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Community Grants and Special Events Funding

Bass Coast Shire Council is currently inviting community groups and organisations to submit applications

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 9th August 2001 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council is currently inviting community groups and organisations to submit applications for the Council’s Community Grants and Special Event funding schemes.

"Council has these two funding schemes to help local groups and event organisers provide services, facilities and events that will benefit the Bass Coast community," said Cr. Miranda Sage, Mayor of Bass Coast Shire Council.

The Community Grants program has two sections, which are community services and facilities, and community events. Groups or organisations applying for the first section, services and facilities, are eligible for up to $5000. Those who apply for community events are eligible for up to $3000.

All non-profit community groups or organisations based in the Bass Shire can apply for the grants. Applicants must be able to demonstrate how their proposal will benefit residents of Bass Coast Shire.

Cr. Sage explained that possible areas of development include leisure and recreation, arts and cultural activities, community services, health and welfare, community information, environmental protection, historical, and education.

Sucessful applicants to last year’s Community program used their grant money in various ways.

One of the groups who received a grant was the Bass Valley Pony Club. Glenda McMillan, District Commissioner of Bass Valley Pony Club, said that the $1500 grant the Club received was used to purchase 10 body protectors, which are used for safety in cross country jumping events, in competition, and on rally days.

"Most of the young members of our club are unable to afford their own body protectors, so we were really happy about the grant from the council," said Mrs McMillan.

The Special Events funding is aimed at events that will increase tourism in the area, and involve community groups in the process. Successful applicants to last years Special Events Funding Scheme included the Wonthaggi Italian Festa and the San Remo Festival. Special Events support includes both monetary grants and in-kind support such as traffic management, waste management and assistance with planning.

For more information and an application form, visit any of the Council’s Customer Service Centres or phone (03) 5671 2211 or (03) 5951 3311. Application forms and guidelines can also be downloaded from Council’s website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au. Applications for grants close on 30 September 2001.

Council has included an additional funding scheme as part of its 2001/02 budget. $50,000 will be available to community groups under the Community Capital Works Scheme. Details of how applications can be made for funding under the Community Capital Works Scheme will be available shortly.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: basscoastshire@gippslander.com

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