Businesses, clubs, organisations and individuals are being encouraged to apply for Horsham Rural City Council’s COVID-19 Support Grants package which opens today.
The grant program’s launch comes after the 2020-21 Budget was adopted, with all of the $484,000 raised from a two per cent rate increase to be delivered back to the municipality to support community sectors most impacted by the pandemic.
The program will provide support through the following streams:
Stronger Business
Grants of up to $5000 to support innovation, operational improvements, marketing strategies, and business growth in response to the challenges of COVID-19.
Recreation and Community Recovery
Funding for clubs and groups to offset financial losses and membership decline due to COVID-19. There are also grants to respond to COVID-19 hygiene requirements and to reactivate participation in a COVID-19 safe manner.
Arts and Events Activation
Strengthen community resilience and support innovation for groups and individuals in response to COVID-19.
The grants program will be flexible with applications accepted until March 2021 to ensure the support is available when it’s needed.
Applications will be assessed and approved monthly throughout this period.
Mayor Mark Radford said the COVID-19 emergency had put many organisations under pressure, and Council was committed to supporting them.
“Just as we were starting see the light at the end of the tunnel following the first lockdown, circumstances have meant a return to Stage 3 restrictions,” Cr Radford said.
“We realise how incredibly hard this is for our businesses, sporting clubs, community groups, organisers of our much loved local events and the many people who contribute to local arts and culture. We want to help them in any way we can to get through this ongoing and challenging situation.
“In particular, our businesses are an integral part of the community and I would encourage everyone to once again get behind them and shop local wherever possible, including when we buy online.”
