Community groups are encouraged to apply for funding support as Council makes approximately $300,000 available via the 2020 Community Development Grants and Community Sponsorship programs.
Last year 31 local groups, events and regional ambassadors received Council grants and sponsorship support. Recipients ranged from the Aberfeldy Cemetery Trust to the West Gippsland Hockey Association and everything in between, demonstrating the wide breadth of funding opportunities available.
With application rounds set to open on Monday 13 January, and further opportunities to follow throughout 2020, now is a great time for local groups and clubs to consider their projects for the year ahead.
Council funding support is divided into two broad streams: Community Development Grants and Community Sponsorship. Both present unique funding opportunities according to different eligibility criteria.
Community Development Grants
Community Development Grants are available to eligible non-profit community groups across three categories: environment, equipment, and minor capital works.
Minor Capital Works grants provide up to $10,000 to match community contributions towards minor repairs, renovations and associated infrastructure to community buildings/clubrooms/facilities. Expressions of interest (EOI) open 13 January to 5 February 2020, with successful EOIs asked to submit a second round application between 2 March and 10 April 2020.
Environment grants provide funding of up to $5,000 for activities or projects that benefit Baw Baw's environment. Applications open 3 February to 13 March 2020.
Equipment grants provide funding of up to $5,000 for funding for equipment required for the successful operation or service delivery. Applications open 3 February to 13 March 2020.Visit Council's Community Development Grants webpage for full eligibility criteria and applications. Anyone wishing to discuss their application in further detail may make an appointment by calling 1300 229 299.
Community Sponsorship
Council Community Sponsorship program provides funding support to local community events as well as to ambassadors that positively promote the Baw Baw region.
Eligible events may receive up to $5,000 in sponsorship funding. Eligible Baw Baw Ambassadors may receive up to $500 for individuals or $1,500 for groups or teams.
The next round of sponsorship funding applications are open from 13 January to 9 February 2020.
Visit Council's Community Sponsorship webpage for full eligibility criteria and applications.
As stated by Mayor Cr Danny Goss
"Our Community Groups add so much value to Baw Baw. Whether it is sporting club committees, kindergarten parent and friend groups, environment groups, cemetery trusts, or the team behind a local event, we all benefit in some way from the work of our shire's dedicated volunteers.
"Council's Community Development Grants and Sponsorship Program is Council's way of acknowledging the incredible contribution these groups make and helping them achieve their goals in 2020."
