2023-2024 Community Grants announced

Recipients of Horsham Rural City Council's 2023 Community Grants and Donations Program have been announced.

Sixty-five community groups will receive funding totalling $226,201.

These include sports and recreation clubs and facilities, halls and venues, kindergartens, welfare and health services, and local events and festival organisers.

"This year, Council received 80 community grant applications requesting total grants of $335,277. This was a five percent decrease in number of applications but a 15 percent increase in overall grant funds requested," Mayor Robyn Gulline said.

"It's positive to see this increase. It gives an indication of how much our community is growing and thriving after a difficult past few years.

"The program continues to deliver much-needed boosts to our local community groups and is having a positive, tangible effect on the region."

Cr Gulline said she was excited to see community projects develop over the next 12 months.

"Funding has been allocated to a variety of sectors for a diverse range of projects and works," she said.

"We awarded grants to events like the Blue Ribbon Foundation, Art Is and Wimmera Pride Project Night, as well as organisations such as Horsham Neighbourhood House, U3A and Horsham Paws.".

"Each and every one of the 65 successful community groups have their own unique and valuable place in our community. They make our municipality better."

"Funding goes toward new equipment, facility upgrades and renovations, events and celebrations, and everything in between."

Grant applications are reviewed by HRCC staff before being presented to Councillors for consideration.

The criteria includes whether or not the community group has in-kind support or financial contributions toward the project, whether they have received a grant before, and whether the project aligns with Council's goals and strategies. Applications that support community inclusion attract close consideration.