Manningham Council is transitioning to a new Community Grant Program that will provide local groups and organisations with an integrated, streamlined and accessible grants program.

Informed by an internal policy review and community consultation process, the new Community Grant Program will fund eligible grant recipients to deliver programs that involve and benefit the Manningham community, including:

• The delivery of a service that is needed by the community
• Opportunities for local community groups to participate in civic life and/or socially connect with other members of the community
• Opportunities for local community groups to make a cultural and/or artistic contribution to the Manningham community.

On 30 September 2014, Council adopted the Community Grant Program Guidelines 2015/2016 which sets out Council’s revised approach to grant-making.

Importantly, the guidelines include provisions to enhance community access to grant funding, align initiatives with Council’s strategic directions, strengthen relationships and provide Council with the flexibility to respond to emerging community needs.

Taking effect on 1 July 2015 and subject to Council’s annual Budget, the 2015/16 Community Grant Program will comprise the following grant categories:

It is expected that the new Community Grants Program will reduce administrative red tape and provide a more equitable allocation of grant funding across the municipality.

Community Grant Program Project Team

To ensure the Community Grant Program is successfully implemented, a dedicated Project Team has been established in the Social and Community Services Unit, comprising:

• Bronwyn Morphett, Community Building and Grants Facilitator, 9840 9451
• Lisa Waters, Community Development Programmer, 9840 9305
• Maria Criticos, Project Officer, 9840 377.

More information regarding the new Community Grant Program, including upcoming grant rounds and training opportunities, will be available in early 2015.