Community groups share in $731k of council grants

THE City of Greater Geelong 2021-22 Community Grants program has shared $731,840 in funding between a total of 135 local community groups, bringing the council’s total 2021-22 Community Grant budget to just over $4.934 million.

The local clubs and organisations will receive grants ranging from $260 to $10,000 to support community-based projects, local arts projects, festivals, community events, environmental sustainability initiatives and equipment purchases.

Mayor Stephanie Asher said funding enabled council to effectively support local groups who already contribute significantly to the Greater Geelong community.

“Most of the clubs and groups we support through the grants program are volunteer-led, and they almost always run on a very tight budget,” Cr Asher said.

“We hope these grants will relieve some financial pressure, and help the recipients continue making a positive difference in our community.”

The grant recipients also include funding for 16 environmental sustainability projects, 17 arts projects, eight arts festivals, 36 community events and 32 community projects.

Twenty-six groups received up to $2000 to buy equipment, including the East Geelong Little Athletics Club which successfully received an $1860 grant to buy discuses, hurdles, shot puts, a rake, agility equipment and an equipment trolley.

Club president Kylie Harris said as the smallest club of the Geelong Little Athletics Centre the funding would enable the club to buy the equipment needed for its 47 members.

“I want to establish East Geelong as a club that can provide team training with proper equipment – something we have been unable to do since I took over the club two years ago,” Ms Harris said.

“With the purchase of this equipment the kids will be able to not only do running but also learn warm-up skills and practice for field events, and the best thing is that it will help build confidence in a fun team environment.”

Chair of the council’s Finance portfolio, Cr Anthony Aitken, said community groups could expect more grants as apart of the 2021-22 Community Grants program.

“Our major grants of up to $350,000, which help fund new community facilities, will be awarded before the end of the year, as will our Geelong Heritage and First Nations Cultural Heritage grants,” Cr Aitken said.

“So the council absolutely recognises the importance of grants in terms of supporting community-based groups, and we continue to heavily fund the program through our annual budget.”

This year community events organisers were for the first time able to apply for funding to support COVIDSafe compliance.

In early 2022, a second round of applications will open for the remaining of $44,438 to be awarded in Environmental Sustainability grants.

An independent panel assesses all grant applications using set criteria. Grants are then signed off by the council.

A full list of the initial group of 2021-22 community grant recipients can be viewed at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/grants.