Published on 13 July 2022
Council’s annual Community Grants Program is now open, providing an opportunity for community organisations to apply for funding to address local needs while celebrating diversity and inclusion. Over $250,000 is available – an increase of $85,000 from last year – for projects and initiatives that encourage residents to participate in community and civic life; build community and/or organisational capacity and strengthen networks; support and enable community connectedness and wellbeing; and increase intergenerational and/or intercultural participation, understanding and opportunities. Not-for-profit community groups, community organisations, agencies and certified social enterprises are encouraged to apply. We are particularly keen to support First Nations led projects along with those from or developed in partnership with CALD communities, LGBTIQA+ people, young people, older people and/or people living with disability. Mayor, Cr Anthony Tran is looking forward to this year’s applications as they always give an insight into the most innovative projects and initiatives in our municipality. “One of our top priorities is for our City to remain a connected and inclusive community, and the annual Community Grants Program provides an ability to do just that,” Mayor Tran said. "These grants help community groups and not-for-profit organisations at a more grass-roots level to bring their dream projects to life and continue to provide much needed services and support for their local area. These projects encourage community participation and engagement, providing ongoing and lasting benefits to our City,” Mayor Tran continued. Westgate Baptist Church received funding in last year’s grants program to establish a social enterprise plant nursery. Spokesperson, Anne Wilkinson-Hayes said the funding enabled them to get their Growing for Community Project off the ground. “Our little plant nursery is still in its early days, but is already generating lots of interest and support in the neighbourhood and we hope it will be another way to nurture stronger community and wellbeing,” Anne said. Using compost generated by Westgate Baptists’ food waste collection and community meals programs, the Growing for Community project provides meaningful activity for community members who struggle with social isolation, mental health and poor language skills. Many of the projects participants are from Melbourne’s Karen community – an ethnolinguistic group of Sino-Tibetan language speakers from South East Asia. To assist potential applicants with the grants process, Council will be running Community Information Sessions and a series of Learning Lab Workshops – with online and in-person options available. Please click here to register. Enquiries from the community are to be directed to the Community Grants Officer grants@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au or 9688 0223. Applications close on Thursday 25 August, 4pm. More information including Guidelines are available at: https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/communitygrants Maribyrnong News Stay up-to-date with the latest news by subscribing to our eNews.