Did you know your organisation, event, activity or program may be eligible for funding through one of Sunshine Coast Council’s three diverse grant funding programs which are all now open for application?.
Community Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said council is this month raising awareness about the wide-range of grant opportunities available that could provide a big boost for local residents and community groups in countless ways.
“We’d be here all day if I attempted to cover the full breadth of possibilities that residents and community groups could accomplish thanks to council’s Community Grants Program, Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) andLandholder Environment Grants, so it’s best to leave it to those who have actually put it into practice successfully – our previous grant recipients,” Cr McKay said.
“What I can say is that if you are involved in something that benefit’s our region then now is the time to find out how council can help.”
Opening today (3 February) is council’s Major Round of the** Community Grants** **Program **which offers assistance to a wide range of not-for-profit community groups with one-off-projects, activities or events that directly benefit the Sunshine Coast community.
Groups can apply in one of seven categories – Community Development, Cultural Development, Cultural Heritage, Economic Development, Environment, Festive Season, and Sport, Recreation and Healthy Living. This application round closes on 14 March.
Not-for-profit group, Sunshine 60 and Better, received a $7,500 Community Grant towards their project to promote and manage the new Kawana Forest Meeting Place for a variety of uses.
Manager of Sunshine 60 and Better, Joy Morwood, said the benefit of a council grant can be experienced across the wider community.
“With the promotion of Kawana Forest Meeting Place we have been able to encourage and then promote wonderful programs such as men’s and women’s health, Laughter Yoga and seniors days. These programs aim to reduce social isolation and bring people together in their local community,” Ms Morwood said.
A multicultural celebration held at Caloundra each year, received $5,000 from the Community Grants Program. Festurishowcases and celebrates the cultural diversity of the region.
Festuri President, Lex Kocsis said the group’s core purpose was to host an annual, family friendly, multicultural festival on the Sunshine Coast.
“With the assistance of a council grant we can continue to showcase this magnificent festival in the region,” he said.
“The festival is celebrating its 15th year running – it is so wonderful to see the Sunshine Coast community supporting this important event and the diversity of the region.”
For those more creatively inclined the **Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) **is open until 1 March for applications. . This program supports the Coast’s budding or professional artists, actors, filmmakers, producers and musicians with up to $10,000 towards artistic ventures that benefit the region.
Stephan Beattie and Kayt Wallace from the band The Flumes received $8,000 through the RADF funding program in September 2013 for the professional recording of their upcoming album.
Stephan Beattie aid the grant will be used towards the costs of employing a studio engineer/producer, mastering engineer, publicist, graphic designer and quality Sunshine Coast musicians to produce and promote a professional quality recording.
“The outcome of this project will provide a vital promotional tool that will greatly enhance the development, reach and market potential of the Flumes; enriching the careers of all of the musicians working on it; giving valuable experience in a professional environment,” he said.
Last but by no means least, the Landholder Environment Grants offers funding assistance to rural property owners on the Sunshine Coast looking to protect and enhance the biodiversity of their land and of the region.
Landholder Environment Grants have a three stage application process with all interested applicants required to first submit an Expression of Interest form by 5pm 24 February. A council officer will then arrange to visit your property to discuss the project and funding amounts, with the final stage of the process being an online application.
If you want more information on these grants and other funding opportunities, Council Grants Officers can offer assistance with the application process, technical queries, project development, grant writing tips and advice on other funding sources outside council.
For further information or to find out if your project is eligible, contact a grants officer on 5475 7272, emailgrants@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au_ _or visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/grants.