New Way Forward for Council Grants and Sponsorships

Published on 05 November 2020

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Northern Grampians Shire Council is changing the way it processes a range of grants and sponsorships programs to a month-by-month assessment and funding cycle. 

This new approach to funding means that applications on a select list of grants and sponsorships will be accepted and evaluated monthly throughout the year.

Grants that fall under this new program are:

The Business Support Grant: 

A grant that supports business development projects up to $5,000.

Events Funding Grant: 

A grant that funds community events up to $1,500 and major events up to $20,000.

Stronger Partnerships Grant:

A grant specifically for local projects delivered in partnership up to $10,000.

Minor Grants:

Minor grants up to $500 are available to successful applicants to support businesses, community groups, organisations or individuals.

Sponsorships and Contributions:

Council will contribute up to $3,000 annually for a period of one to three years to successful applicants.

Residents should note that the Community Grants program for local projects that enhance health and wellbeing will not be part of this year round program and will continue to run via two competitive rounds (September and February) for projects up to $5,000.

Applicants can apply for the first round of grants and sponsorships by 5pm on 10 November.  Council officers will then assess on 24 November.

Applications can be received all year round, but the cut off dates will determine when the application will be reviewed.  In 2021 applications will be due on the first Tuesday of the month, for assessment on the fourth Tuesday of the month.

Applicants must first make contact with the Community Development Team to discuss their idea and seek guidance on the most appropriate grant for their project. Only one grant stream per organisation per financial year is permitted so it is important that the most appropriate grant stream is selected.

Northern Grampians Shire Council CEO, Liana Thompson, says this new assessment cycle will make the process of seeking out project funding a lot easier for the community. 

“The best part of this new month-by-month cycle for funding applications is that an individual or organisation can now apply at a time of year that suits them and their project deadline,” she said. 

“Often applying for a grant means having to wait weeks for the next round to commence and this can slow down the whole process of getting a project up and running.

“The monthly application cycle is a lot more responsive and, we believe, helpful at kickstarting projects when the applicants make the most use of the funding.

“If you or your organisation have an idea that requires funding we encourage you to look at the wide selection of grants and sponsorships available each month and discuss your application with our community development officers.”

Further information on the new monthly funding is available at www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/grants

 

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