Thousands of dollars up for grabs for local groups

APPLICATIONS for round two of South Gippsland Shire Council’s Community Grants Program are now open.

To help community groups with their applications, an information session will be held on January 20 at 6.30pm.

The session will brief prospective applicants on what can and can’t be funded and provide a demonstration of the Smarty Grants online application process. When applicants register for this session, they will be asked a couple of questions that will help inform council what kind of event should be held (online or in-person) and what questions applicants want answered during the session.

Grants are available in the following categories: Minor Projects and Equipment Grant (up to $5000), Major Projects and Equipment Grant (up to $10,000), Festival and Events Grant (up to $10,000) and Planning and Development Reports (up to $10,000).

Minor Project and Equipment Grants help to assist community groups with capital work projects, the purchase of equipment or the costs associated with adopting a new or improved service. Festival and Event Grants help to support locally run community events, and Planning and Development Reports can help local groups to produce a business case or evidence of viability for community-based projects or facilities.

South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor, Mohya Davies, said the program provides essential funding opportunities for local groups and organisations.

“These grants help them deliver programs, events and services that benefit our entire community,” Cr Davies said.

“I am so pleased that council is able to support our community with these funding opportunities and look forward to considering the applications that come forward during this round.”

Applicants are encouraged to read the Community Grant Guidelines 2021-22 before applying to ensure they meet the guidelines. To read these guidelines and make your grant application, please visit southgippsland.vic.gov.au/grants.

Grant applications close midnight March 31, 2022.

To confirm your attendance at the Community Grant Information Session, please register online at eventbrite.com.au/e/south-gippsland-community-grants-information-session-tickets-237898640237.

If you have any questions or need help applying, please contact the grants team on 5662 9200 or grants@southgippsland.vic.gov.au.