Whittlesea council has updated its community grant guidelines after more than $2.5 million in community grants were allocated to 174 applicants in the 2024/ 2025 financial year.
At a meeting on Tuesday, September 23, council noted changes including the addition of funding for building projects and capital works for non-council owned facilities, changes that support increased access to funding in the sport stream to support people living with a disability, and an expansion of the assessment criteria.
Grant were allocated to support programs and events ranging from multicultural celebrations, Christmas celebrations and training for volunteers.
Council also noted more than $320,000 in funding was allocated to 41 applicants, including grants as part of the female inclusion in sport program and ongoing support to community based emergency services.
Grant recipient Ali Awan, chair of the Melbourne Basant Festival praised the community grant program.
“The City of Whittlesea’s community grant has been vital in helping us bring the Basant Festival to life. Without this support, the event would not be possible,” Mr Awan said.
“After five successful years in Melbourne, this is our first year hosting it in the City of Whittlesea. We deeply appreciate the council’s commitment to supporting multicultural events.”
Funding was also provided to support large annual community events, including the Diwali festival, Chinese New Year, the Whittlesea Show, and local support organisations such as Hume Whittlesea Living and Learning Employment Network and Whittlesea Community Connections.
Whittlesea Mayor Cr Martin Taylor highlighted the positive impacts the grants have on the community.
“Our successful community grants program is continuing to help support local groups within our community, by providing much needed support to deliver a diverse range of events, programs, and initiatives that not only bring people together, but also provide opportunities to connect and celebrate culture,” Cr Taylor said.
