Council calls for grant nominations
Council is looking for projects, events and services to support via its formal grants program.
Grants will be handed out in two categories - Community Benefit and Cultural Development - with nominations opening on June 1 and closing on June 22.
Last year, Council handed out more than $150,000 in grants to local organisations, projects and individual sportspeople.
Some of the recipients of Council’s Community Benefit Grants were organisations such as Brackets and Jam to help with the running of the 15th annual Gathering of the Clans and Northlakes Regional Business Chamber to assist with their efforts to establish a community graffiti trailer.
Council’s Cultural Development Grants assisted organisations including the Australian Red Cross for its Ganang Community Development Through Dance program and Toukley and District Senior Citizens Club Inc for its Introduction to the Orchestra Program.
This year, those wishing to nominate are advised there is a change to Council’s grant applications form and procedures.
“We are reviewing our grant programs to create more consistency and clarity between the programs,” Council’s Manager of Corporate Governance Lesley Crawley said.
“As part of the review, some amendments have been made to the procedures and application forms for the Community Benefit and Cultural Development grants.
“What we hope is that the changes make the application process easier and we encourage groups and individuals to submit their applications.”
From July 1, it is proposed to have a streamlined application process with worthy grant applications sought twice yearly.
“For the next two financial years, applications will be sought in June and February,” Ms Crawley said.
“From 2013-14, grants will be advertised in August and February, with successful applicants receiving funds during October and April.”
Another change includes those organisations seeking to have fees waived for the hire of Council facilities, grounds or provision of services including portable toilets and garbage collection.
Organisations seeking this type of assistance will now be required to make a submission under either the Community Benefit or Cultural Development Programs.
Council will also host a free event seminar for local event organisers on June 21.
The seminar will address Council’s requirements for events and introduce new initiatives, forms and processes for holding events in the Shire.
Changes to grant applications and application periods will also be addressed, along with Council’s sponsorship policy.
Media contact:
Cameron Bell
02 4350 1667
0434 324 645
