority will be given to projects identified within the Gannawarra Shire Council Plan 2017-2021, individual community profiles and/or other Council strategies which will contribute to the municipality.”

Funding applications can be submitted through an online system, Smartygrants, which is accessible via Council’s website.

“Applicants are encouraged to read the guidelines for the fund, which can be downloaded from Council’s website, and discuss their project with Council’s Community Engagement Team prior to submitting their proposal,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“I encourage as many applications as possible from across our communities so that Council can forward plan support for projects that build on our community strengths into the future.

“Please note that projects on Council-owned or managed land come under Council’s Capital Works Program and requests for project consideration should be submitted direct to Council in writing so that these projects can be considered as part of the 2021/22 Budget setting process.”

Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday, 19 January 2021.

For further information and to access the online application portal, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/grants