2016/17 Annual Grants Program recipients announced

Sixty-six community groups, individuals and organisations have received a boost with the announcement of Council's 2016/17 Annual Grants Program recipients.

The grants program provides an annual funding opportunity for the Wagga Wagga Local Government area and aims to support local community-based groups, with a total of $175,000 on offer across six categories.

Interest in the program continued to grow with a 19 per cent increase in applications.

"Council is supporting a wide variety of projects this financial year including $2000 for a creative arts workshop for the Leisure Company, $20,000 for 14 different events, and $880 for a veggie garden at South Wagga Public School," Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Rod Kendall said.

"The grants are our commitment to helping create a strong, creative community.

"It's encouraging to see such a strong response to the grants program and I encourage everyone to start thinking about ideas for next year's program."

The Annual Grants Program consists of six grant categories: Community Health and Wellbeing, Connected Rural and Urban Communities, Arts and Culture, Local Heritage, Events, and Sustainable Environments.

The grants application period opened on 21 March and closed on 31 May with 105 applications received.

Applications were assessed by category specific panels comprising of a Councillor, Council staff and independent external representatives.

Along with the approved projects, leftover funding from one category will be reallocated to support other community projects and works.

A formal presentation evening for the successful applicants will be held at the Civic Theatre on 18 August.