New Council fund to address cost of living pressures

A new Redland City Council fund that will provide cost of living relief to vulnerable residents will open for applications in October 2023.

Mayor Karen Williams said yesterday’s endorsement of the Civic Support Fund Guideline paved the way for local community organisations to apply for a grant from the $500,000 allocation.

“This one-off fund has been established to offer assistance to the community where it is most desperately needed,” Cr Williams said.

“We know there are people on Redlands Coast who are doing it tough and, in some cases, people are struggling to put food on the table or buy essential household items.

“The Civic Support Fund aims to help our most vulnerable residents, with eligible community organisations able to apply for grants for initiatives addressing local community needs in areas not covered by other levels of government.

“This could include everything from the basics to keep our community going, such as food supplies and clothing, through to programs that support residents with budgeting and provision of community meals.

“The creation of this fund aligns with a number of objectives outlined in our Corporate Plan relating to enhancing the health, safety and wellbeing of our community, building the community’s capacity to adapt to economic changes, and enhancing community inclusion.”

The Civic Support Fund will offer quick response grants up to $5000 through to major grants of up to $50,000.

It will operate as a rolling fund during the 2023-2024 financial year, with applications welcome until funds are exhausted.

More information on how community organisations can apply for grants through the Civic Support Fund will be available soon.