Local not-for-profit groups that contribute to making Bayside a better place can now apply for one of our Annual Community Grants.
The program supports initiatives proposed by community groups that strengthen and enrich community life through the provision of an improved range of leisure, cultural, community development, environmental, health, education, sporting and welfare programs and activities.
Eligible community groups can apply for grants of up to $7,500 each for initiatives that meet the objectives of Council’s Grants Policy and the Annual Community Grants Guidelines.
Bayside Playhouse and Occasional Care in Sandringham and Marine Mammal Foundation in East Hampton are two former grant recipients.
Ellie Ross, a Volunteer Grants Officer at Bayside Playhouse, said the grant has helped to foster an education and incursion program, which benefits 71 Bayside preschool children.
“We are so grateful to have had the amazing opportunity to have two incredible incursions for the children, thanks to the Bayside Community Grant.
“They were by far the two best incursions we have had for the Playhouse children, and they absolutely loved them both,” Ellie said.
Ellie believes the benefits of the grants/incursions will have far-reaching effects throughout the community – as the children take their learnings back to their families.
“Even now, each day the children still talk about their reptile friends that came to visit. Their families continue to come in, saying how their child still talks about the incursion and what they had learnt about Australian animals and reptiles.”
The Marine Mammal Foundation received funding to bring the ‘Marine Litter Project’ education and community-engagement program to Bayside.
Matt Montemurro, the Director of Education And Outreach at the Marine Mammal Foundation, said that as a registered non-profit organisation, the foundation relies solely on grants, donations and sponsorship for its programs and core work.
“The grant helped us to develop and grow our Marine Litter Project in the Bayside community, with particular input from Life Saving Victoria clubs.”
Matt said the grant application process was easy to follow.
“The Council has a range of information about how to apply and the community grants officers are wonderful in their support, if you do encounter any issues,” Matt said.
New applicants are encouraged to apply for this year’s Annual Community Grants and attend an information session to help you go through the application process with ease.
Those new to grant writing or wanting to improve their skills are also encouraged to attend one of two free effective grant writing workshops, hosted by Bayside City Council.
Key dates for 2024 grant applicants:
- Tuesday 5 March 9.30am – 12pm – Effective Grant Writing Workshop at Bayside City Council Corporate Centre
- Tuesday 12 March 6 – 8.30pm – Effective Grant Writing Workshop- online via Zoom
- Tuesday 21 March 1:30-2:30pm – Annual Community Grant Information session at Bayside City Council Corporate Centre
- Wednesday 27 March 9am – Annual Community Grants round open
Get started with your Annual Community Grants application
