More than $1.6 million awarded through Kingston’s Community Grants
Social welfare groups, schools, theatres, and sporting clubs across the municipality will share in just over $1.6 million to continue their great work thanks to Kingston’s Annual Community Grants Program.
Kingston Mayor Steve Staikos said Council was delighted to continue to support local not-for-profit groups deliver a wide range of services, programs, and special events to the community.
“There are so many fantastic community groups doing really important work across Kingston and we are proud to be able to support their efforts,” said Cr Staikos.
“Our community continues to face many challenges due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and our community groups and clubs do a wonderful job providing emergency relief, social engagement and act as an invaluable support network for many in Kingston.”
A total of 177 Community Grants have been allocated this year. Recipients include the Rotary Club of Mordialloc, which runs the Annual Gnome and Fairy Festival, an annual event for the whole family which had to be cancelled two years in a row due to COVID-19 lockdowns.
“We know the past 18 months have also been challenging for many event organisers, theatre groups and arts organisations impacted by closures and cancellations. We want those in the arts’ sectors to know that we support their ongoing efforts,” Cr Staikos said.
Council has also provided funding to multicultural and seniors groups to enable these groups to meet for regular social, educational, and cultural activities which help to break down social isolation and build community connections.
The 2021-22 Council grants budget included:
- $1,171,189 for Partnership Grants to long established key organisations that provide important social and welfare services to Kingston residents
- $315,100 in Annual Grants of up to $10,000 for not-for-profit community groups to help develop a healthy, active, and socially connected community
The 2021-22 Community Grants Program attracted 74 Partnership and 119 Annual grant applications.
This year’s Grant allocations include:
- $503,827 to support local neighbourhood houses and community centres
- $389,445 to support community social welfare organisations
- $86,095 to support local multicultural and seniors’ groups
- $76,567 towards support local VICSES Units.
Kingston Council’s Community Grants Program also includes Individual Development Grants, Student Achievement Grants, Arts Grants, and Children’s Week Grants.
