New grants policy a win for community groups

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Published
12th February 2016

Noosa Council has revamped its Community Grants Policy to better support local not-for-profit community organisations.

“We’ve substantially improved the grant program application process and reduced red tape and administration for local community organisations as well as Council,” Noosa Mayor Noel Playford said.

The new program replaces the current operational grants program with funding for fixed water and sewerage access charges, plus up to $1000 worth of annual consumption charges. It also supports eligible community organisations with facilities on Council-controlled land to cover the cost of building insurance.

“We can include buildings on Council-controlled land with Council’s own insurance. Our large buy-in power means we can cheaply cover the cost of building insurance for these community groups,” Cr Playford said.

A new three year Community Alliance Grants category will provide financial support for eligible not-for-profit community organisations that provide significant benefit to the community, such as Coast Guard.

Council has retained its existing Community Project Grants, Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants and Three-Year Maintenance Grants.

Cr Playford said as well as reducing red tape, the changes made the grants program fairer because it offered more community groups a share in available funding.

Council will hold information sessions in the next few weeks to explain the changes to the grants program. The sessions will also provide tips and tricks for grant writers.

To attend one of the following information sessions, RSVP to grants@noosa.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 5329 6437:

Introduction to the new Noosa Council Grants Program

  • 6pm, Wednesday 24 February, Council Chambers, Level 3, Pelican St, Tewantin.
  • 9am, Thursday 25 February, Break Out Room, Leisure Centre, Wallace Park, Noosaville.

Grant writing - Open discussion and advice

  • 6pm, Wednesday 16 March, Council Chambers, Level 3, Pelican St, Tewantin

Noosa Grow Your Arts - Grant opportunities for arts practitioners (Includes special guest speakers from Creative Partnerships and Queensland Arts and Noosa Council).

  • 3pm, Thursday 25 February, The Foyer, The J, Noosa Junction

12 February 2016