Minor Community Grants now open

If your not-for-profit community group needs help funding a project, event or activity make sure you apply for a grant of up to $2000 through Sunshine Coast Council’s Minor Community Grants Program.

Perhaps your not-for-profit group wants to run a creative or community workshop, needs to update equipment or attend a seminar.

If so, make sure you apply for a Minor Community Grant before midnight on Monday, November 5, 2018.

One recent beneficiary was the Kawana Junior Rugby League Club which received a Community Development category minor grant of nearly $2000 to run a 12-week Get Off the Sideline physical activity program for parents of the club.

Kawana Junior Rugby League Club treasurer Sarah-Jane Kenny said the program was designed to encourage parents who are sitting watching their children at training to get involved in physical activity through group fitness.

“Council’s Minor Community Grant funding provided an opportunity not normally available to parents who can now remain in the vicinity while their children train,” she said.

“Parents are increasingly time poor with less opportunities for themselves and this program allowed parents to obtain their physical activity while their children train.

“The program encouraged parents from all age groups within the club to socialise and set an example for their children while creating a new healthy habit and implementing some lifestyle changes.

“We have up to 20 parents getting involved in the group fitness classes each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon and we are seeing results, motivation and social connections between parents.”

Community Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said community groups could apply for a grant to assist with projects that benefit Sunshine Coast communities.

“This project by Kawana Junior Rugby League Club was a great initiative that addressed barriers to participation and access to exercise programs and supports our region to be Healthy, Smart, Creative,” Cr McKay said.

“The grants are a great way for all sorts of community groups to obtain funding to help with their smaller, but important projects.

“If you’re considering a grant for your community group, please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give our grants officers a call.”

Community groups can apply for funding for one-off projects through one of seven categories:

• Community Development
• Community Facilities
• Cultural Development
• Cultural Heritage
• Economic Development
• Sport, Recreation and Healthy Living
• Community Events.

For more information, to discuss your project or for assistance with an application, contact a grants officer on 5420 8616, email [email protected] or visit council's website for more details including eligibility criteria and application forms.