Grants opportunities opening soon

Published on 03 March 2021

Local community groups and organisations are encouraged to apply to Council’s grants programs, the Community Funding Scheme and Events and Festivals Grant Program for 2021-22.

These grants programs open on Monday 29 March and applications close 5pm, Monday 3 May.

Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson today said she was thrilled to announce that this year Council was providing $80,000 in additional grants streams to support local community groups during the pandemic.

“With the knowledge that everything can be just that little bit harder to arrange though COVID restrictions this year, Council is also offering the ability to apply for funding to support your event, project or activity to be COVIDSafe as part of the 2021-22 Community Funding Scheme and Events and Festivals Grant program,” Cr Anderson said.

Up to $5000 is available to each eligible non-for-profit group or organisation based in Macedon Ranges Shire for:

Support to be COVIDSafe compliant. Virtual events Online content Re-opening events for community facilities Reactivation events to get clubs and groups back together Alternative ways of holding events Bringing people together Social inclusion Community Funding Scheme

The Community Funding Scheme (CFS) provides funds to not-for-profit community groups for programs and initiatives that benefit the shire and meet local needs in line with Council goals. The scheme is open to all incorporated and community-based not-for-profit groups currently operating or being established in Macedon Ranges Shire.

A total of $256,000 is available in this year’s grants scheme including Council’s additional $80,000 allocation. For more information, or to view the scheme guidelines, contact the Community Development team on (03) 5422 0333, via email, or visit the website.

Events and Festivals Grant Program

Events and festivals provide significant social and economic benefits for the shire each year. In recognition of the positive outcomes of events and festivals for community and business, Council runs the annual Events and Festivals Grant Program. Direct funding of $75,000 is available to events and festivals in 2021/22.

This program assists groups and organisations seeking funding and/or in-kind support for events and festivals within the shire. Three different funding tiers apply, depending on the size, focus and complexity of the proposed event or festival. For more information, call (03) 5422 0333, via email, or visit the website.

To find out more about Council’s other grants opportunities, visit the Grants webpage.