The second round of Council’s Greater Grants Program for 2020/21 will open early next year. Local groups and individuals are being encouraged to start thinking about projects that may benefit the community, particularly initiatives to help strengthen and reconnect after a challenging year.
Grant applications officially open at 9:00am on 18 January 2021 and close at 4:00pm 19 February 2021.
Mayor Cr. Bruach Colliton said Council is pleased to be able to offer funding to community groups across a broad range of grant categories including Community Infrastructure, Arts and Cultural Development, Community Strengthening, Tourism and Events, Environmental Sustainability, and Heritage.
“The first round of Greater Grants funding for 2020/21 was remarkably popular due to the fact we were in tight COVID restrictions. We encouraged communities to think outside the box and plan initiatives to stay connected during the more difficult times,” Cr Colliton said.
The community rose to the challenge and a wide variety of groups were awarded first round of Greater Grants funding for 2020/21 including:
• Coleraine and District Development Association – Old Shire Hall Community Hub
• Penshurst Progress Association – Santa Sleigh / Christmas Display
• Hamilton Old Time Dance Group – Equipment Upgrade
• Coleraine Racing Club – Grandstand Restoration
• Cavendish Townscape – Cavendish Community Information Board
• Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation – Laneway Art Project
• Hamilton Archery Club – Lighting Upgrade
“I encourage all community groups who have a project idea or initiative they need some assistance with, to get in touch with our grants team directly and have a chat about your eligibility,” Cr Colliton said.
Council’s Greater Grants program offers eligible community groups to access up to $15,000 per financial year for initiatives, events and projects that directly benefit the Southern Grampians Shire. Applications for more than $2,500 must demonstrate cash or in-kind contributions and must provide evidence of cash held, or must be able to demonstrate their financial capacity.
Eligibility criteria and information on how to apply, including the full guidelines and application form are available on Council’s grants page www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/grants or by contacting Customer Service on 5573 0444.