$400,000 up for grabs for Parramatta community groups

City of Parramatta Council is offering local groups a $400,000 financial boost to help deliver much-needed community services and initiatives through its 2022 annual Community Grants program.

The grants program aims to support the activities of not-for-profits, community groups, social enterprises, creative organisations and sports clubs that enhance the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of Parramatta’s people.

“Council recognises the significant role local organisations play in supporting our residents, so we are doing what we can to help them continue to deliver their invaluable services and programs through our Community Grants program,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said.

“Last year, we presented 30 local organisations with more than $385,000 in grants – including Boronia Multicultural Services, Parramatta Holroyd Family Support, The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre, and Agal Dance Company – who have used the money to launch new programs, establish new facilities or upgrade their centres.”

Boronia Multicultural Services (BMS), a Toongabbie-based organisation that provides support services for migrants living in Parramatta and Cumberland, received a $20,000 Community Capacity Building Grant last year for its ‘Bright from the Start’ program. The program helps ensure children meet their developmental milestones and are prepared to start school.

BMS manager Bernadette Agyepong said: “Through our ‘Bright from the Start’ program we have been able to help more than 80 children and their families prepare for the significant transition from preschool to school. We would not have been able to launch and run this program without the financial assistance of a City of Parramatta Council community grant.”

Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 across the following four categories: Community Capacity Building Grants, Creative Grants, Growing Social Enterprise in Parramatta, as well as Cultural Heritage and Stories Research Grants.

“I encourage any eligible organisation – no matter how big or small – to apply so they can continue their great work in the community,” Cr Davis said.

Short information sessions will be held online throughout February for those organisations and individuals interested in applying. Click here to register for a session or apply for a grant.

Applications close 4pm, Monday 7 March.