Community and sporting clubs and groups, not-for-profit organisations and event organisers can now apply for funding through three Mildura Rural City Council grant programs.
Council's Events Funding and Support Program, Recreation Assistance Program and Quick Response Program all opened for applications this month.
Events Funding and Support
This program offers the following funding streams:
- Hallmark (Tier 1) Events (up to $50,000 available)
- Major (Tier 2) Events (up to $20,000 available
- Community (Tier 3) Events (up to $5000 available)
- Community Events Support Grants (up $2,500 available)
Event organisers who have not previously applied through the Events Funding and Support program are asked to speak to Council's Events and Projects Unit before starting an application.
Councillor for Tourism and Events Mark Eckel said the program aims to grow the region's visitor economy.
"We are looking for events which encourage the engagement with local businesses to deliver the event, stimulate the local economy and provide an opportunity for locals to engage and participate in the community," Cr Eckel said.
"These grants will support events and continue building our region's reputation as a major event destination."
Recreation Assistance Grants
Council's Recreation Assistance Grants program provides almost $230,000 a year, increasing participation in sport and recreation, and increasing access to a broader range of quality sporting and recreation facilities and programs.
Funding is available across three streams:
- Club Support Grant: Up to $2,000 available
- Recreation Planning Grant: Up to $19,000 available
- Minor Facility Upgrade Grant: Up to $20,000 available
Councillor for Sport and Recreation Ian Arney encouraged local clubs to apply for the latest round of grants.
"This funding round will not only benefit existing members, but help sports and clubs expand and grow," Cr Arney said.
"Sport and sporting clubs play a major role in the social, physical and psychological well-being of our community.
"Sporting clubs, which are mainly run by very dedicated volunteers, can now apply for funding through the Recreation Assistance Grants program to help maintain and grow their membership bases and provide better sporting conditions."
Council will provide $2 for every dollar contributed to successful event applications and clubs, however Club Support Grant applicants who are applying for projects that address Gender Equity will be exempt from this requirement.
The Recreation Assistant and Event Funding and Support Grant programs are open for applications until Monday 18 March.
Quick Response Grants
Council's Quick Response Grants offer up to $2000 to support projects and initiatives that address an immediate need in the community.
This could include community workshops, small revegetation projects, marketing and promotion of a community project, emergency response and relief and much more.
Eligible applications are assessed within 14 days and will close in June 2024.
Councillors for Community Development and Gender Equity Helen Healy said the Quick Response grant program provides opportunities to get programs and initiatives off the ground.
"The 14-day turnaround period provided assurances to applicants that if successful, funding will be received in a timely fashion to enable their program to commence," Cr Healy said.
"Priority will be given to applications that, for instance, promote health and wellbeing, increase volunteer participation and help people feel safe in our community, support children and young people to reach their full potential and increase community education and awareness of environmental issues including climate change."
