Funding local ideas that matter

COUNCIL’S next Community Grants round opens tomorrow, Saturday 27 June.

With more than $2.5 million available across 12 different grants, there is funding for everything from community infrastructure and environmental sustainability through to events, creative projects, health and wellbeing initiatives and community strengthening activities.

Previous local projects to receive funding include the Highton Bowls Club, which received a $166,000 Community Infrastructure Grant towards improvements at the club.

Not every grant is a large amount, but that does not mean they are any less important locally.

South Barwon Cricket Club received funding in the same category to install an electronic scoreboard, improving the experience for players and spectators while helping the club attract larger events in the future.

The Highton Tennis Club received an Environmental Sustainability Grant to upgrade its existing hot water system so it could be more energy efficient. This is the sort of practical upgrade many clubs need as power costs rise and facilities get older.

Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Highton’s Buzz, Bloom and Thrive project secured a Climate Change Partnerships Grant to help residents transform nature strips into greener, more environmentally sustainable spaces that support biodiversity and help communities adapt to climate change.

Some of the most worthwhile community projects never receive funding, not because they aren’t great ideas, but because the people behind them don’t know where to find funding or are unsure about how to navigate the application process.

For many community groups, particularly those run entirely by volunteers, preparing a grant application can feel daunting. Finding the right funding opportunity, understanding eligibility requirements and writing a strong application all take time and effort.

This year, the City of Greater Geelong is launching a new and interactive grant writing course covering how to find funding opportunities, understand guidelines and write clear and strong applications.

The Grant Writing for Success course includes practical examples, test-your-knowledge questions and specialised resources designed to help participants write better and more successful applications.

The city will also host free information sessions and grant writing workshops to offer tailored advice about the application process including eligibility, grant guidelines and helpful tips.

The in-person information sessions will be held at Wurriki Nyal, 137-149 Mercer St, Geelong on Wednesday 8 July and Thursday 9 July from 6pm to 7.30pm.

The session for Community Infrastructure Grants is scheduled for Wednesday 8 July and with $1.5 million available in this grant stream, this information session will be valuable for many local groups in need of upgrades to their clubrooms or meeting spaces.

Whether you are part of an established organisation or considering applying for a grant for the first time, I encourage you to make use of the available support.

The examples we see of successfully funded past projects, all had one important ingredient: local people putting up their hand to put the grant application in.

So, if you’ve got a great idea for an event or project or your community group or sports club could use some extra support, please have a look at what grants are available.

To discuss your project or get help with the application process, contact council’s grants team at [email protected] or call 5272 5560.

To see a full breakdown of the available grants, or to register for information sessions, visit geelong.link/community-grants

Cr Ron Nelson

Barrabool Hills ward,

City of Greater Geelong