Council’s Civic Support Fund making a difference during hard times

Redland City Council’s Civic Support Fund continues to provide relief to residents who are struggling during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Council established the one-off $500,000 fund for community organisations across Redlands Coast to be able to apply for funding to make a difference on the frontline.

With only a month to go before applications close for the 2023-24 financial year, there have been 10 successful recipients so far.

Mayor Jos Mitchell said those recipients were already using the funds to assist some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.

“Cost-of-living pressures continue to have financial and material impacts on families and individuals across Redlands Coast,” she said.

“The Civic Support Fund aims to get funding to the grass-roots organisations who are working so hard to help those who are in desperate need.”

The successful applicants so far are:

Wesley Mission Queensland for Headspace Capalaba that provides free, youth-friendly community-based health services for young people with a wide range of issues. It will use the funding to support those who access the centre through the provision of grocery vouchers for essential items.Minjerribah Moorgumpin (Elders-In-Council) Aboriginal Corporation for Minjerribah Community Wellness Project which supports First Nations families and residents of Minjerribah who are doing it tough due to the increased cost-of-living pressures.STAR Community Services for Brunch With Friends, offering in-person contact, which is immensely important in fighting the social isolation of the elderly, and the provision of nutritious food.Redlands Community Centre Inc for Uniform Access. This project will deliver funds to families for the cost of uniforms. Correct school uniforms allow students to participate fully in school activities, which is important for social inclusion and self-esteem.Queensland Injectors Health Network for Strengthening Connections in Cost of Living Crisis to provide emergency support to relieve pressure on clients by providing vouchers for food, clothing and transport, and to strengthen support for those who are experiencing homelessness, loneliness and isolation.Centre Against Sexual Violence for Community Support for the Cost of Living for Sexual Assault Survivors. CASV provides counselling and support groups for survivors of sexual assault. With ongoing cost-of-living pressures, clients often forgo this important counselling in order to provide for their families.Horizon Foundation Inc for Essential Living Support for setting up two community pantries – one to support their disability social enterprise employees and the second will support participants at their hub in Alexandra Hills. These pantries will be filled with basic food and personal care items. Participants will also be able to access food vouchers.Anglicare Southern Queensland for a Community Pantry aimed at addressing food insecurity within the community. The project seeks to provide regular and sustainable support to individuals and families facing economic challenges, ensuring they have access to nutritious food items through the distribution of food parcels.Ancient Paths LTD for Community Rehoming Essentials and Food Relief. The program will supply essential household items and food vouchers for vulnerable residents of Redland City who have been impacted by the cost of living, particularly those affected by family breakdown, domestic violence, homelessness and mental health.Maybanke Association Inc for Welcome Pack for Clients (Home Essentials) providing them with items they will need to set up their home, including kitchen and laundry items. This provides a long-term benefit to the clients, who are then able to set up their lives independently, ultimately supporting long-term employment and housing outcomes.

The Civic Support Fund was announced during the delivery of Council’s 2023-2024 Budget.

It offers three categories of funding for initiatives delivered within Redlands Coast, 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 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.