Applications are now open for our Community Sustainability Grant program.
A total of $20,000 is available through the program, which provides financial assistance to community groups and organisations to implement and build capacity for renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste and climate change related projects.
Mayor, Bernard Gaffney says that this grant program is a great way for local organisations to seek funding for projects that align with Council's sustainability and climate change mitigation objectives.
"We're fortunate in Indigo Shire to have so many great local organisations committed to improving sustainability and using renewable energy through capital projects and educational endeavours. This grant program is Council's way of showing our support for these initiatives."
Cr Gaffney urges anyone who is part of a community group or organisation with an eligible project to apply now.
"It doesn't matter if your project is big or small, if you're eligible, apply now. This funding can often just be the kick-start a project needs to get off the ground." Cr Gaffney says.
One of last year's successful applicant, the Yackandandah Tennis Club, did exactly this. The club sought funding to launch its project to upgrade the lighting at the club to LED and successfully received $9,444 through the program in the 2021/22 funding round.
In what became a great community-led project, the funding through the grants program meant that along with contributions from YCDCo, Yackandandah Sports Club, Totally Renewable Yackandandah and the tennis club, the club could finally upgrade the lighting, saving on electricity usage and improving the lighting capacity for night tennis.
Matt Baynes from Yackandandah Tennis Club says, "We knew we needed support. When the Indigo Shire Council Sustainability Grants were announced, Yack Tennis Club put forward its case, applied and hoped for approval. We were thrilled to be granted $9,444 from Council which recognised the potential cost savings that LED would mean, not just to the Tennis Club but to the Sports Park in general." Mr Baynes said.
"The grant was the starting point that meant the project could become a reality."
Applications close on 5pm Wednesday 14 December.
Apply here: Community Sustainability Grants Program Indigo Shire Council
