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Don’t miss out on Phillip Island fundingAre you a not-for-profit community group based on Phillip Island looking for funding? By Portal Admin - 18th November 2016 - Back to News The Phillip Island Community Benefit Fund (PICBF) is now open for applications and closes on Wednesday, 1 March 2017.
With a total funding pool of $140,434, eligible groups are invited to make applications for funding from $5,000 up to $25,000.
Applicants are advised to attend an information session being held on Wednesday, 30 November, 2016, from 5.00pm to 6.00pm at the Cowes Cultural Centre to understand how to make a well-planned application.
Bass Coast Shire Council Officers are also available to assist applicants to understand how to address the requirements of the Fund application.
The PICBF is derived from losses on electronic gaming machines from the Continental Hotel in Cowes.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Pamela Rothfield, said this was a rare opportunity for community groups and organisations from Phillip Island to fund projects with the significant grant amounts available.
"We encourage those groups thinking of applying to plan early and to ask for assistance from Council’s Grants Officer," Cr Rothfield said.
"Several groups have already contacted Council with some amazing project ideas and we have assisted them with planning their application to the fund.
"We would like to fund a diversity of projects that are of benefit to Phillip Island residents, so it is worth attending the information session and enquiring to see if your project idea is eligible."
To register attendance at the Information Session, please provide attendees names and contact phone numbers to Council’s Grants Officer at grantenquiry@basscoast.vic.gov.au, or phone 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211.
For more information on Council’s grants program, visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/grants or contact Council’s Grants Officer on the details above.
For more information contact:
Simone Short
media communications officer
t (03) 5671 2703 | f (03) 5671 2222
e simone.short@basscoast.vic.gov.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com

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