Council grant season now open
Published on 01 July 2024
Applications are now open for three of Indigo Shire’s annual grant programs and more than $130,000 is up for grabs.
Local organisations and event organisers are encouraged to apply for the various programs, which provide funding for community and sustainability initiatives and community and tourism events.
The following is available through each stream:
- Community Grants $50,000 (grants ranging from $200 - $4,000)
- Events Grants $60,000 (grants ranging from $1000 - $10,000)
- Community Sustainability Grants $21,230 (grants of up to $5,000 to improve energy efficiency or to build community capacity to implement greenhouse gas emissions reductions technologies and up to $10,000 for capital improvement projects)
Mayor, Sophie Price says that Council is once again proud to support its many community organisations through these annual programs and encourages any organisation looking for a funding boost to apply.
“We’re fortunate to have a number of wonderful, dedicated community groups across the Shire and these grant programs are a really tangible and practical way we can support them.” Cr Price says.
Cr Price says that the awarding of these grants is often the difference between community groups and organisations successfully completing initiatives, or not.
This sentiment is echoed by former Community Sustainability Grant recipient, the Osbornes Flat Hall Committee. Its project, 'Osborne Flat Community Resilient Future’ was funded through last year’s program which enabled the committee to expand its solar PV system, including a 19.3 kWh battery, and install a single-phase plug for a portable generator.
Ian Fitzpatrick, the committee’s Co-President says that the funding received from Council was critical to ensure the initiative could be delivered and that the benefits for the community are many.
“Importantly this project will project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build our communitys ability to adapt to climate change, and strengthen our financial sustainability through reduced operating costs,” Mr Fitzpatrick says.
The expanded solar, battery and plug installation will improve the hall’s resilience, and provide the local community with a source of electricity in the event of power outages.
Similarly, the Rutherglen State Gold Battery Community Asset Committee received funding through last year’s Community Grants Program for its project The Three S’s – Safety, Security and Storage and the committee says it has allowed it to undertake essential works to future-proof the Battery.
“The empowerment these types of funding programs provide is significant for the succession and historical longevity of our entity and will help keep it operating well into the future,” committee member Nyree Wiggins says.
A number of drop-in sessions have been organised for anyone interested in learning more about the available funding and how to apply.
Council officers will be at the following locations from 10am – 2pm next week:
- Monday 8 July – Chiltern Library
- Tuesday 9 July – Rutherglen Library
- Wednesday 10 July – Yackandandah Library
- Thursday 11 July – Beechworth Library
- Friday 12 July – Tangambalanga
Online appointments are also available during these times, please email info@indigoshire.vic.gov.au to book a time.
More information can also be found online: www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/grants
Applications close Monday 5 August.