Tips on applying for community funding

MILLIONS of dollars in funding for community groups is available annually from State and Federal government grants and philanthropic trusts, but many community groups don’t know what is available or how to go about applying for funding.
Yarra Ranges Community Grants Officer Belinda Gillam can help community group in many ways, including identifying funding sources from governments, businesses and trusts and can also help groups write their funding applications.
Mayor Tim Heenan said that all funding groups should be aware of the different types of funding available.
“It’s exciting that Yarra Ranges community groups have won grants totalling almost $400,000 in 2007. So grants are available, and many more organisations could benefit from potential project funding, but they don’t know how to go about getting it,” Cr Heenan said.
“Another problem is that grant applications are often incorrectly or incompletely filled in, so the application doesn’t meet the funding body’s criteria and fails.”
The shire also runs grant application writing workshops that will take participants through the steps of writing a successful application.
Groups requiring assistance with identifying funding resources or writing submissions are invited to contact Belinda Gillam on 1300 368 333.