Council grants to support community opening in May

Council grants to support community opening in May

Last updated on 21 April 2023

Local community groups and organisations with a community-driven project or event idea are invited to apply for funding through Council’s annual grants programs.

Applications for Council’s 2023-24 Community Funding Scheme and Events and Festivals grants programs will open from 1 May until 27 June, with totals of up to $160,000 and up to $75,000 available respectively.

The Community Funding Scheme is open to not-for-profit community groups and will be allocated under three streams, including community, cultural and environmental projects; organisational support; and small community infrastructure.

The Events and Festivals Grant Program offers funding and in-kind support (including in-kind venue hire) for both not-for-profit and commercially run events.

Council’s Director Community, Maria Weiss, said the grant programs provide an opportunity to support local groups and organisations who play a pivotal role in strengthening community inclusion.

“Last year we provided nearly $250,000 in funding and just over $10,000 of in-kind support through these two grant programs,” she said. “This enabled the delivery of a range of activities which provided broad community benefit.”

“We encourage groups in our community who have an idea for a project or event, but just need some additional funding to bring it to fruition, to submit their application for consideration.”

Examples of projects and events funded under last year’s grant programs included:

Macedon Ranges Literary Association ($10,000) – The Pub that Saved the Community - Remembering Ash Wednesday Script Development. Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health ($10,000) – Puppy Pride 2023. Macedon-Woodend Scout Group ($3,400) – Purchase of hike tents, camp cookers and BBQs. Kyneton Agricultural Show ($6,000) – Supporting new living on the land project.

To assist with the application process, free grant writing workshops are being held on 26 April and 24 May, with Council officers on hand to answer questions, explain the grants guidelines/criteria and how to use the Smarty Grants online application system.