One proposed change is to the year-round Quick Response Grants, which will have a new option for grants up to $5000, in addition to the existing $1000 offering.
The Major Grants stream will be open for up to two rounds per financial year, offering grants up to $10,000 for community organisations to fund larger non-capital projects and events.
It is also proposed that future changes to the number of rounds and maximum funding amounts can be made through council chief executive approval.
Eligibility criteria changes have also been proposed, meaning council approval is needed for projects or events on council-owned or -managed land; this is to be conducted by a Community Project Proposal completed before applying for a grant.
Applications must also declare discretionary expenses and meet Community Strengthening Grant guideline discretionary limits.
More exclusions have been proposed, meaning community organisations that already receive council funding for capital, maintenance or equipment for activity-related projects are excluded.
Projects or events on private property or government land will be excluded unless the event or project under consideration meets all other funding requirements.
There must also be no commercial gain for the property owner, ongoing maintenance and change of ownership must be considered, and health and safety and contractor and risk requirements are met.
Projects or events that are for capital projects are also excluded under the proposed changes.
Acting sustainable communities director Rosanne Kava said the grants supported a variety of community groups and in turn, served the people.
“(The) grant program supports projects that address social inequity, promote social inclusion, embrace diversity, and establish environments that are supportive of all people regardless of gender, identity, age, disability, culture, religion and sexual orientation,” she said.
Applications for all community strengthening grants undergo a pre-eligibility assessment and are returned to the applicant for more information if necessary, or are not progressed if the application is ineligible.
Feedback on the changes can be made via the Moira Shire Council website, which closes to comments at 5pm on Friday, September 9.
16°C