Does your community group need new equipment or funds to deliver an event, program or environmental initiative?
Groups within Baw Baw Shire can soon apply for grants of up to $5000 to make these endeavours a reality.
Encouraging local community groups to start preparing applications, Baw Baw Shire announced the second round of its 2023/24 community projects grants would open on Monday, February 5 and close at 12noon on Friday, February 23.
Baw Baw Shire mayor Annemarie McCabe said she was looking forward to seeing the type of projects and programs which would be funded this year.
Previous successful grants have been used to purchase defibrillators, cover costs of running community events, running community training and replacing sport equipment.
To date, the 2023/24 community grants program - split into community project and minor capital works streams - has provided more than $300,000 to groups in the past two years. Round one of the community projects grants delivered more than $140,000.
"Our community grants program is designed to support the community groups who support our residents, and make the shire a better place to live," Cr McCabe said.
As groups begin preparations, Cr McCabe said they must meet with the council's grants team to gain information, one-on-one support and advice. She said this allowed groups to get a better understanding of how to submit a high-quality application.
"During these appointments, council officers will ask questions, build on ideas that meet the purpose of the grant, help enhance the application and make suggestions to ensure groups have the best chance of receiving the funding," she said.
Appointments can be made by calling Baw Baw Shire Council on 1300 229 229 or emailing grants@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au
Applications for the minor capital works program as well as round one of the 2024/25 community projects will open later this year.