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Applications open for community grants of up to $10,000 from Baw Baw Shire Council

Announcement of application dates for the community development grants program.

By news@gippsland - 3rd March 2022 - Back to News

Up to $10,000 of grant funding is available for eligible community groups and non-profit organisations throughout the Shire with Council announcing its 2022 Community Development Grants program application dates. Baw Baw Shire Council's Community Development Grants program supports the delivery of a range of amazing community driven projects and programs across the region.

Community Development Grants will help strengthen communities and opportunities for enhanced participation in public life and community groups which provide benefits for the local community

Grants and applications available

Stage one applications for the Minor Capital Works category will open at 9am Monday 7 March 2022. This category supports maintenance improvements for projects within community facilities and places, including upgrades to lighting, playing surfaces, installation of cabinetry, floor coverings and more.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available within this category and the community are encouraged to submit their expression of interest via the links available on council's community development grants website until 12pm Monday 4 April 2022.

Grants program

Subsequent rounds of grants applications for equipment and environment projects will open in April, with grants of up to $5,000 available for Stage 1 and applications will be on these categories:

Minor capital works expression of interest (EOI)

• Open: 9am Monday 7 March 2022
• Close: 12pm Monday 4 April 2022

Applications (by invitation) stage 2

• Open: 9am Monday 16 May 2022
• Close: 12pm Tuesday 14 June 2022

Equipment applications

Open: 9am Tuesday 19 April 2022
Close: 12pm Tuesday 31 May 2022

Environment applications

• Open: 9am Tuesday 19 April 2022
• Close: 12pm Tuesday 31 May 2022

Last year, council granted over $140,000 to support a variety of community groups and non-profit organisations across the Shire. The 34 recipients were assessed against set criteria to determine their funding across the three categories of environment, equipment and minor capital works.

Support to purchase

Warragul Playgroup Inc were successful in receiving a $5000 equipment grant as part of the 2021 program. This funding has gone towards much needed indoor and outdoor equipment upgrades.

President Cara Stevens said, "We're a community group here at the Warragul Playgroup. Our fees essentially cover rent and cleaning, so we rely on fundraising efforts and support to help purchase new toys and resources for the little ones."

Better outdoor spaces

Ms Stevens said, "The community grant has allowed us to purchase a range of things including picnic tables, bench seating for adults and kids, and craft tables. These additions will revitalise our outdoor space and are already attracting a lot of interest on social media and a point of discussion during our open days."

"The community has grown from 23 families to 41 families in just one term and that's mostly due to families looking for engaging and active spaces where their kids can interact. As our playgroup grows, we have more plans to update our outdoor space and intend to reapply through the program." Ms Steven said.

Encouraging community groups

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "Council's Community Development Grants program provides crucial support for local community groups to deliver projects or obtain vital equipment they might not have been able to achieve otherwise."

"Over the course of the year, we have enjoyed seeing the 2021 project outcomes come to life. There are many examples spread all over the shire such as new tools and equipment to support the track maintenance at Mount Worth State Park or a new lawnmower for the Aberfeldy and District Association.

"I greatly encourage any group considering undertaking new projects, looking to upgrade equipment or do improvements to their community facility to apply for these grant opportunities." Cr Leaney concluded.

For more information please visit Community Development Grants.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com