Council grants more community wishes following budget boost

Forty-one local organisations across the Scenic Rim are set to share in a total of more than $236,400 in Council grants for projects that will add value to communities across the region.

At its Ordinary Meeting this week, Scenic Rim Regional Council approved the allocation of the first round of major and minor grants to local organisations, following a 35 per cent increase in funding for the Community Grants Program announced in the 2022-2023 Budget in July.

Mayor Greg Christensen said Council's Community Grants Program represented an investment in grassroots community and not-for-profit groups, as well as sporting and recreational organisations, that are the heart and soul of the Scenic Rim.

"The increased budget allocation has enabled Council to fully fund a wide range of projects that will assist local organisations in delivering their programs and activities that make such a valuable contribution to community life," he said.

"These organisations, which rely heavily on volunteers, have limited financial resources but deliver great value to the community by enriching the cultural life of our region, contributing to the health and well-being of our towns and villages and making the Scenic Rim such a great place to live.

"Council is proud to support organisations whose activities align with the shared Community Plan vision for healthy, engaged and resourceful communities in the Scenic Rim."

In 2020, Council streamlined its grants program by consolidating grants for community organisations and sporting and active recreational groups under the umbrella of one Community Grants Program to deliver a wider range of benefits to the region.

"This restructured Community Grants Program has enabled Council to support a wider range of community initiatives and projects, through minor and major grants, recognising that community and sporting groups often share facilities and have common goals," Mayor Christensen said

Organisations are able to apply for Minor Grants of up to $5,000 to offset costs associated with delivering community-led projects or Major Grants of up to $20,000 for maintaining or improving community facilities.

Round One of the Community Grants Program for 2022-2023 has provided more than $115,000 in minor grants for 34 projects and more than $121,200 in major grants for seven projects.

As well as providing direct funding through its Community Grants Program, Council also supports the activities of local not-for-profit organisations through in-kind support including subsidised use of Council's community and cultural centres and waste bins for local community events.

Round Two of the Community Grants Program will open in February 2023.

"I encourage community organisations to make the most of the funding opportunities available and to contact Council's Community Development Team if they have any queries about the grant application process or the eligibility of any proposed projects," Mayor Christensen said.

The community organisations which secured funding in Round One are as follows: