New funding streams added to Community Grants Program

THE Surf Coast Shire will introduce two new funding streams to its popular Community Grants Program.

At its July meeting, the council endorsed the inclusion of both a health and wellbeing and minor capital works categories for the 2023-24 program, with the aim of streamlining the processing of applications and encouraging submissions.

Health and wellbeing grants have previously been among the most sought-after in the grants program.

The shire has indicated a targeted health and wellbeing stream will enable community partnerships and continue to work towards priorities outlined in their Health and Wellbeing Plan.

The inclusion of a specific minor capital works program will also allow the shire to process applications more effectively, as this category typically demands more detailed scoping than the others.

Deputy mayor Mike Bodsworth said the changes would help the shire to support the aspirations of the Surf Coast community.

“We are continually amazed and impressed by the breadth, vision and purpose of project applications and the community skills and expertise behind them.

“We continually look for ways to improve our grants program to help ensure that it provides the right scope and ease of access for applications, and these latest updates will further enable us to support projects which help our community and environment to thrive.”

As part of a mid-program review, the shire also approved adjustments to existing funding streams.

Quick Response Grant Program has been increased from $2,000 to $3,000, the Natural Environment Grant Program from $5,000 to $8,000, while partnership projects of up to $10,000 will now be allowed in the Climate Emergency Program, alongside individual grants of up to $5,000.

Grant applications for health and wellbeing and minor capital projects will open in September 2023.

For more information, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Community/Grants