More cash for community groups

Community organisations in Noosa will soon find it easier to apply for Community Benefit Fund grants of up to $35,000 thanks to a new, simple, one-stop process introduced into Parliament on Tuesday by Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Jarrod Bleijie.

Member for Noosa, Glen Elmes, said the existing four funding programs would be merged into one and the level of funding would be standardised.
“This will take the guesswork out of the grants process which will make life much easier for eligible community groups,” he said.
“In the past, community groups have had to spend considerable time interpreting their eligibility for funding, depending on which grant they were applying for.
“The merging of the four current funding programs means eligible organisations will have simple, one-stop access to funding to help them continue their important work.
“Four funding rounds each year also means that the next opportunity will come around quickly and this simplified approach will cause the application process to no longer be a task dreaded by the volunteer secretary of our community organisations.
“By introducing one system for the whole State, we have also levelled the playing field to ensure money is going to the groups who need it most.
The new amalgamated program is expected to be available for the funding round which opens in mid-July and which will close on August 31. For information visit www.olgr.qld.gov.au/grants/index.shtml