Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has urged schools, community groups, clubs and local organisations to apply for up to $500,000 worth of funding on offer to the electorate under Australian Government grants.
Funding is currently available for:
- Stronger Communities Program
- Communities Environment Program
- Local Schools Community Fund
The New England Electorate has been allocated $150,000 under the next round of the Stronger Communities Program (SCP) to fund up to 20 projects which support local and community organisations. Grants can range from $2,500 to $20,000 per project and Commonwealth funding for each project must be matched dollar-for-dollar with the organisation submitting the application. Groups interested in this grant opportunity should request an Expression of Interest (EOI) form from the electorate office. EOIs must be received by August 30.
The New England has also been allocated $150,000 under the Communities Environment Program to fund up to 20 community-led projects which support the environment. Similar to the SCP, grants can range from $2,500 to $20,000 per project but are not required to be matched dollar-for-dollar. A broad range of community groups are eligible to apply including community clubs, schools and P&C, not-for-profit organisations and conservation groups. EOIs for these grants close August 23.
The New England has also been allocated an additional $200,000 under the Local Schools Community Fund to fund small scale projects that will benefit students. Funding is available to all schools - government, Catholic and Independent - to meet their priorities such as small scale extensions, air-conditioning, landscaping, counselling or youth mental health support, playground and sporting equipment. To apply, schools should visit the grants hub webpage. Applications for this funding close on 30 September 2019.
Mr Joyce urged local communities to make use of the funding opportunities available from the Federal Coalition Government.
“This is half a million dollars in grants just for the New England alone for local people to spend where they believe they need it most,” Mr Joyce said.
“Whether that’s an extension to a clubhouse, management of invasive weeds or new counselling services at your local school, I encourage your organisation to submit an expression of interest for the relevant grant and help us make the New England even stronger.”
(ENDS)