Council looks to streamline grant applications

The City of Mount Gambier will introduce a new streamlined application process for all community grants and sponsorships from July 1 this year.

Council’s Grants and Sponsorships program assists eligible groups and individuals with funds and in kind support to host community events, upgrade infrastructure or facilitate art projects to meet community needs and improve quality of life in accordance with the Strategic Plan.

The Grants and Sponsorship Policy will ensure that council funding is administered to all individuals and groups in an equitable manner in two funding rounds each year, the first is open for application in July and awarded in September and the second is open for application in February and awarded in April.

City of Mount Gambier manager economy, strategy and engagement Biddie Shearing said the revised funding conditions and criteria would make applying for funds and receiving financial support straightforward and clear.

South East Auto Club member Peter Lock said council’s support was critical to run the Legend of the Lakes Hillclimb event.

“Valley Lake/Ketla Malpi is an extremely unique area to have access to, the location is like no other,” Lock said. “We are grateful for the outstanding in kind support provided and visitors are always surprised how supportive our council is.”

A request for a grant or sponsorship must adhere to requirements set out within the application guidelines.

All requests will be assessed against the predetermined criteria and the assessment panel will consist of two elected members and council staff.

Grants & Sponsorships program includes:

• Minor Community Strengthening Grants – Up to $1500

Funds provided to community organisations to support the delivery of community events.

• Major Community Strengthening Grants – $1501 to $10,000

Funds provided to major/significant events to attract substantial

economic benefit and visitation to the city.

• Creative Arts Fund – From $3000

The Creative Arts Fund provides artists, community groups and non-profit community organisations with funds for creative public art projects.

• Sport and Recreation Capital Works – Up to $50,000 – minimum total project cost of $10,000

Funds to assist in the development of, and/or capital renewal of sport and recreation infrastructure.

• Minor Events Grant – Up to $2000

Funds provided to community organisations to support the delivery of community events.

• Major Events Grant – $2000 – $15,000

Funds provided to major/significant events held within the city to attract substantial economic benefit and visitation to Mount Gambier.

• Corporate Sponsorship – Over $15,000

Funds for large-scale signature events or programs that have the potential to be regionally, nationally or internationally significant which provide substantial visitation, media coverage, profiling opportunities and economic impact for the city.

• Quick Response – Up to $2000

Funds to support small funding programs which were previously open on an ongoing basis throughout the year as council transitions to the new funding program.

• Venue Sponsorship – Up to $1500

Funds for the use of nominated council facilities to support local not-for-profit organisation to deliver activities that provide meaningful social impact and respond to community need.