The City of Greater Geelong’s 2022-23 Community Grants program has awarded 118 local clubs and organisations $690,000 in funding to share through a range of different grants.
The grants, ranging from $700 to $10,000, will support arts projects and festivals, community events, environmental sustainability initiatives, equipment purchases and community-based projects.
Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan said, “The grant funding keeps supporting the many clubs and groups that do important work in our community. Whether it is live performances, feeding people in need, or providing vital equipment for local community organisations – there are some fantastic projects that will be given a funding boost.”
The City of Greater Geelong offered $4.4 million in Community Grants in 2022-23.
The latest grants include:
- Arts Projects grants: 22 projects have been awarded almost $203,000 in funding including the Geelong’s Best Busker ($10,000); Barwon Heads Arts Council Inc for the Bellarine Arts Trail ($10,000); Geelong Youth Symphony Orchestra ($10,000) and Bodies of Water from Triage Live Art Collective ($9976)
- Community Events grants: 24 events have been awarded $110,000 in funding including Barwon Heads Triathlon ($4000); Bantu Fest ($5000); Reggae Fest ($10,000); the Geelong Pride Film Festival ($4000); Christmas in Lara ($10,000) and Ocean Grove Acoustic Festival ($6000)
- Environmental Sustainability grants: 14 projects will share in almost $80,000 in funding including Geelong Sustainability Group Inc for its climate community engagement program ($10,000) and the Rotary Club of Geelong for waste reduction at the Geelong Waterfront Markets ($6000)
- Healthy & Connected Communities grants: 56 projects will be awarded almost $198,000 in funding including the Bellarine Bicycle Users Group Active Travel Map ($10,000); a vacuum cleaner for the Greek Elderly Club of Geelong ($1500); sporting equipment for the Zimbabwean Community Australia Victoria Language school ($2000) and a research publication on the 150th anniversary of the Portarlington Demons Football Netball Club Inc ($10,000)
- Climate Change Partnerships grant: the inaugural round of this grant will see $100,000 in partnership with the community towards urgent action on climate change
Chair of the Council’s Finance portfolio and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Anthony Aitken, said, “We want to make sure everyone feels welcome and included, which is why we’re thrilled to be supporting these 118 community projects.
“These grants will support not-for-profits, community groups and sporting clubs, giving people the opportunity to connect with their neighbours and give back to our community.”
All grant applications were assessed by an independent panel using set criteria before being endorsed by the Council.