Northern Beaches Council is allocating $240,000 to its Community, Arts & Culture Grants Program for the year 2019/20 with a special focus on advancing “social inclusion”.

Council is to provide grants of between $2,000 and $10,000 each to eligible groups and organisations which undertake projects or activities “that bring direct benefit to the local people and communities of the Northern Beaches”.

“The 2019 - 2020 Community, Arts & Culture Grants Program is directed at groups that share Council’s vision of’ ‘a safe, inclusive and connected community that lives in balance with our extraordinary coastal and bushland environment,” said Mayor Michael Regan.

Eligible projects should address “social inclusion community priorities” such as activities to promote “free community participation” or “intergenerational understanding”; or which otherwise “facilitate volunteer opportunities”; “break down institutional and social barriers” or aim to “strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage” among other things.

The grants will be available for projects that can be implemented between July 2019 and 30 June 2020.

To qualify, grant applicants must be incorporated “not-for-profit” organisations operating within the Northern Beaches local government area.

However, individuals and unincorporated small groups may qualify for a grant so long as they are sponsored to undertake their project by an eligible “not-for-profit” organisation.

Industry peak bodies and political parties are not eligible for the grants, and there is a specific separate grant program for events.

Council is strongly urging intending applicants to attend one of two information sessions on the grants program being held on:

•           Tuesday 2 April, 10am – 12pm at Dee Why Council Chambers

•           Thursday 4 April, 6pm – 8pm at Dee Why Council Chambers

and one of two general grant writing seminars on:

•           Monday 25 March, 6:30 – 8pm at North Narrabeen Community & Tennis Centre

•           Tuesday 26 March, 10am – 12pm at Dee Why Council Chambers

The Community, Arts & Culture Grants funding round will open for applications from 9am Monday 18 March and will close at 3pm, Tuesday 30 April 2019.

“The objective of the Community, Arts & Culture Grants is to support local groups and organisations that work to create a stronger and more connected Northern Beaches community, with an explicit focus on addressing the causes of inequality and disadvantage,” said Mayor Regan.

“A small subsidy can make a real difference to community-based organisations.”

One of last year’s successful applicants was Sunnyfield, which works to provide brighter futures for people with disability.

Sunnyfield was presented with $10,000 to go towards their FitAbility project.

“Receiving $10,000 via the Councils Community Grant last year meant 65 Sunnyfield supported employees could attend a Sports Camp,” said Jenny Aiello, Sunnyfield’s resident grant writer.

“The emphasis of this camp was to highlight participant’s own abilities, learn new skills and the importance of keeping active and eating healthy.

“Our event would not have had the same success and positive impact it did without the Northern Beaches Council’s support.

“I highly recommend clubs, groups and charities take the time to apply for a Council Grant. It can mean the difference between a good day and a day someone will never forget,” said Jenny.

“Like all charities and non-profit organisations, I look to the greater community to help fund projects that meet our clients’ needs.

“Grant funding ensures these initiatives can be delivered successfully and offers security to the projects sustainability.”

For details, please see Council’s website

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678