More funding up for grabs as Council opens community grants 

Local community organisations now have the chance to give their projects a real boost, as Council opens the latest round of Community Grants. 

Noosa Community Gardens received grant funding last year.

In a sign of the current times, these grants will now also assist projects that include COVID-19 recovery initiatives.

Community Development Manager Alison Hamblin said these grants couldn’t be more timely.

“This Community Projects Grant provides a great opportunity to support local organisations that have events, programs or infrastructure projects in the pipeline or on the go.

“Given the current climate, funding will be prioritised for those projects which support either the organisation or the community in the COVID-19 recovery process.”

Community projects may include, but are not restricted to events or festivals, programs, and building, maintenance or infrastructure projects.

Kerri Watson from Noosa Community Gardens said their successful grant funding in last year’s round made a huge difference to their gardens and to community members’ morale.

“Being successful in getting that grant funding made a huge impact to the garden because it enabled us to put in place the infrastructure that we needed, such as replacing the old garden beds, and it has really transformed the garden.

“It’s not only provided that capital boost of $4000 but it has renewed people’s enthusiasm for becoming involved in the gardens and it’s created a real comradery, which is fabulous.”

The Noosa Council Community Development team will host two online Q&A Zoom sessions on 30 July to answer any general grant-related questions.

“These online Q&A sessions will replace the regular Grants, Nibble and Network Nights that we usually host, but have postponed due to restrictions.

“Instead our team will be online via Zoom to provide general advice in a handy question and answer format.

“We strongly encourage community organisations that may be considering applying for the grant, to register for those sessions.”

The Community Project Grant closes at noon on 27 August. To register for the online Q&A Grants sessions, visit Council's website.