Community grants of up to $10,000 on offer

THE City of Greater Bendigo has called for local groups to apply for as much as $10,000 as part of the medium grants category of its Community Grants Program.

The council allocates about $850,000 through the program and its various categories every year.

City community partnerships manager Andie West said council staff want to see “as many groups as possible” accessing the funding.

“The Medium Grants category help(s) community groups afford things that are essential for them to function and that support activities that will align with the aims of (the City),” she said. “The program is fantastic for local groups as they would often not be able to undertake important activities that benefit our community without this funding.”

She said to be considered for a grant, applicants must be a registered legal entity such as an incorporated association.

“However, if you are (an) informal group or individual your application can be submitted by an auspice organisation,” she said.

“Before applying, groups should consider if there is a clear need for their activity, if there is community support for their activity and if they have the resources needed to deliver the activity.”

Applications close on Wednesday 26 February. The program’s Community Group Essentials category, which offers up to $2000 and is designed to support community groups with the affordability of operational costs that are essential to their effective and safe functioning, can be applied for at any time.

Find out more on the COGB website.