Applications for HRCC’s annual Community Grants Program are now open for not-for-profit groups to deliver projects that directly benefit residents.
There are changes to the program for 2024/2025.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said the revised program would provide more opportunities and greater flexibility for organisations to receive funding.
“Council’s grants program will have four streams for 2024/2025 – Community Development, Community Events, Youth, and Quick Response Small Grants. Each stream will have its own guidelines, application forms, reporting forms and funding rounds,” she said.
“There will be two targeted Community Events funding rounds in May and November and the new Youth and Quick Response Small Grants program will be open throughout 2024/2025.”
“Grant workshops are being held in Horsham and Natimuk on February 19 and 20 that will explain the changes. I encourage all prospective applicants to attend. Details of the workshops will be on Council’s website from 1 February.”
Applications open 1 February and close 4 March.
Cr Gulline said the annual grants program was important to community organisations who are the lifeblood of the region.
“The grants have been highly successful over the past 12 months with $226,201 allocated to 66 local organisations,” she said.
“Grants up to $10,000 were available for the annual funding round, with the majority of successful applications between $500 and $5,000 for projects that enhance the provision of activities, facilities or delivery of services to people in the Horsham municipality.”
“I encourage community groups to plan their grant application early as there are changes to the application form this year,” Cr Gulline said.
“Read the guidelines, plan your project, and importantly speak with a Council officer, listed in the guidelines, about your application to ensure it meets the guidelines to give it every chance of success,” she said.
