Image: Hills Community Aid are previous grant recipients and were awarded grant funding for a new bus for their Community Transport program.
Residents, businesses and community groups are invited to have their say on a new grants policy that prioritises support for community groups with a strong social impact.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said the new policy contained several changes that strived to more fairly distribute Council's support for groups making a positive contribution.
"Council's community grants program has been in great demand over the last few years, with record support given for a range of initiatives including domestic violence prevention, cultural events and youth initiatives," Mayor Byrne said.
"These changes are designed to give maximum support for initiatives that have maximum impact in our Shire.
"The new policy also ensures that support is shared around, with new innovations prioritised over initiatives that have previously received Council support."
Proposed key changes to the policy include:
- New funding streams including Community Grants; Arts, Culture and Event Grants; Orange Blossom Festival Grants; Minor Grants
- Removal of individual grant program
- Recognition of prior years funding
- Grants to be assessed by panel of Council staff and independent external experts prior to approval by Council
To view the policy or make a submission, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
