Community playgroups, food relief organisations, arts and culture groups, seniors groups are among those to share in $372,000 in funding from Council’s annual Community Development Fund grant program.
A total of 49 grants were awarded, under the 2021/2022 grant round. Knox City Council Mayor, Cr Susan Laukens said this year’s grants were particularly important given the challenge the community has faced due to the pandemic.
“These grants are a tangible way Council can support local ideas, activities and services that benefit our residents and keep the Knox community and environment happy and healthy,” Cr Laukens said.
“Our local groups will play a crucial role in supporting our community to recover and rebuild from the pandemic, by creating spaces to reconnect, foster relationships, build skills and give back.
“The projects, programs and activities that received grants this year will support many different sectors of the community and enhance the contribution of many volunteers.”
Successful applications showed opportunities for local organisations to purchase equipment and plan activities and initiatives to support community connections and involvement.
Many worthy and recognisable local organisations will receive funding, including The Basin Music Festival, Rowville Men’s Shed, Knox Learning Alliance, Knox Infolink, Knox Community Playgroups, Knox Chinese Elderly Citizens’ Club, Ferntree Gully Traders Association, Coonara Community House, Bayswater CFA and many more.
A networking event for grant recipients will be held in April 2022 to launch next year’s grant round.
The Community Development Fund provides annual grants to locally focused, not-for-profit organisations to encourage and support community activities and initiatives of Knox residents. Over the past six years it has provided over $1.8 million in funding.
