6 October 2022 - Community Grant Program Hits Refresh
Cassowary Coast Regional Council has endorsed a new Community Grants Program which increases opportunities available for individuals or groups, and provides funding for a broader array of projects to benefit the Cassowary Coast community.
Modified into three categories, the new Community Grants Program will provide grant opportunities to support Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability and Community Wellbeing and Lifestyle. The new Program will support local initiatives that endeavor to make positive change and contribute to a vibrant and diverse community.
Community and Culture Portfolio Holder, Councillor Trudy Tschui said the new changes will see an increase in the amount of funding available within the Community Grants Program, as Council steps away from the provision of some in-kind services and asset hire.
“The new Community Grants Program will see grant funding flow through to local businesses and increase community capacity.
“Feedback provided in the Cassowary Coast Community Scorecard revealed the priorities of the community are changing and funding support for events and activities should reflect this.
“As a result, the new Community Grants Program will aim to create opportunities for diverse activities and events that strengthen our community through social inclusion and increased resilience. It also has a strong focus on collaborative partnerships which prioritise physical and mental wellbeing for residents as well as the natural environment.
“Council acknowledged that future consideration should be given in the Community Grants Program to reinvest savings though community leasing arrangements to the clubs and organisations investing their time in our communities. The inclusion of a community infrastructure funding stream will be brought back for Council consideration in six months.
“To ensure funding is more accessible, Council has also adopted the online grant management platform Smarty Grants. This platform will be an invaluable tool in the management of grants and is currently used by all levels of Government as well as numerous Local Governments.
“Council will be holding Public Sessions to discuss the new Community Grants Program and will provide information on how to use the Smarty Grants Platform,” said Councillor Tschui.
To view the Community Grant Policy and Community Grants Program Guidelines visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/funding-grants.
Follow Council’s Facebook Page for information on the session times. Alternatively, contact Council at 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.