Benalla Rural City Council has launched its Community Grants Program for 2023, with $90,000 in total available for local community organisations.
This year's program will see a number of changes to grants funding and comes with the introduction of a new online grants portal for community groups, businesses and individuals to access additional non-Council funding opportunities.
Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn said that these grants provide a vital boost to local community groups and events and will now be quicker and easier to access.
"The former $500 Community Sponsorship Grants have been renamed Quick Response Grants and will now be awarded fortnightly, this will allow community groups to get the funding they need when they need it," Cr Hearn said.
"Additionally, the Youth Participation Grants of $500 will be open for applications all year, making it easier for young people to pitch their ideas when they have them.
"The Major Event Funding has increased from $1,500 to $2,000 to better support major events in the community."
The Community Grants Program, which provide up to $2,500 to support various initiatives and events, are now open for applications. Applications for the Community Grants Program close on 24 March 2023.
"The Annual Grants Program provides the opportunity for all community groups and individuals to further contribute to community life," Cr Hearn said.
Benalla Rural City Council has also announced the launch of the Benalla Funding Finder online portal. This online funding search tool makes it easier for community groups, local businesses, not-for-profits, and individuals to access funding opportunities from a range of sources.
Council will be hosting a community information session at the Benalla Senior Citizens Centre on Thursday 16 February between 5.30pm–6.30pm. The event will provide information on all of Councils grant programs and will introduce the Benalla Funding Finder online search tool. Tomorrow Today also will speak at this event about their funding opportunities for 2023.
