Murray River Council has this week adopted its updated Community Financial Assistance Program Framework.
The framework outlines Council's allocation of funds to the community and the guiding principles behind these contributions.
The newly adopted framework covers Council's annual financial support programs including the Community Grants Fund, Quick Response Grants and the Local Heritage Fund Program.
It also includes a comprehensive list of eligible recipients who can seek funding under an 'annual allocation'.
"The annual allocation stream offers contributions towards nominated annual celebrations, events and programs that support community-strengthening initiatives across our area," Mayor, Chris Bilkey said.
"This approach eliminates the need for individual reports to be submitted to the council each time a community group requests financial assistance."
"By streamlining the process, the council can efficiently allocate funds to community groups in a timely manner."
The updated document offers detailed information on the various programs through which the community can receive financial assistance from the council.
"This Framework helps us streamline the process of grant funding so that we can support our local community groups in an efficient and transparent manner," Cr Bilkey said.
The detailed Community Financial Assistance Program Framework can be viewed in the June 2023 council agenda.
Funding stream overview:
Local Heritage Fund:
The LHF provides funding for conservation projects on heritage items and items of heritage significance within Murray River Council. Applications are assessed by Council's Heritage Advisory Committee, who then make recommendations to Council on which projects to fund.
Community Grant Program:
The Community Grants program offers financial support to not-for-profit community organisations and groups for projects, equipment, events, exhibitions, or performances which contribute positively to the Murray River community. Two rounds are available each financial year, with $30,000 available in each round.
Quick response grants:
The intended purpose of Council's Quick Response Grants is to provide Council with an opportunity to fund worthy and extraordinary opportunities that were not able to be considered for funding as part of the Community Grants process.
Annual allocations:
This is a non-competitive category, with funding allocated within Council's annual budget to events and projects approved by Council through this framework.
