Surf Coast community grants scheme opens

THE latest round of Torquay Community Enterprise (TCE) grants are open, with applications for up to $2000 open until May 22.

The program offers grants to charitable and not-for-profit organisations for the benefit of the community who are seeking additional funding for Surf Coast projects and activities must offer clear public benefit to these communities, building social capital and supporting community welfare.

During the peak of the pandemic TCE provided disaster-related funding to specific needs such as farmers’ relief and food aid, but it’s now looking to kick start grass roots projects again.

“This grant round is really important to get community engaged again and coming together, especially after everything seems to have been on pause for the last couple of years,” TCE chair Bowen Kress said.

“All the charity and volunteer groups getting active again, that’s what this grant is here for.”

Supported categories include sports, arts, wellbeing, environment, family, youth and historical and are eligible across all of 3228 postcode.

Past funding recipients such as Ocean Mind and Marlin Water polo purchased equipment to run surf sessions and buy water polo goals.

“The way we are funded is through the Bendigo Bank partnership, the only way we get funding is by people banking with Bendigo,” Mr Kress said.

A policy guide, program criteria and online application form are available at: www.torquaycommunityenterprise.org.au