Council is hosting a variety of free workshops and information sessions this May and June, to help community groups and organisations improve their grant writing skills, ahead of the Community Grants Program application period which opens 1 June 2024.

Council’s 2024-25 Community Grants Program will open with $900,000 in annual funding available to support local community groups and organisations to deliver worthwhile projects, programs and events that strengthen our community.

Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said now is the time for local community groups and organisations to register for a workshop and prepare their applications. 

“Community leaders are urged to seize this valuable opportunity to create compelling funding applications, thereby bringing to life their vision for achieving shared community objectives.

"The community benefits from all projects, and funding distribution is often determined by the quality of the application,” Ms Smith said.

"To help you succeed, we urge you to join us for Grant Writing Workshops, Information Sessions, and Drop-in sessions, all developed to support your community projects and ideas."

The workshops and information sessions on offer include:

Grant Writing Workshops: An independent workshop facilitator will guide community members on how to develop a project plan and funding application to increase the chance of success for not only Council’s Grant program but all grant programs. 

•  Wednesday, 8 May 2024 The Art House, Wyong - 10.30am-1pm
• Wednesday, 8 May 2024 targeted to artists, creative arts groups & practitioners, The Art House, Wyong - 5.30pm-8pm
• Thursday, 9 May 2024 Erina Centre Meeting Space 3, Erina Fair - 5.30pm-8pm

Grant Information Sessions: To guide on Council’s Community Grant Programs with information on guidelines, eligibility, application process, grant management and timeframes.

• Wednesday, 29 May 2024 The Art House, Wyong - 1.30pm-3pm
• Thursday, 30 May 2024 Online - 2.30pm-4pm
• Wednesday, 5 June 2024 Erina Centre – Erina Room, Erina Fair - 1.30pm-3pm
• Thursday, 6 June 2024 Online - 2.30pm-4pm

Drop-in Session: One-on-one discussions with a Council Grants Officer to strengthen an application in accordance with the grant program guidelines.

• Thursday, 27 June 2024 Central Coast Council Administration Building Wyong - 9.30am-11.00am
• Thursday, 27 June 2024 Online - 5pm-7pm 

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council’s Community Grants Program, the information sessions and the workshops aim to build the community’s potential to deliver innovative events, programs, and projects.

“With the information sessions and workshops on offer, this is an opportunity for community groups and organisations to strengthen their applications and submit initiatives that enrich our community and create a stronger Central Coast,” Mr Hart said.

Council’s 2024-25 Community Grants Program includes:

• Community Development Grant Program: Applications open 1-30 June 2024, with funding up to $20,000 per project available.
• Community Events and Place Activation Program: Applications open 1-30 June 2024 with funding up to $20,000, per activity available.
• Community Support Program: Applications remain open throughout the year, with up to $5,000 in funding available per project, per financial year.

For more information on the workshops and information sessions or to register to attend visit: https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/grants

ENDS