Community Grants Program Continues to Support Local Initiatives

Ararat Rural City Council is pleased to announce the opening of applications for a further round of its Community Grants Program. The program offers financial assistance to bolster local initiatives and strengthen community bonds.

Local groups are encouraged to submit applications for grants of up to $5,000 on a two-for-one basis across four distinct categories: sports/recreation and health/well-being, culture and arts, environment and sustainability, and events.

Ararat Rural City Council awarded grants totalling $13,496 across six diverse projects in the March 2024 round of Community Grants. Recipients included the Ararat Early Learning Centre for their Kinder Gym Program, Ararat Neighbourhood House to support their Grampians Green Thumb Project, a program designed to increase the number of people growing their own food from home, and the upgrading of safety equipment at the Grampians Soaring Club.

Dr. Tim Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of Ararat Rural City, highlighted the crucial role played by local groups and clubs in fostering community well-being. “This initiative proudly champions community-led endeavours, providing financial support to amplify engagement in sports and recreation, arts and culture, well-being, and sustainability initiatives.”

"We encourage groups dedicated to fostering inclusive, connected, and vibrant communities to seize this opportunity and submit their proposals by 5 July 2024."

Applications for the Ararat Rural City Council Community and Events Grants Program will be accepted until 7 July 2024, at 5:00 PM. Interested groups can apply online at www.ararat.vic.gov.au or obtain hard copy applications from municipal offices.

For further information or inquiries regarding Council's Community Grants, please contact Candice O'Brien at (03) 5355 0239.