Clubs, community groups and organisations can now apply for funding through the latest round of Mildura Rural City Council’s grant programs.
Applications are now open for Council’s Community Grants and Recreation Assistance Grants.
Community Grant
Mildura Rural City Council’s Community Grant Program provides opportunities for not-for-profit community groups to deliver innovative projects and programs.
The Community Grant Program aims to:
- Facilitate and support initiatives that strengthen the community through opportunities for participation, development, arts, inclusion, the environment and sustainability
- Support a range of interest areas including health and wellbeing, community support, community spirit, arts, history and culture, the environment, access and equity
- Assist Council to deliver identified objectives, priorities and strategies and align with the Council Plan
Two funding levels are available:
- Small (up to $6,000): These grants are intended to provide support for the delivery of community projects and engagement programs. Applicants are not required to provide a co-contribution.
- Large ($6,001 to $10,000 provided on a 1:2 ratio): These grants are intended to provide support for the delivery of significant community projects and initiatives. Applicants are required to contribute to the cost of their project in the ratio of $1 for every $2 received from Council. This must be a cash contribution.
Councillor for Community Development Helen Healy said the Community Grants were a great opportunity for community and not-for-profit groups to make a big difference in our region.
“These grants open up a range of potential projects or initiatives for our local community groups,” she said.
“This could include funding barbecue trailers and cooking equipment, funding a heritage or environmental trail, implementing projects that improve community facilities or encouraging community participation and volunteering.
“On a larger scale these grants could help fund solar installation on community buildings, partnership projects that address social inclusion, awareness campaigns for climate change, heritage conservation projects or art projects – the list goes on.”
Recreation Assistance Grants
Council’s Recreation Assistance Grants program provides hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to support groups with projects that increase participation in sport and recreation or increase access to a range of sporting and recreation facilities and programs.
Funding is available across four streams:
- Club Support Grant: up to $2,000
- Recreation Planning Grant: up to $19,000
- Minor Facility Upgrade Grant: up to $20,000
- Major Facility Upgrade Grant: between $20,000 and $50,000
As part of the program Council will provide $2 for every dollar contributed by event organisers and clubs, however Club Support Grant applicants who have been flood-impacted or are applying for projects that address Gender Equity will be exempt from this requirement.
Cr Mark Eckel, who holds the Recreation portfolio, said Council was opening the 2024 round of Recreation Assistance Grants early to ensure local clubs and groups had ample time to apply.
“As part of our 2023 Recreation Assistance Grants program, more than $160,000 was awarded to a number of local groups to improve their facilities and deliver positive outcomes,” he said.
“This includes renovating clubs rooms, implementing new security systems and even establishing a Junior Darts Academy, not to mention funding uniforms, equipment and other items to reduce barriers to participation.
“One of the key pieces of feedback we heard is that clubs and groups want more time to complete the application process.
“We’ve listened, and that’s why we are opening our 2024 funding round early to provide groups the time they need to take advantage of this amazing funding opportunity.”
