Time is running out for Central Coast community groups and other local, eligible organisations to apply for grants worth up to $50,000 from the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund.

Applications for the first round of grants close on Friday 26 August 2016.

Well over 100 community groups and other organisations attended the series of information presentations and drop-in sessions, held by Council during late July and early August across the Central Coast, to find out more about the funding program and how to apply.

Given the great turnout at these sessions, Council is expecting plenty of great applications that aim to deliver much needed community oriented projects and initiatives.

Some of the types of projects community groups can apply to potentially get funding for include:

• Infrastructure – Projects that aim to upgrade, develop or improve a neighbourhood’s community infrastructure.
• Social – Projects that create, diversify or enhance participation in the community, or provide benefits that address an identified community need.
• Environmental – Projects that address environmental issues and concerns within a neighbourhood or contribute to environmental education and awareness.
• Accessibility – Projects that enhance and improve access options for the community, either through transport, disability access or connectivity.
• Sports development – Projects that contribute to the development of sporting groups or are designed to enhance participation in sporting activities.
• Economic – Projects that strengthen and enhance the existing local business community, provide opportunities for new enterprises and entrepreneurs, or provide vocational training and job creation outcomes.
• Art and culture – Projects that provide opportunities for creative community participation, new collaborative partnerships, investigation and research into local culture and history and/or creative placemaking.

As part of the $10 million provided to the newly formed Central Coast Council under the Stronger Communities Fund, $1 million has been earmarked for local community group grants over the next three years.

So whether it’s the local junior sporting club, neighbourhood centre or men’s shed, Council is encouraging as many sporting, cultural, environment and other groups to apply for funding that will help them ensure the Central Coast remains a vibrant, socially inclusive and modern place for residents and visitors.

A Stronger Communities Fund Assessment Panel will be set up to assess and recommend projects for funding.

To be successful for funding, community projects must meet the following criteria:

• Deliver social, cultural, economic or environmental benefits to the local community.
• Address an identified community priority.
• Be well defined with a clear budget.
• Demonstrate that any ongoing or recurrent costs of the project can be met by the community group once grant funding has been expended.
• Demonstrate the capacity to manage funds and deliver the project.

Council is looking forward to working collaboratively with local community groups through the Stronger Communities Fund to enhance Central Coast residents’ lives, by bringing as many community development projects as possible to fruition.

To lodge an application, go to: https://centralcoast.smartygrants.com.au/strongcommfund1