Council’s Annual Grants Program opens Monday

Published: 24 Feb 2023 10:50am

Individuals, community organisations, and local businesses who have a project, event or great idea for the local community are invited to apply for funding under Wagga Wagga City Council’s Annual Grants Program.

Applications for the 2023/24 program open on Monday 27 February, with a total of $202,000 available across 10 categories:

• Community Programs and Projects
• Recreational and Community Facilities
• Neighbourhood and Rural Villages
• Rural Halls
• Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
• Local Heritage
• Events
• Environment
• Youth Programs and Projects
• Small Business.

The Annual Grants Program is part of Council’s commitment to developing a vibrant and diverse community in line with the goals of the Community Strategic Plan 2040.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said the annual grants program allows Council to offer significant financial support, directly benefiting the community.

“Through our annual grants program, we can support the many great ideas, initiatives and events that local people want to develop and deliver for the benefit of our community,” Councillor Tout said.

“The sheer number of projects, new ideas and event proposals we receive through the annual grants process is testament to the thoughtfulness and creativity of this community, and seeing them come to fruition is gratifying for everyone involved.

“Whether you’re an individual or a non-profit community group looking to stage a community event, or a small business with a big idea; if it benefits our community, we’d love to hear from you.”

The previous 2022/23 Annual Grants Program supported 59 projects, including:

• Kylie Biltris – $4000 in the Neighbourhood and Rural Villages category for the ‘Arts Starts Here’ creative workshops.
• Wagga Wagga Women’s Shed – $2200 in the Community Programs and Projects category for the installation of sensor lighting and security cameras.
• Tarcutta Hotel – $4755 in the Local Heritage category to restore the façade, back windows and replace signage on the 1940s building.

Director Community Janice Summerhayes encouraged community groups, individuals and small business owners to get in touch with Council before submitting their application.

“It can be really helpful to have a chat with one the grants category officers to discuss your ideas and plans, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about the application process,” Ms Summerhayes said.

Applications for the Annual Grants Program 2023/24 close on Monday 1 May 2022 at 11.59pm.

For more information, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/grants