City of Parramatta Council is supporting community-based groups and service organisations that have been impacted by COVID-19 through a new category of grants.

The COVID-19 Resilience Grants, which are a temporary addition to Council’s 2020 Community Grants Program, are a key component within the City of Parramatta’s COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Package.

“These grants will provide an opportunity for local not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises to apply for additional funding to help address any issues that have arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.

“Our local community organisations do so much to support the people of Parramatta, and we need to support them in return – particularly in difficult times such as these. The COVID-19 Resilience Grants will help ensure these important groups can continue to do their valuable work.”

Council is inviting community-based groups and service organisations with projects valued at up to $10,000 to apply in order to address social or economic needs that have arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants will also be able to apply for additional funds in exceptional circumstances up to a total of $20,000. The total pool amount for COVID-19 Resilience Grants is $380,000.

“It is Council’s hope that we can support as many applicants as possible through these grants,” Cr Dwyer said.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be a not-for-profit incorporated organisation, have evidence of auspice from a not-for-profit incorporated organisation, or be a social enterprise.

Projects that may be eligible for funding include: the supply of material aid (food, basic needs); assistance for families to access services for home schooling; equipment that enables organisations to transition online; new initiatives that build connections between people or ongoing community resilience; upskilling of people seeking employment; and enhancing community wellbeing during the COVID-19 crisis.

For more information or to apply click here. Applications close 9am, Monday 1 June 2020.