Gunnedah Shire’s community and sporting groups are set to receive a financial boost under Gunnedah Shire Council’s annual Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program.

Applications are now open and Council is inviting submissions from eligible groups for the financial assistance package.

Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Gae Swain said the program has been in place for more than a decade and is designed to support the work of local not-for-profit, charitable, community and sporting groups.

“The level of funding available under the program is dependent on the project, but it can be up to $5000, which is a fantastic financial lift for some of our smaller groups,” Cr Swain said.

“I would encourage all of our local groups to look into this program and to take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity for funding for a worthy project or program.”

Community Small Grants applications must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Addresses existing gaps in service or community development
• Seeks to address issues of access, equity and inclusion
• Improves collaboration with other organisations/groups in the Shire
• Has involvement from volunteers and self-help initiatives, which build upon Council’s contribution
• Includes consumer/user participation in management of the project
• An innovative and creative approach to identified needs

Sports Small Grants applications must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Improves participation in their organisation or sports activities
• Addresses safety concerns
• Supports, trains and/or encourages participation of volunteers

“As Council seeks to support the development and continuity of local organisations, priority will be given to those applications that not only benefit their organisation but also the broader community,” Cr Swain concluded.

Application forms and guidelines are available below or from Council’s Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah, Gunnedah Shire Library.

Form - 2018-19 Section 356 Small Grants Application and Declaration

POLICY - Small Grants under Section 356 LGA - Adopted 21 June 2017

The 2018/19 funding round closes at 5.00pm on Tuesday, 24 April 2018. Further information is available by contacting Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo: The 2017/18 recipients of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.