Applications now open for community grants program

Published on 02 February 2021

The next round of Cowra Council's Community Grants Program is now open, offering eligible community groups the opportunity to update their equipment or undertake improvements to infrastructure and buildings.

"Cowra Council has supported many worthwhile projects and groups through the grants program over the past five years and encourages local community groups and sporting clubs to think about projects and activities they want to achieve in 2021 and look into whether they fit into the criteria for the grants," said Mayor of Cowra, Cr Bill West.

Now in its twelfth round, the $55,000 annual grants program allows eligible individuals and community groups to apply and lodge their application until Friday 26 February 2021.

"Round One of the program undertaken last year was very well subscribed with 23 applications approved totalling $28,039 in funding. Council has enjoyed seeing many of these projects already completed or near completion with the funding and look forward to seeing what ideas Cowra community groups come up with for this round," said Cr West.

Successful applicants in Round One of 2020/2021 included the Cowra Arts Group who purchased new laptops and software; the Cowra Junior Cricket Association who purchased sterilising products and equipment to ensure that the cricket season could proceed with appropriate COVID-19 precautions; the Gooloogong Historical Society whose grant assisted with the connection of power to the new historical society premises; and the Morongla Show Society who purchased new stackable aluminium chairs.

The guidelines and criteria remain the same this round, with Council looking for community groups who are not-for-profit, primarily volunteer-run and based within the Cowra Shire with projects that directly benefit the local community.

Community groups have the opportunity to apply for funding through four categories: arts and culture, building and facility development, small capital equipment and sport and recreation.

Applicants that were successful in Round One of the Community Grants Program are able to apply again under Round Two, provided they have submitted their acquittal report.

Applicants are eligible to receive up to a total value of $3000 in grant funds per financial year. Application forms and guidelines are available at Councils' front desk at 116 Kendal St, Cowra.

For more information, contact Cowra Council's Grants and Executive Projects Officer, Lawrance Ryan on (02) 6340 2035 or email: lryan@cowra.nsw.gov.au.

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