Twenty-one local organisations have taken up the City of Greater Bendigo’s temporary COVID-19 Community Grants Program, introduced earlier this year to support essential relief and recovery-based activities within the community during the pandemic.
City of Greater Bendigo Community Partnerships Manager Steven Abbott said local groups and organisations have shared in a total of around $160,000 in funding with food relief and supporting vulnerable community members being the largest areas of activity.
“Among the community projects and services, the temporary grants have assisted eight food relief organisations to provide food to residents during the pandemic,” Mr Abbott said.
“The grants have also assisted with hygiene compliance for community houses, and provided support to animal welfare organisations, community education and training, arts and counselling services.
The City of Greater Bendigo has now opened its annual Community Grants Program for the 20/21 financial year and is now inviting applications for funding.
“While the City’s annual Community Grants Program is now returning to normal, the City is especially encouraging applicants to consider community needs related to recovery from the pandemic. We’re wanting to partner with community groups to help respond to local issues and help community members who have been most impacted by COVID-19.
“The Community Grants Program provides opportunities for not-for-profit groups or registered businesses to develop projects that complement areas identified as priorities in the City’s Community Plan 2017-2021. The program also enables innovative and responsive solutions to changing community needs.
“The grants help small groups and organisations to improve their services, programs, events and activities, better connect with their members and stakeholders and build their capacity, capability and sustainability.”
The City’s Medium Grants opened on July 1, 2020 and Expressions of Interest for Large Grants will open on July 20, 2020. Small Grants and Community Group Essentials Grants also opened on July 1, 2020 and can be applied for anytime.
Grant writing information and resources will soon be available on the City’s website to replace face-to-face grants writing workshops in line with COVID-19 restrictions.
