THERE’S great news for community groups, not?for?profits and local government organisations with guidelines for Round 3 of the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Programme being released this week.
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 it was a good time for local groups to start thinking about projects that they can apply for funding for in the near future.
“This is a terrific opportunity for community groups, local councils and not-for-profit organisations to get Federal Government support for local projects,” he said.
“Applicants who apply for funding must provide a dollar-for-dollar contribution that will be matched by the Federal Government.”
Mr Entsch will work with a panel of community representatives to assess all grant applications and identify projects that meet the programme’s guidelines.
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.
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. The Expression of Interest form and deadline details will available on his website this 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
