2011 Community Support Grants Program opens

The Victorian Government’s $42 million Community Support Grants program is open and Local councils and not-for-profit groups in metropolitan areas are invited to apply.

The program is part of Victoria’s $55 million Community Support and Recreation Sport Package announced in the 2011 State Budget.

The $42 million grants program will boost grassroots community participation by improving community infrastructure and amenities, particularly in growing areas – for example, shared multi-use community centres and hubs, parks, village greens and open space developments that enable wide use as gathering spaces.

The program will fund metropolitan projects with the best long-term results for local communities and will include support for councils in high growth areas to provide well-planned, well-designed and well-built facilities to meet high levels of demand and need.

Grants will also be available to help communities build their skills and knowledge and the strength of social connections and networks, bringing together people from different backgrounds, ages and abilities.

Opening the grants program, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said, by developing and improving their assets and capacity, communities will be better placed to respond to the many challenges and opportunities facing Victorians – important issues like population growth, disadvantage and rapid economic change.

Community Support Grants funding for regional and rural areas is provided through the Regional Growth Fund’s Putting Locals First grants program which was announced on 5 July 2011.

Grants guidelines and application forms are available at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/communitysupportgrants.