Hannah Hammoud
A planned redesign of Whittlesea council’s Community Grants program will make it easier for individuals and groups to apply for funding.
At a council meeting on Tuesday, May 16, administrators endorsed the release of the draft Community Grants Guidelines which will commence a month-long public consultation process.
The proposed changes to the guidelines are designed to simplify the application process and ensure grants are distributed in an equitable way to a wider range of applicants.
The draft guidelines would result in council offering six categories of grants: small, medium, large, individual, unincorporated groups and emergency.
The proposed changes include the introduction of all year-round grants, with approval rounds conducted on a monthly or quarterly basis.
Emergency grants are also now proposed to provide immediate support to eligible applicants experiencing unforeseen financial hardship.
When applying, applicants will be asked to categorise their event or program into one of four themes: arts and culture, sport and recreation, community leadership or sustainable environment.
Council noted that existing agreements and partnerships under the current guidelines will continue to be honoured.
Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said council was excited to partner with even more individuals, groups and organisations to deliver beneficial events and programs.
“The grants program is a great way to support the terrific work done by so many people for the benefit of our community,” Ms Wilson said.
“Updating the guidelines means that funding opportunities will be available for more people, providing they meet the eligibility criteria.”
The draft guidelines will be open for community feedback between May 17 to June 13.
Key stakeholders and the wider community are encouraged to share feedback in a variety of ways, including through digital engagement and scheduled community pop-ups.
Following the community consultation process, the draft guidelines will be proposed to council for adoption at the meeting on June 28.
Information: engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au
