Community callout for major grassroots grants review
Bass Coast Shire has invited local residents, volunteers, and not-for-profit organisations to have their say in a review of council's community grants process.
A MAJOR re-evaluation of Bass Coast’s community funding framework has been kicked off with a call-out to local residents, volunteers, and not-for-profit organisations to share firsthand their experiences with the community grants process.
Bass Coast Shire intends to use the upcoming review to refine administrative processes and make application pathways clearer for everyone.
The initiative aims to completely review and fine-tune how grassroots funding is allocated to ensure public money effectively hits the precise areas where it’s needed most.
The funding review will examine the current two-tier structure for Quick Response and Community Grants (with Major Project options) which was specifically designed to scale across a broad spectrum of project sizes and financial needs.
From acquiring crucial volunteer equipment and launching vibrant cultural festivals, to spearheading urgent climate action projects and restoring historic local halls, community grants have provided a financial lifeline for many volunteer organisations.
Under the current framework, minor or immediate operational needs are addressed through Quick Response Grants of up to $2,000. These specific grants operate on a flexible monthly cycle, closing only in June, allowing groups to swiftly pivot and secure resources when unexpected community opportunities arise.
For more substantial project work, the community grants structure provides targeted allocations ranging between $2,001 to $5,000 and select major projects up to $10,000.
The community grants program currently distributes public funding across five dedicated pathways including equipment, other projects, festivals, events and celebrations, and minor capital works.
Sustainability also holds a dedicated position in the current framework through Climate Action Grants, which offer up to $5,000 for minor climate grants, and up to $10,000 for one major project per round.
Meanwhile, large-scale community ambitions are accommodated under the Major Project Funding tier. This top bracket delivers between $5,001 and $10,000 to three major community initiatives during each active grant round.
The upcoming review aims to ensure that the future distribution of public funds remains thoroughly fair, transparent, and equitable for all potential applicants.
Community feedback will play a key role in identifying application barriers, evaluating the current tier thresholds, and optimising how funding is distributed. Local organisations and individuals have been strongly encouraged to participate in the upcoming engagement process to ensure grassroots funding continues to hit the mark.
Local residents are invited to complete an online survey to influence the future funding frameworks for local facilities, programs and events, and attend one of a number of scheduled community engagement sessions.
Information sessions will be held at the Kilcunda Community Centre on Wednesday September 23 from 5pm to 6.30 pm and Newhaven Visitors Centre on Thursday October 1 from 5pm to 6.30 pm.
An online information session will be held on Wednesday September 30 from 7pm to 8.30pm. To register for any of the information sessions Go to Trybooking Community Grants Review What does better look like?
