Community funding grants are here

By DANE LILLINGSTONE

SOUTHERN Downs community groups and sporting clubs could receive up to $7500 in 2015/16 community funding grants.
The next round of the council’s Community Grants Program and Community Support Program will open for submissions on 3 August.
Mayor Peter Blundell said about 40 groups shared in over $116,000 worth of grants in last year’s rounds of funding.
“We are excited to have another $100,000 available in 2015/16 to share across our dedicated Southern Downs community groups, and encourage those seeking assistance for their important projects and services to take time to get on-board and complete an application,” Cr Blundell said.
“These programs help local community groups and clubs to fund all sorts of projects that might otherwise be out of their reach.
“Applications can be submitted under the Community Grants Program for funding up to a maximum of $7500, and up to a maximum of $5000 under the Community Support Program, and the closing date for both programs is 31 August 2015,” he said.
The council’s Community Services manager Sheila Stebbings said a significant change had been made with grant applications this year.
“As was forecast to groups last year, the council has introduced SmartyGrants for some 2015/16 community funding program applications. This means all groups making an application under the Community Grant or Community Support program will need to do so online via SmartyGrants,” Ms Stebbings said.
“We want community groups to be aware that demand for these grants is very high and we need applications to meet specified criteria. All grants programs operate in a competitive environment and th council is no exception,” she said.
Two information sessions will be held outlining the programs and introducing the community how to apply on SmartyGrants. The sessions will be:

* 3 August, 5.30pm-7pm at Stanthorpe Civic Centre Room.
* 4 August, 5.30pm-7pm at Warwick Town Hall.

Full information about the programs, eligibility and assessment criteria and how to apply can be found in the Program Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions section of the Southern Down’s Regional Council website.
Applications will close at 5pm on 31 August for the Community Grants Program and Community Support Program.