Council grants community groups' wishes for projects that add value

Events such as the Tamborine Mountain Scarecrow Festival are supported by Council's community grants

Scenic Rim Regional Council has allocated more than $281,000 in major and minor grants to 38 not-for-profit organisations which add value to the community. 

Projects and events ranging from community Christmas carols and orchestral concerts to major infrastructure upgrades for sporting clubs have been supported in the first round of the 2023-2024 Community Grants Program endorsed by Council at its Ordinary Meeting today.

Scenic Rim's Community, Arts and Culture Portfolio Councillor Michael Enright said Council was pleased to support community groups and organisations which contribute to the quality of life enjoyed throughout the region. 

"Council is proud to support organisations whose volunteers give so much to our community and enrich the lives of residents of all ages, from children at kindergarten to our senior citizens," he said. 

"These not-for-profit groups support Council in achieving the shared Community Plan vision for healthy, engaged and resourceful communities in the Scenic Rim and contribute to the wellbeing of residents and our region as a whole. 

"We recognise the importance of financial support for organisations which rely heavily on volunteers and fundraising to continue to provide a wide range of programs and activities that add to our cultural and sporting life." 

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 greater benefits to the region. 

Recognising that community and sporting groups often share the same facilities and have common goals, the Community Grants Program has enabled Council's support of a wider range of community initiatives and projects. 

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said there had been keen competition for funding, with Council receiving 33 applications for minor community grants which offer a maximum of $5,000 and 22 applications for major grants which provide funding for up to $20,000 for maintenance or improvements to community facilities. 

The total value of applications received was $455,000 and a rigorous selection process was undertaken, awarding $200,550 for major grants and $81,109.44 for minor grants. 

"The quality of applications has continued to improve and community groups have appreciated the opportunity to participate in face-to-face and online grant information sessions and discuss potential projects with Council officers," Mayor Christensen said. 

"I encourage those who were unsuccessful in this round to seek feedback which will assist them in preparing future grants applications." 

In addition to direct funding through its Community Grants Program, Council also provides in-kind support to local not-for-profit organisations, for subsidised use of Council's Community and Cultural Centres and waste bins for local community events. 

At its 5 September Ordinary Meeting, Council detailed its in-kind community grants which supported not-for-profit organisations with more than $43,800 in 2022-2023. 

Details of community grants recipients and their projects to be funded are as follows: 

 Minor Community Grants 

Major Community Grants