The City of Greater Bendigo will suspend its annual Community Grants program to establish a temporary grants program for groups and organisations who are providing direct relief and support to members of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
City of Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Director Vicky Mason said local community groups and organisations who provide food relief and other support are currently experiencing financial and operational difficulties due to increased demand on their services.
“The City recognises the important work the community sector is doing to provide relief and support during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Mason said.
“As a result, we have suspended the normal Community Grants Program to re-direct this funding to support the community groups and organisations who are working so hard to provide these vital services to those in our community who really need help.
“The change means that not-for-profit or incorporated organisations can now apply for up to $10,000 through the special COVID-19 Community Group Essentials Grant until 30 June 2020.
“It’s about prioritising the current needs that exist in our community and directing funding to where it’s really needed.”
The COVID-19 Community Group Essentials Grants are a temporary variation of the Community Group Essentials Grant which local groups and organisations can apply for anytime. The temporary changes to the usual Community Group Essentials Grant include:
- A name change to COVID-19 Community Group Essentials Grant
- An application limit increase from $3,000 to $10,000
- Assessment criteria changes from essential operating costs that cannot be met due to funding shortfall to essential operating requirements due to the demands on the organisation because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Application assessment is expected to take approximately two to three weeks from the submission date for the COVID-19 Community Group Essentials Grant which can be made online at https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/Services/Community-and-Care/Community-grants
