Bega Valley Shire Council’s Community Grants Program is now open for applications.
Corporate Planning and Improvement Manager, Kaliegh Smerdon said this year the Community Grants Program includes Community Environment Grants, Waste Prevention and Innovation Grants, and Bega Valley ClubGRANTS.
“We invite community groups and organisations throughout the shire to review the Community Grants Program guidelines and if your project meets the criteria, we encourage you to apply” Ms Smerdon said.
Under the Community Environment Grants, up to $6,000 is available for organisations that have projects to protect, restore or enhance our wetlands, coastal foreshores, riverbanks and wildlife corridors, or provide innovative environmental education.
The Waste Prevention and Innovation Grants offer up to $5,000 for projects that educate and encourage sustainable waste management behaviours, such as avoiding and reducing waste generation, increasing recycling, diverting more waste from landfill, managing problem waste better, and reducing litter and illegal dumping.
This grant combines our previous Community Waste Minimisation Grants and Waste Wise Events Grants. Eligible projects could include things like:
- community event waste minimisation or education activities above and beyond the current three-bin disposal system (landfill, recycling and FOGO)
- installing signage, security and CCTV at an illegal dumping hotspot
- running waste reduction and sustainable living workshops
- public art installations that highlight appropriate themes
- initial installations of community collection points for innovative recycling schemes (such as TerraCycle, PlanetArk programs and Lids4Kids).
Under ClubGRANTS – Category 1, eligible organisations are encouraged to apply for grants between $5,000 and $25,000 for projects and services that contribute to the welfare and broader social fabric of the local community.
Category 1 is for projects aimed at improving the living standards of low income and disadvantaged people, such as community welfare and social services, community development, community health services and employment assistance services. The funding is provided by six registered clubs across the shire: Bermagui Country Club, Club Bega, Club Sapphire Merimbula, Eden Sports and Recreation Club, Merimbula RSL and Tura Beach Country Club.
Applications for all three grants close on Saturday 31 May.
