Applications for the second round of the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund - Community Grants Program opened on Monday 30 January.

The funding is part of the $1 million earmarked for local community group grants over the next three years, as a result of local government amalgamations.

The Community Grants Program fosters projects that help create a more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive community.

More than $250,000 has already been shared among 14 local not-for-profit groups under the first round of the grants program.

Successful round one recipients have been using their funding to build community gardens, improve sports facilities and amenities, enhance community centres, and support a healthy and happy community through a range of programs and activities.

Davistown Progress Association was one successful group from round one, where the Stronger Communities Fund has enabled residents to come together to participate in the Davistown Progress Hall Centenary Restoration Project - providing a much-needed makeover for the historic hall.

The 100 year anniversary of the hall is approaching in a few years, and locals have banded together to reinvigorate this facility as a community focal point and meeting place.

The grant has enabled them to carry out works including refurbishments, improved drainage and landscaping to help restore the venue.

We want other community groups, just like the Davistown Progress Association, to apply for second round program funding.

Round two is open to not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding to continue in their endeavours to make the Central Coast a great place to live, work and play.

So if you or anyone you know is involved in a local community group, spread the word about applying for the second round of the Stronger Communities Fund – Community Grants Program to help make your projects happen.

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; and
• Demonstrate the capacity within the applicant organisation to manage funds and deliver the project.

Round two applications for the Stronger Communities Fund – Community Grants Program close on Friday 24 February 2017.