Assistant Minister for Families and Community Services Emma Davidson today announced the recipients of the main round of the 2020-21 Seniors Grant Program and Veterans Grant Program.
Nine Seniors Grants totalling $70,000 and nine Veterans Grants totalling $69,600 have been awarded to projects including an ACT Intergenerational Pen Pal Service, a Filmmaking Workshop, Playstations for Seniors and a Leatherwork Workshop.
Minister Davidson has also announced a second round of grants is opening, to provide an additional $10,000 in Seniors Grants and $10,400 in Veterans Grants.
“Congratulations to the recipients of the 2020-21 main rounds of the Seniors Grant Program and Veterans Grant Program,” Minister Davidson said.
“Both grant programs fund projects that support the wellbeing, social inclusion and connection of seniors, veterans and their families. These grants are so important to help people have a voice, feel valued and part of their communities.
“I look forward to seeing these innovative projects roll out to support seniors and veterans in our community. I’m also pleased to announce a second round of grants, to create even more inclusive and accessible places for both aged Canberrans and veterans.”
A recipient of the Veterans Grant, The Cuppacumbalong Foundation, welcomed the funding saying it will deliver a program of Leatherwork for Veterans with Young Families to defence families in Canberra.
“The funding will provide great opportunities for Canberra Defence families to spend quality creative time together to create an heirloom. It will be a lovely day for families to come together in a safe environment and have a shared experience,” Executive Director of Cuppacumbalong Foundation Alexandra Wass said.
Northside ACT, an organisation which received a Seniors Grant for their Intergenerational Pen Pal Project, said that the program will help older Canberrans positively connect with the broader community.
“The Northside team along with our partners Ainslie Primary School and University of Canberra are absolutely thrilled to be awarded an ACT Seniors Grant. The Intergenerational Pen Pal Project is an excellent initiative to reduce social isolation for older people by reintroducing the excitement of making new friends across the ages via traditional letter writing,” Northside ACT Executive Director Kate Wisbey said.
“What a thrill it will be when students from Ainslie Primary School finally get to meet their older pen pals at the end of the three-month project.”
To apply for funding in the second round, and to see a full list of previous recipients of the Seniors and Veterans Grants, visit https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/home/grants.
