Council fund helps organisations address cost of living pressures

Community organisations can now apply for Redland City Council funding to deliver initiatives that support vulnerable residents on Redlands Coast.

Mayor Karen Williams said the one-off $500,000 Civic Support Fund aimed to assist residents who have been impacted by cost of living pressures.

“We know there are people on Redlands Coast who are doing it tough and this fund has been established to offer assistance to the community where it is needed the most,” Cr Williams said.

“It aims to support not only those who have been financially or materially impacted by rising costs of living, but those who have increased risk factors such as experiencing or at risk of homelessness or domestic and family violence.”

Cr Williams said eligible community organisations were able to apply for grants for initiatives that addressed local needs in areas not covered by other levels of government.

“This could include funding for basics such as food, essential medication or personal and household items through to essential furniture, life skills courses that address cost of living pressures, or provision of a community meals program,” she said.

“Council is proud to support our vulnerable residents in this way as a means of enhancing the wellbeing of our community and building the community’s resilience in adapting to economic changes.”

The Civic Support Fund will offer three categories of funding for initiatives delivered within Redland City, both on the mainland and the islands: quick response grants up to $5000, minor grants up to $20,000 and major grants up to $50,000.

Applications will remain open until 30 June 2024 or available funds are exhausted.

More information, including eligibility criteria for community organisations and how to apply, is available on the Grants and sponsorship page on Council’s website.