City announces community grants

COMMUNITY groups and organisations across Geelong will share in almost $1.12 million in funding as part of the first round of the City of Greater Geelong’s 2018-19 Community Investment and Support Fund grants.

The council has signed off on a total of 123 grants, as recommended by an independent assessment panel.

Grants fall under five separate categories – Healthy & Connected Communities, Environment & Sustainability, Creative Communities Arts & Festival, Major Heritage, and the Community Facility Infrastructure Fund – and range in size from under $1,000 to more than $200,000.

Environment and sustainability grants have been awarded to 11 groups, including the Mount Duneed Pony Club, which will use a $6,000 grant to improve vegetation at Russells Road Reserve.

The club also received a separate $2,000 grant to upgrade its kitchen equipment to cater for its growing number of members.

“There are so many clubs and groups doing amazing work for the benefit of our community, and it’s a very worthwhile investment of ratepayer funds to help those groups through this grants program,” Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said.

“Our 30-year ‘clever and creative’ vision aims for our community to be connected, sustainable, designed for people, prosperous, and creative. We also want to be a place that cares for its people.

“Each grant awarded via the Community Investment and Support Fund helps us work towards those goals in some way, and whether large or small, every grant will make a difference for the group who receives it.”

Many of those who missed out this time will have another chance, with applications re-opening last week for the Healthy & Connected Communities, Major Heritage and Community Facilities Infrastructure Funds.

The second round of grants will award the remaining funding in the program’s $1.713 million budget. Applications for new projects are also welcome.

To receive funds, applicants must meet the stablished guidelines that govern the grant program. For a full list of successful grant applicants, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/grants.