To support community groups or individuals build skills and confidence in applying for grant funding to deliver their worthwhile projects, events, or initiatives for the community, Council is running a series of free workshops in May and June ahead of the 2022-23 Community Grants Program opening.

A series of drop-in sessions, information sessions and workshops will be offered online via zoom and in person at Erina Centre, Erina Fair and at Council’s Wyong Administration Building.

The annual ‘Community Events and Place Activation’ and ‘Community Development’ Grant Programs will open 1 June 2022 with $300,000 per program available, to support local community groups and organisations to deliver worthwhile projects, programs and events that strengthen the Central Coast community. These programs are only open once during the 2022/23 financial year.

The Community Support Program remains open for applications throughout the year with $300,000 available.

Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the sessions are designed to help applicants better understand the process, improve the quality of their applications, and help bring their big ideas to life over the next 18 months.

“Council is excited to give local community members the opportunity to build on their Grant writing skills, confidence and abilities ahead of the application period opening”, Ms Smith said.

“Council is offering accessible information sessions, drop-in sessions, and grant writing workshops that will ensure community groups applying for funding are aware of the opportunities available to them, and can confidently better their chances of success”.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the Community Grants Program plays an important role in supporting organisations to deliver events and programs that respond to the needs of our community.

“Through its Community Grants Program, Council provides community organisations with support to deliver activities and events which build the community’s capacity and create stronger local connections,” Mr Hart said.

“Council is honoured to be supporting local community members in their efforts ahead of the application process and we are excited to see the quality of applications received from 1 June 2022,” Mr Hart said.

Council’s 2022-23 Community Grants Program will include:

• Community Development Grant Program – one round only, to open 1 June 2022, closes 30 June 2022. Applicants can apply for up to $20,000 per application with a total available annual program allocation of $300,000.
   
• Community Events and Place Activation Grant Program – one round only, to open 1 June 2022, closes 30 June 2022. Applicants can apply for up to $20,000 per application with a total available annual program allocation of $300,000. 
   
• Community Support Grant Program – small grant program, open all year round and assessed monthly, up to $5,000 per application with a total available annual program allocation of $300,000. 

To register for the drop-in sessions, information sessions and workshops, visit www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/grants

For more information on the 2022-23 Community Grants Program, search ‘Community Grants Program’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au 

ENDS