Grants support community initiatives

MORE than than $65,000 has been awarded to eight community initiatives in Benefit Geelong’s latest round of grants.

The not-for-profit organisation is dedicated to helping the Greater Geelong Community through grants, connections and advocacy for community groups and projects.

Grant applications were open to not-for-profit organisations, clubs and community groups to support activities that benefit the local community.

Benefit Geelong chair Chris Hickey said the grants would support local projects and initiatives that might have otherwise struggled to get financial support.

“The high number of requests we received underscores the vital importance of our work and the ongoing needs within our community.”

Creativity Australia received $15,000 so its With One Voice Geelong choir can perform with and for aged care residential facilities in Geelong.

The funding will allow them to partner with aged care centres to provide regular free choir sessions with the aim of improving the health and wellbeing for those in the facilitates.

Residents will also be invited to join in singing and at the end of the program will participate in a final performance.

Mr Hickey said when it came to picking the eight grant recipients the projects stood out due to their clear objectives and tangible impact.

“Each project demonstrated a strong alignment with Benefit Geelong’s mission to support the local community, showcasing their potential to address critical issues and create lasting benefits to residents.”

The selected projects will benefit the community by empowering marginalised groups, fostering a sense of belong and unity, supporting the development of maintenance of community spaces and providing essential services to residents.

Benefit Geelong have been in operation for 18 months and in that time has donated more than $400,000 to community projects in the region, enhancing the lives of residents.

Ella Howard was also awarded the student scholarship and will undertake a Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University.

For more information and the full list of recipients, head to benefitgeelong.com.au