Community groups, not?for?profits and local government organisations are encouraged to submit an expression of interest for funding as part of Round 3 of the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.
The programme is again providing $150,000 to fund small capital projects, with grants ranging between $2,500 and $20,000 that deliver social benefits to Far North Queensland.
Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said “Community groups, local councils and not-for-profit organisations have a terrific opportunity to secure Commonwealth support for their projects.”
“Applicants must be able to provide a dollar-for-dollar contribution that will be matched by the Federal Government, and submit an expression of interest to my office,” he said.
Mr Entsch will work with a panel of community representatives to assess all grant applications and identify projects that meet the programme’s guidelines.
Mr Entsch has partnered with Building Active Connected Communities FNQ (BACC) – an initiative of the Bendigo Bank, which has been supporting local organisations for many years through small grants and sustainable revenue streams.
The BACC Committee will independently assess the initial Expressions of Interest, which have been greatly simplified from the round 1 and 2 processes.
Prioritised projects will then be invited to complete a formal streamlined online application form in early August 2017 before funding is delivered to successful applicants later this year.
BACC chairman Stephen Devenish said the Committee was impressed with the quality, innovation and diversity of projects chosen in Round 1 and 2.
“We’re really keen to see what Round 3 brings – this is a fantastic opportunity for local groups with small capital works or infrastructure projects that will have broad benefits for the community. I’d urge them to get involved.”
Past projects that have been funded under this program include new sporting infrastructure, community kitchen fitouts, office equipment and Men’s Shed upgrades.
“Over the past couple of years I’ve visited many of the groups who were successful under Round 1 and 2,” Mr Entsch said.
“The successful projects included a new bus for the dance group at Bamaga, woodworking equipment for the Cairns Men’s Shed, upgraded courts and fencing at the Port Douglas Tennis Club, and new shade sails at the Cooktown Race Course.
“Even though some of these grants were relatively small in value they have made a huge difference in improving the day-to-day operations of these groups and for the broader local communities.”
Organisations interested in the new round of funding must submit their Expression of Interest to Mr Entsch’s office by 4pm on Wednesday 2nd August 2017. The Expression of Interest form will available on his website next week.
In the meantime, applicants are strongly encouraged to read the Stronger Communities Programme guidelines by visiting: https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/stronger-communities-programme
