Community & business encouraged to apply for the 2019-2020 Grants
Published on 28 February 2019
Community & business are encouraged to apply for the 2019-2020 Grants Program
Colac Otway community groups, event organisers and businesses will have a chance to secure funding for their projects through Colac Otway Shire Council’s 2019-2020 Grants Program.
Applications for Council’s annual grants program opened today, Friday 1 March with opportunities for applicants to apply for funding from four categories: Community Grants Program; Community Events and Support Program; Small Grants Program and Building Façade Improvement Program.
The Colac Otway Shire Grants Program provides clubs, event organisers, community groups, schools, other organisations and businesses with an opportunity to share in a total pool of over $310,000.
Mayor Jason Schram said the Grants Program was a great opportunity for local groups and businesses to secure financial assistance for worthwhile projects and events.
“We have so many great clubs, organisations and events which benefit the Colac Otway community, this is a great opportunity to obtain a financial grant to help fund projects and events that will have a positive flow on effect to the wider community.
“Last year 100 community groups and businesses received grants, more than in any other year. Council was really pleased with the community response to the Program and anticipate this year will be just as popular.
“The Grants awarded last year helped improve the economic and community development across a diverse range of projects in the Colac Otway region including community groups, sporting clubs, arts and environmental groups, which was great to see.
“Council was really pleased that a lot of our small towns applied for grants and were successful, with many community projects funded for small towns in the shire.
“This included funding of projects such as $10,000 allocated to the Birregurra Charity Quilts Group for sewing equipment, over $6,000 to the Alvie Tree Planters for improvements to the Red Rock Reserve and over $5,000 toward upgrades of the Irrewillipe Hall.
“The 2019-2020 Program will be the first year Council has introduced Smartygrants, an online application process widely used by various arms of government.
“We hope this system will be more efficient for the community to submit their proposal; if anyone needs help with the process we encourage you to contact Council officers who will be happy to assist,” Cr Schram said.
Applications for the 2019-2020 Colac Otway Shire Grants Program close on Friday 12 April. Guidelines and details of how to apply online are available at http://www.colacotway.vic.gov.au/Community-services/Apply-for-a-grant/Colac-Otway-Shire-Grants-Program-2019-2020
Interested applicants are encouraged to attend information sessions at Apollo Bay or Colac or make an appointment with Council’s Grant Officer, Katrina Kehoe on 5232 9400 or email grants@colacotway.vic.gov.au to discuss their proposal.
Apollo Bay information session: Wednesday 13 March from 6pm to 7pm at Marrar Woorn Meeting Room, 6 Pengilley Avenue.
Colac information session: Thursday 14 March from 6pm to 7pm at COPACC meeting room, Gellibrand Street.