Community groups benefit from new grants program

More than $95,000 has been allocated to support community groups deliver programs, activities and events in the first round of funding through the new City of Whittlesea Community Grants Program.

The new grants program, which came into effect from August this year, offers grants across six categories, with applications assessed monthly and quarterly, providing access to funding year-round.

Administrator Christian Zahra AM said this first round of funding will provide much needed support for a number of local events and programs.

“We are thrilled to be able to support the brilliant efforts of local groups who are working hard to organise events and activities that will bring people together to celebrate, explore and get creative,” said Christian.

“Council recently endorsed a 33 per cent increase in total community grants funding in response to community need, and we are so pleased to start to see the benefits of this funding for the community.”

The following community groups have been awarded grants:

• Valley Presbyterian Church for Doreen Community Carols
• Thomastown Neighbourhood House for the Promisetown Picnic & Markets
• Rotary Club of Whittlesea for the Whittlesea Garden Expo 2024
• New Horizons Assembly of God Church for the Whittlesea Christmas Festival
• Olivine Community Group for the International Expo 2024
• Lalor Neighbourhood House for art, permaculture and creative programs.

In addition to the six medium and large grants provided, Council has also developed four-year funding agreements with the following organisations to help deliver on Council’s Whittlesea 2040 vision of creating a place for all:

• Whittlesea Agricultural Society for the Whittlesea Show
• Mission Smiles for the Northern Diwali Festival
• Mernda and District Residents Association for the Whittlesea Cruise Night.

The City of Whittlesea also provided $100,000 in emergency grants to 12 local food share organisations to support an increasing demand for food as a result of rising cost-of-living expenses.

“We’re so pleased that this emergency grant funding will be able to help these local organisations continue to support those in our community who are doing it tough at the moment,” said Christian.

Applications for the next round of grants for medium and large groups is currently open and closes on 31 December 2023. Applications for small and individual grants are assessed monthly.

A free grant writing workshop is being held on 29 November at Mernda Village Community Activity Centre to help applicants prepare their grant applications. For more information on the Community Grants Program, or to sign up to the grant writing workshop visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/grants