Applications open now for City of Wagga Wagga’s $175,000 Annual Grants Program 2017/18

Local community organisations, groups and individuals can apply for a share of $175,000 as part of the City of Wagga Wagga’s Annual Grants Program 2017/18.

Applications are open until Monday 29 May for community-focused groups and individuals in the Local Government Area across six categories.

Sixty-six worthy recipients received a boost through last year’s program. The wide range of supported projects included a portable oxygen machine for children, new lighting for netballers, support for the popular Cork and Fork events, and a “Sensory Santa Photo Shoot” for children with special needs.

Interest in the Annual Grants Program has grown in recent years and Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM is excited to see the many worthy community projects that will receive funding.

“These grants are part of the City of Wagga Wagga’s commitment to developing our vibrant and diverse community,” he said.

“Through the grants program, we can support a wide range of services and activities that build community capacity, foster social networks and information exchange, facilitate cooperation and build on existing community strengths.”

The City of Wagga Wagga will again be holding information sessions to help groups and individuals develop and submit their applications.

“The response to the grants program has been growing every year, so I encourage anyone interested to attend one of the sessions to learn more about the process and discuss their application with the relevant grants officer for their category,” Cr Conkey said.

The Annual Grants Program has been developed to align with the Wagga View, Community Strategic Plan 2040. Wagga View was prepared with extensive consultation with the community and applicants are required to read the plan to identity the key guiding principle their proposed project or service relates to.

Application forms and grant guidelines are available at upcoming workshops, at the Civic Centre and online at www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/grants.

Categories

Funding range is amount available per project.

• Community Health & Wellbeing - Community Programs & Projects ($500 to $3000)
• Community Health & Wellbeing - Recreational Facilities ($500 to $7500)
• Connected Rural & Urban Communities - Neighbourhood & Rural Villages ($500 to $3000)
• Connected Rural & Urban Communities - Rural Halls ($5000 to $10,000)
• Arts and Culture ($1000 to $4000)
• Local Heritage ($500 to $16,800)
• Events ($500 to $3000)
• Natural Environment ($500 to $2500)

Information sessions

• Tuesday 4 April, 10am to 11.30am*
• Wednesday 3 May, 6pm to 7.30pm

Applicants are encouraged to attend an Annual Grants Program briefing to learn how to use the SmartyGrants online application form and to discuss their application with the relevant grants officer.

Both sessions will be held in the Council Meeting Room at the Civic Centre. To register, contact Kristin Groves on 1300 292 442 or grants@wagga.nsw.gov.au.

*The Arts and Culture Grants Officer will be unavailable at this briefing. Please call Tracie Miller on 1300 292 442 to make an appointment.

Timeline

• Applications open: 20 March
• Briefings: 4 April at 10am, 3 May at 6pm
• Applications close: Noon, Monday 29 May
• Assessment period: June
• Councillors meet: July
• Notification to applicants: Early August
• Deadline for acquittal of funds: 30 June 2018