Macedon Ranges Shire runs two annual grant programs, the Community Funding Scheme and the Events and Festivals Grant Program.
Applications for the 2021/2022 annual grant programs will open on 29 March 2021 and close 3 May 2021. So please plan ahead and start considering your applications now.
Council provides the Community Funding Scheme so that not-for-profit groups, clubs and organisations can meet local community needs that also help achieve higher level Council Plan objectives.
This is why we are committed to supporting valuable activities in the areas of community strengthening, arts and culture, sport, recreation, festivals and events, and the environment.
Due to Covid-19, we are presenting our annual Grants Celebration 2020 a little differently; online, rather than hosting our annual presentation function.
This video showcases many of our local groups who have received Council funding and support through our 2020/21 Community Funding Scheme and Events & Festivals grant programs. Thanks to all involved for participating in this celebration!
Congratulations to our 2020 recipients of Council’s Community Funding Scheme. Council awarded $143,946 to 24 groups under the scheme for 2020/21 and further $90,250 in funding was awarded to19 events and festivals, plus in-kind support to the value of $14,191. Total allocated: $248,387.
Last year 24 recipients were recommended for funding with a total value of $143,946. See full list of our 2020/21 recipients for the Community Funding Scheme Recipient-List-In-Kind-Events-and-Festival-Grant-Program-2020-2021.pdf(PDF, 218KB) Recipient-List-In-Kind-Events-and-Festival-Grant-Program-2020-2021.docx(DOCX, 87KB)
Applications for this year’s Community Funding Scheme will open Monday 29 March and close 5pm 3 May 2021.
A total of $256,000 is available in this year’s grants scheme including Council’s additional $80,000 in COVID-19 Recovery support streams.
Community Funding Scheme grants are open to not-for-profit community groups, clubs and organisations. who wish to apply for financial assistance.
Council supports projects that benefit our community, such as equipment purchase, service delivery, community building and community development initiatives of up to $12,000.
Have you got a great idea for 2021/22? Make sure you still apply this year!
Applicants to the Community Funding Scheme and/or Events and Festival Grant Program in 2021-22 are also eligible to apply for additional grants streams within the existing Community Funding Scheme. Grants of up to $5000 are available to each non-for-profit group or organisation based in Macedon Ranges Shire for the following areas:
- Support to be COVIDSafe compliant.
- Virtual events
- Online content
- Re-opening events for community facilities
- Reactivation events to get clubs and groups back together
- Alternative ways of holding events
- Bringing people together
- Social inclusion
Keep an eye out on our website for more information and guidelines in time for the annual grants program opening on 29 March 2021.
Summary
Council’s annual grant programs are dedicated to supporting community groups and organisation, as well as events and festivals in the Macedon Ranges Shire.
These programs will undergo a review in early 2022, including any further COVID-19 impacts; and will be open again for applications in 2022/23.
The Community Funding Scheme grants funds to not-for-profit community groups for programs and initiatives that benefit residents of the Macedon Ranges and help achieve Council Plan goals.
- The Community Funding Scheme supports initiatives which meet local needs and delivers practical projects to strengthen our community. This includes:
- Community and cultural development projects
- Enhancing the effectiveness of local community groups
- Supporting local environmental priorities
- Enhancing community places and infrastructure
- Demonstrate a commitment to accessibility, diversity, fairness and community wellbeing
- Complement strategic Council directions and strategic plans.
After applications close on 3 May, a robust assessment process is completed, and recommendations on suitable recipients will go to an Ordinary Meeting of Council for approval. Applicants will be notified on the outcome of their submission late July 2021.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the scheme, call Lisa Clunies-Ross on 03 5422 0333 or email grants@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Updated guidelines and online application forms will be available at the opening of the 2021/22 Annual Grants program from 29 March 2021. Hardcopies can be provided upon request.
Previous guidelines 2020
Sample application 2020
Templates