TRC eases conditions for Sport and Recreation grant applications

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is encouraging community and not-for-profit groups to apply for the latest round of community support grants, with a special focus on the Sport and Recreation grant program.

TRC Environment and Community Services Committee chair Cr James O’Shea said applications for all grant programs, including the Sport and Recreation, Event Support, Community Support, Community Economic Development, Environment, Cultural and Arts Support and Sports Tourism grants would close on March 1, 2021.

“Council is keen to see community groups enjoying the benefits that flow from accessing our grant programs. As we had fewer applications in the previous round for the Sport and Recreation stream, partly due to the Coronavirus-enforced shutdown, we are keen to assist eligible groups this time,” Cr O’Shea said.

“Council has eased and simplified some of the eligibility criteria for the Sport and Recreation grant program, with smaller projects now requiring smaller contributions and some planning projects also eligible for Sport and Recreation grants.

“Eligible groups can now start with a 10% contribution toward their project cost in some instances, instead of the previous minimum of half of the project cost.

“In addition to this change, schools (primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, well as P&C or P&F associations) can lodge Sport and Recreation grant applications where the proposal can demonstrate how it will deliver broad community benefits.”

Cr O’Shea said Council was keen to offer extra incentives to make grant applications more appealing, especially as smaller organisations often struggled to meet previous funding contribution requirements.

Examples of the new funding contributions include: • Projects to undertake planning work would require a 10% club contribution. This includes planning required for significant infrastructure, such as multi-lighting design, amenities/canteen/clubhouse plans and/or organisational planning (strategic club development plans), • Projects with a total project cost up to $15,000, excluding GST, require a 25% contribution (for example, a $12,000 long term equipment purchase would require a $3,000 contribution from the applicant), • Projects over $15,000, excluding GST, but under $35,000, excluding GST, require a 30% contribution (for example, a $33 000 storage shed would require an $11,000 contribution from the applicant), • Projects over $35,000, excluding GST, but under $50,000, excluding GST, require a 40% contribution (for example, a $40,000 change room refurbishment would require a $16,000 contribution from the applicant), and • Projects over $50,000, excluding GST require a 50% contribution (for example, a $90,000 amenities upgrade would require a $45,000 contribution from the applicant).

“Residents can call 131 872 to book a consultation with relevant staff to arrange for help with tailoring grant proposals,” Cr O’Shea said.

“Council appreciates the difficulty smaller groups face to find money for planning, projects, services and facilities.

“Council is pleased to offer financial assistance to a diverse range of community and not-for-profit groups to support residents in leading active lifestyles.

“The Sport and Recreation Grant program provides support to eligible community organisations for projects that aim to achieve one or more of the following priorities.": • Upgrading facilities to meet standards, regulations and changing community needs and expectations, • Promoting healthy and socially inclusive communities through investing in the development of accessible sport and recreation facilities, • Increasing opportunities to groups with inequitable access to sport and recreation activities and infrastructure, • Facilitating well-planned, infrastructure projects that meet community needs developed through collaborative approaches to increasing participation in sport and recreation activities, and • Encouraging sustainability in the design, development and management of sport and recreation facilities and spaces

More information about each grant category can be viewed at www.tr.qld.gov.au/grants