Media Release

Thursday, 3 September 2009

Swan Hill Rural City Council is pleased to announce the opening of their annual Community Grants Program.

From today, community groups are eligible to apply for the grant, which provides the opportunity for funding, to a maximum of $2000.

Examples of groups that are eligible to apply include sporting, cultural, non-profit organisations responsible for new programs or activities within a community, progress associations or specific high needs groups. Organisers of minor or local festivals that have broad community benefit are also eligible.

Applications will be received up to Friday, 16 October 2009 and must be completed on the official application form.

Council's Community Facilitation Manager Steve Matthews encouraged community groups to apply and said all applications would be considered.

“The type of things we look for include the immediate and future contribution the funding will make to support community development and resilience, availability of alternative facilities, long term viability of the applicant organisation, availability of other funding source(s), and any other supporting evidence,” he said.

Generally, funding will only be provided for applications that target:

• Structural repairs or minor upgrades to community facilities.

• Current OH&S or risk management issues.

• Equipment upgrades

• New programs or activities within a community.

• Minor or local festivals or events that have broad community benefit.

• A specific high needs group.

Mr Matthews added that preference will be given to those applications that match, either in cash or in-kind, the contribution sought from Council.

Groups and organisations based within the Swan Hill Rural City Council or organisations based outside the municipal boundary, but with a project proposal delivering program services, activities or events to residents of the Swan Hill Rural City Council, are eligible to submit an application.

For an application form, call in to Council's Splatt Street offices, or visit www.swanhill.vic.gov.au/services/community/. If you have any questions or require further information regarding the Community Grants Program, please contact Casey Hovenden on 5036 2333.