City expands grants for community groups

MORE community groups and organisations will be supported through the City of Greater Geelong’s expanded range of grant programs.

The council has allocated more than $8.3 million to the Community Investment and Support Fund (CISF) in its proposed 2019-20 budget.

If adopted in the final budget, it would raise the value of the unified fund by more than 30 per cent from 2018-19.

The increased pool includes a larger Community Infrastructure Grants Fund, which has doubled in size to $2 million.

A further $1 million would also be available for groups on private land, where they can show it will be used by the broader community.

Applicants for both programs can receive up to $50,000 for planning and up to $350,000 to deliver capital works projects for community and sporting facilities.

The Central Geelong Heritage Fund would provide priority project grants of up to $70,000 to support the restoration of commercial heritage building facades in priority areas of the CBD.

There are also general project grants of up to $30,000 available for other heritage restoration projects within Central Geelong.

Scores of grants up to $6000 would be allocated under the Healthy and Connected Communities, Creative Communities and the Environment and Sustainability programs.

“There are hundreds of great clubs and groups in our region who provide activities and social opportunities for their local community,” Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said.

“The council is keen to see them thrive, which is why we’ve invested heavily in our expanded grants program.

“This will support the valuable grassroots projects that will benefit countless clubs and their members.”

Applications will be received from June 7 until Friday August 2.

Public information sessions will be held to discuss the funding opportunities and to answer questions about individual projects at the Leopold Community and Learning Centre on June 5 from 6-8pm.

To register to attend an information session and for further information on the range of programs available, head to the website at geelongaustralia.com.au/grants.