The first two successful applications to Redland City Council’s Civic Support Fund have been announced.
Council established the one-off $500,000 fund to provide cost of living relief to vulnerable residents on Redlands Coast through grants to community organisations.
Mayor Karen Williams said the lead-up to Christmas could often be a stressful and financially draining time of the year for many people.
“These two worthy recipients under the Civic Support Fund will be helping ease that pressure among some of our most vulnerable residents,” Cr Williams said.
The successful applications are the Wesley Mission Queensland Headspace Capalaba for their Christmas Relief, and Minjerribah Moorgumpin (Elders-In-Council) Aboriginal Corporation for Minjerribah Community Wellness Project.
Headspace Capalaba provides free, youth-friendly community-based health services for young people with a wide range of mental health, general health, drug, alcohol, and work and study issues. It will use the funding to support those who access the centre through the provision of grocery vouchers for essential items.
MMEIC’s Minjerribah Community Wellness Project supports First Nations families and residents on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and involves distributing food vouchers to those in most need including the elderly, the homeless and those experiencing insecure employment.
Cr Williams said the Civic Support Fund was announced during the delivery of Council’s 2023-2024 Budget.
“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,” she said.
The Civic Support Fund offers 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 to 30 June 2024 or until 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.