Council to launch refreshed Grants & Funding program
Published on 16 May 2024
On 1 July 2024 Western Downs Regional Council will launch a refreshed Grants & Funding program designed to be more accessible and practical for locals seeking financial support for community initiatives and events.
After seeking community feedback from previous funding recipients, Council has reviewed the existing programs and enacted a raft of changes designed to ensure that the Grants & Funding program is not only more accessible to potential applicants, but that it is also able to meet the requirements of the region's community groups and organisations in 2024 and beyond.
Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development, Councillor Peter Saxelby, said that as our region's community organisations continue to strive and innovate, so too should the Grants & Funding program that supports them.
"Our teams, clubs, and community organisations are the backbone of our active, vibrant communities and Council is proud to support them through grants and funding opportunities," Cr Saxelby said.
"It's important, therefore, that our Grants & Funding programs are meeting the changing needs of these organisations and allows them to access funding that will allow them to achieve their goals, whether that's a sporting or cultural event, or upgrades and repairs to facilities or equipment.
"Some of the exciting changes that the community will see from 1 July include increases in upper funding limits to cover the rising costs of materials, revisions to cash co-contribution amounts, and multi-year agreements for some of the region's most popular events.
"We know that 'it's the people that make it' on the Western Downs, so I encourage all residents to look into Council's Grants & Funding opportunities and help bring your big idea to life."
A series of free Information Sessions are being held throughout the region in June where community members can find out more about Council's Grants & Funding programs and seek guidance on applying for grants with Council.
In addition, two sessions will also feature Grant Writing Workshops lead by Gigi Lacey of Instinct Organisational Development who will help participants to hone their grant writing skills by exploring a wide range of topics, including writing an effective project plan, identifying and targeting funding program priorities, reporting on outcomes, and utilising AI in the preparation of grant applications.
The first Competitive Grants Round (Over $5,000) under the new program will open on 9 July 2024, with Responsive Grants Rounds (under $5,000) being assessed monthly.
To book a spot at the Information Sessions, or to find out more, visit wdrc.info/Grants-Info-Sessions, or call Council on 1300 268 624 (COUNCIL).
Grants Information Sessions and Grant Writing Workshops
Dalby - Saturday 15th June, 9:00am
Miles - Saturday 8th June, 9:00am
Grants Information Sessions
Chinchilla - Monday 3rd June, 9:30am
Jandowae - Friday 14th June, 5:30pm
Tara - Thursday 13th June, 5:30pm
Wandoan - Friday 7th June, 9:30am
Online - Wednesday 5th June, 12:00pm & Monday 10th June, 5:30pm