Funding gets community projects off ground

Grow Guide crop.PNG

If you have an idea for a community project, the Nillumbik Community Fund is now open.

The Fund provides grants of up to $5000 to community groups, organisations, clubs and artists to fund activities that have a positive impact in Nillumbik.

A grant pool of $115,000 is on offer to support community-focused projects, activities and events happening between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024.

Nillumbik Mayor Ben Ramcharan said “the Community Fund is a great way to support the delivery of community led initiatives”.

“Environmentally-focused initiatives, youth programs, indigenous cultural activities and artist-led community arts initiatives are just a few examples of projects that could be brought to life with financial help.”

As a 2022 recipient, Angharad Neal Williams used the funding to create the Community Grow Guide, a 28 page printed guide exploring gardening conditions in Nillumbik.

Angharad says she was surprised by the interest generated by the guide.

“Community members were calling up the library, Edendale and Hurstbridge Hub before the guides were even in stock to get one put aside. It showed the community’s openness to change and having a go at gardening.”

Applicants are encouraged to attend an information session on Tuesday 28 February and read the guidelines to confirm eligibility prior to applying.

A free grant writing workshop is also on offer to set applicants up for success.

Applications for the 2023-24 Nillumbik Community Fund close on Sunday 2 April.

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