TRC community grant funding applications open ¬until March 1

Applications are open for Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC) next round of community grants.

TRC Environment and Community Services Committee chair Cr James O’Shea said community and not-for-profit groups were welcome to apply for funding to assist their project or event. Applications must be lodged by March 1, 2022.

Cr O’Shea said the current funding program covered applications for the Sport and Recreation, Event Support, Community Support, Community Economic Development, Environment, Cultural and Arts Support and Sports Tourism grants.

Cr O’Shea said revised eligibility criteria for the Sport and Recreation grant program meant groups that had small projects that required smaller contributions could now access the program. *See conditions listed below.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said Community Economic Development grants up to $5,000 (or in some cases up to $10,000 per applicant, with matched funding) were available to help community organisations deliver programs designed to benefit local businesses and the broader area.

“Council is determined to support our Chambers of Commerce, Progress Associations and other not-for-profit groups who meet the selection criteria to deliver programs and job-creating projects that will benefit local businesses, particularly as our businesses continue to recover from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic,” Mayor Antonio said.

“This funding is aimed specifically at empowering local organisations to deliver the types of projects that they know will support economic growth and opportunities in their own communities.

“Council envisages that these grants will support the implementation of the Toowoomba Region Economic Development Strategy and township economic development plans like the Community Growth Action Plans.”

Cr O’Shea said residents could call 131 872 to book a consultation with relevant staff to arrange for help with tailoring grant proposals.

“Council appreciates the difficulty smaller groups face to find money for projects, services and facilities,” Cr O’Shea said.

“Council is pleased to offer financial assistance to a diverse range of community and not-for-profit groups.

“Preference is given to applications that fulfil a range of criteria covering community inclusiveness and interaction, a willingness to encourage community partnerships, upgrading facilities or services or establishing a new service, facility or initiative.

“Different funding caps apply across various grant categories.”

Grant applications in each category are assessed by a panel including TRC staff from the specified area and Councillors.

The competitive review process means that not all projects always can be fully funded.

The current grant round is expected to be presented for approval by Council at its April meetings.

Cr O’Shea said Council approved more than $332, 000 covering 56 applications in the previous grant round in September 2021.

Sport and Recreation grant program guidelines: • Projects to undertake planning work would require a 10% club contribution. This includes planning required for significant infrastructure, such as multi-lighting design, amenities/canteen/clubhouse plans and/or organisational planning (strategic club development plans),

• Projects with a total project cost up to $15,000, excluding GST, require a 25% contribution (for example, a $12,000 long term equipment purchase would require a $3,000 contribution from the applicant),

• Projects over $15,000, excluding GST, but under $35,000, excluding GST, require a 30% contribution (for example, a $33 000 storage shed would require an $11,000 contribution from the applicant),

• Projects over $35,000, excluding GST, but under $50,000, excluding GST, require a 40% contribution (for example, a $40,000 change room refurbishment would require a $16,000 contribution from the applicant), and

• Projects over $50,000, excluding GST require a 50% contribution (for example, a $90,000 amenities upgrade would require a $45,000 contribution from the applicant).

More information about each grant category can be viewed at www.tr.qld.gov.au/grants