Funding boost on offer for local community groups

LOCAL community projects could receive a funding boost of up to $10,000, with the City of Greater Bendigo opening applications for its latest round of medium-sized community grants.

The city’s manager of community partnerships, Amy Holmes, said about $850,000 is allocated each year through the program and its various funding streams.

“It’s an important program and we want to see as many groups as possible accessing the funding available,” she said.

“It makes a real difference for local groups as without this funding they would often not be able to undertake important activities that benefit our community.”

Ms Holmes said applicants must be a registered legal entity, such as an incorporated association, to be eligible for funding.

“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.”

Last year’s successful grant recipients include The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion and the Eaglehawk Bendigo Badminton and Table Tennis Stadium.

Grants officers are available to answer enquiries by phone on 1300 002 642, and two drop-in information sessions will be held in the coming days, on 10 February from 11.30am to 1.30pm at Bendigo Library, and 18 February from 12.30pm to 2pm at Galkangu – Bendigo GovHub.

Applications close on 26 February at 4pm.

For more information, visit the CoGB website.