Cash for community spirit

Noosa community organisations will share in almost half a million dollars’ worth of funding in the first round of the council’s new Community Grants Program.
This month the council will distribute $480,439 worth of grants to be shared among four categories – $160,425 in Sports Field Maintenance Grants, $62,785 in Community Halls and Centres Grants, $159,034 in Operational Grants and $98,195 in Project Grants.
Noosa Mayor Noel Playford said the grants will provide an important support for “hard-working, not-for-profit organisations that contribute greatly to our community’s prosperity.”
“Sporting, arts, cultural and environment organisations are among those to benefit in this round of funding,” he said.
The council has also allocated $75,000 in the new budget to cover the cost of eligible community organisations’ Unitywater fixed access charges (water and sewerage) for the year.
“These charges are an unavoidable and significant cost for many community organisations and council is pleased to be able to lessen this financial pressure,” Cr Playford said.
“This is a new council initiative to assist community organisations that add so much to the social fabric of our shire.
“Calls will go out soon for eligible organisations to supply their details so the financial assistance can be provided.”
Sports Field Maintenance Grants offer support for not-for-profit sporting organisations for the maintenance of sporting fields.
Community Halls and Centres Grants provide financial support to eligible not-for-profit community organisations for the management and maintenance of community halls and centres.
This funding is intended to provide longer-term consistent support for those not-for-profit community organisations that maintain council and community infrastructure.
Operational Grants provide not-for-profit community organisations with contributions toward operational expenses while Project Grants fund eligible not-for-profit community organisation events, programs and building works or essential infrastructure.
Applications for the second round of Project Grants will open in August.
For more information visit www.noosa.qld.gov.au/council-grants.