Ashbury Community Fund grant applications now open

IN what is sure to be good news for Armstrong Creek residents, this month sees the launch of the 2019 Ashbury Community Fund following the overwhelming success of the estate’s inaugural grants program last year.

An annual initiative of the Dennis Family Corporation, the Ashbury Community Fund awards financial grants to local not-for-profit organisations in the Armstrong Creek neighbourhood. Eligible not-for-profit groups operating in the 3216, 3217 and 3228 postcode areas are invited to apply for grants of either $500 or $1,000, which will be assessed by an independent judging panel.

The Dennis Family Corporation has successfully operated Community Funds across its residential estates both in Victoria and South East Queensland since 2002 and has distributed more than $600,000 in grants providing invaluable financial support to local not-for-profit groups.

In 2018 Ashbury estate was the latest to benefit from this initiative, with the Grovedale Toy Library, the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club Nipper Program, Mt Duneed Pony Club, Neighbourhood Watch Armstrong Creek and Connewarre Fire Brigade amongst 15 local community groups receiving grants totalling $12,000 at the inaugural Ashbury Community Fund presentation evening.

Announcing the launch of this year’s Ashbury Community Fund, Dennis Family Group Managing Director, Grant Dennis said that the concept was introduced within the family-owned business as a practical way of giving back to the communities it creates.

“A vibrant healthy community takes more than bricks and mortar. It requires a range of services delivered by community groups and associations,” Mr Dennis said.

“But while the work done by these groups and the contributions they make to local communities is invaluable, it often goes unrecognised.

“Every year we allocate funding to assist a wide range of special activities and community programs, helping people of all ages.

“Over the years, we’ve provided grants to hundreds of different organisations to help make their projects possible.

“So, it’s very satisfying for us to be able to provide financial support for the many worthy organisations in and around Armstrong Creek where our Ashbury development is located.”

The Grovedale Toy Library, which last year received a $1,000 grant in support of its Active Families program, is run completely by member volunteers and funded solely by memberships and fundraising.

One of the Toy Library’s biggest ongoing challenges is ensuring it has enough toys to meet the growing demand of the local community.

Last year’s grant from the Ashbury Community Fund allowed it to replace many older and most popular toys with new ones.

Mr. Dennis encourages any groups who missed out on a grant in 2018 to make sure they lodge an application this year.

For eligibility criteria and how to apply visit ashburyestate.com.au and click on the Community Fund menu button. Applications opened on August 5 and will close at 5pm, September 13.