Bass Coast Shire Council is offering grants of up to $2000 for businesses and community groups to improve accessibility and inclusion.
Applications are now open under the Accessible Bass Coast grants program for initiatives and projects that aim to increase the number of people with disabilities accessing businesses or community organisations as customers, visitors, members or employees.
Bass Coast Mayor Michael Whelan said projects could include physical improvements like ramps and accessible toilets, alternative information formats such as large print menus for people with vision impairment, or hosting disability awareness training for members or staff.
“Equity, diversity and inclusion are key priorities in Bass Coast,” Cr Whelan said.
“We hope this grants program will continue to progress improvements in access and inclusion in our community, by creating welcoming environments so people with disabilities feel greater connection to local businesses and organisations.”
To be eligible for funding, a business or community organisation must:
- Be located in Bass Coast Shire
- Develop a plan outlining the intended actions
- Have discussed the application with Council’s Access and Healthy Ageing Officer Teresa Davison
- Provide written quotes to support the amount requested in the application
Only one application per business or community organisation is permitted, and funding is limited. Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate a genuine and ongoing commitment to improving access and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Applications must be submitted through the SmartyGrants portal, accessible via the Access for All webpage, and close at 5pm on Monday, December 4. Successful applicants will be notified on December 14.
