Brimbank Council has allocated more than $536,000 to not-for-profit community groups and organisations under the Brimbank Community Grants Program 2023-2024.
The grants will help to deliver local projects, events and programs that improve health and wellbeing, sustainable living and community connections.
Of the 181 grant applications received, 133 applications were successful for funding, as follows:
- 7 Major Festival and Event Grants – up to $25,000
- 20 Community Strengthening Grants – up to $10,000
- 7 Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants – up to $10,000
- 15 Community Festival and Event Grants – up to $10,000
- 3 Young People’s Idea Grants – up to $10,000
- 2 Climate Emergency Grants – up to $10,000
- 3 Establishment Grants – up to $1,500
- 76 Senior Operational Grants – up to $1,000.
“The Brimbank Community Grants Program supports not-for-profit organisations and community groups to deliver projects that improve health and wellbeing, support life-long learning, encourage sustainable living and build community capacity,” said Brimbank Mayor Cr Ranka Rasic.
“We’re pleased to fund innovative projects, events and activities that are tailored to meet Brimbank’s unique needs and aligned to emerging community priorities.”
Funding was allocated for innovative projects such as:
- a program for neurodiverse young people to overcome barriers to employment
- a home-crafts show where people can display things they’ve grown or made
- health education sessions for migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers
- establishment of a new community group to support to socially-isolated seniors
- a wellbeing program for people with a dual diagnosis of mental health and disability
- a free-entry athletic event encouraging community participation.
The 2023/2024 Community Grants Program had a budget allocation of $600,000. Council allocated $536,240 in this round and the remaining $63,760 has been allocated to a new all-year Establishment and Responsive Grants Program to assist with unexpected and/or urgent community needs.
“Council has established a new all-year Establishment and Responsive Grants Program to help community groups meet unexpected and urgent needs, with applications of up to $2,000 to open early in 2024,” said Cr Rasic.
