Council’s Community grants now open

Strathbogie Shire Council is encouraging local not-for-profit community groups to apply for Council’s 2024-25 Community Grant Program. Have you got a project that will make a difference in your community?

Applications are now open for the 2024/25 Community Strengthening Grants and the new Reducing Emissions Grant.

Community Strengthening Grants provide grants of up to $10,000 to support local community groups to bring people together to connect, collaborate, celebrate, upskill, share resources, and put ideas into action.

The new Reducing Emissions Grants provide up to $20,000 for energy saving initiatives at community managed, Council owned facilities. This may include upgrading to energy efficient appliances or renewable energy sources.

Strathbogie Shire Administrator Peter Stephenson said the Reducing Emissions Grant will go a long way to supporting Council’s Climate Change Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support groups to simply save on energy costs.

‘The Reducing Emissions Grant is an exciting opportunity for our community managed Council facilities to implement energy saving initiatives.’ Mr Stephenson said.

‘The Community Strengthening grant is another opportunity for groups to obtain funds to deliver a project or initiative that is important to them. In the past Council has funded projects that build the social capital of the local community, such as the development of community websites, the purchase of sporting equipment to provide all abilities access, and the delivery of creative workshops.’

‘Council’s Grant programs provide an important avenue to support the community to achieve valuable projects that align with our Council Plan 2021-25 and deliver significant community benefit,’ he said.

The popular Quick Response Grants for up to $1000, and Events Grants for up to $5000 will continue in 2024-25 and are open all year round.

Mr Stephenson extended an invitation to potential applicants to attend either an online or face to face workshop.

‘Council will host workshops to guide community members on how to prepare a grant application, answer any questions regarding the Community Grants Program and application process, and provide guidance on project suitability,” he added.

Workshop details:

For more information or a copy of the grant guidelines, timeframes, FAQs or to apply visit: www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/community/grants-and-funding/community-grants