Grants and Funding
We are responsible for a range of funding programs aimed at helping not-for-profit community groups support activities that provide social, environmental or economic benefits to our community.
Besides the information below, we also have up-to-date information on other currently available sources of funding and grants. We're happy to provide this information to community groups upon request.
Sounds too complicated? Don't worry, we can advise your group on submissions and funding applications.
2018/19 Donations Program
If you’re looking to get your community project off the ground, you’ve come to the right place! With up to $2,000 per organisation now available through our 2018/19 Donations Program, now’s the time to start thinking about those things that could make a positive difference to the people in your local community.
Whether it’s first aid equipment, improved access, training for your volunteers, or technology to assist with learning, read on to find out how you can apply for funding through the 2018/19 Donations Program.
Previous recipients have used donations to fund projects that have included:
-
A defibrillator for a community hall
-
A picnic area for locals and visitors
-
A pathway upgrade to improve access
-
Mental health education
-
A community noticeboard
-
Broadcasting equipment
-
iPads for HSC students
Eligibility
Funding is available for incorporated, not-for-profit community groups who provide valuable support for our community.
Only one application will be considered per eligible organisation, for specific projects, up to a maximum of $2,000.
This funding is competitive, so please consider the following requirements before preparing and submitting your application.
-
Your project must support one or more of the objectives, strategies and actions outlined in the Community Strategic Plan
-
Your project budget must demonstrate good value for money, and must be comprehensive and realistic
-
Your project must be supported by ‘in kind’ contributions and/or additional sources of funding
-
Your application must demonstrate community support for your project, which may include letters of support from partnering or supportive organisations, media releases, social media commentary, or survey results.
If you’re unsure about your organisation’s eligibility, give our friendly team a call on 6591 7222.
Key dates
Applications for 2018/19 Donations open on Friday 10 August 2018 and will close at 4pm on Friday 7 September 2018.
All applicants will receive notification of the outcome of their application. Funded projects will need to be delivered before 30 June 2019.
Duralie Community Fund
Stroud community organisations are being encouraged to apply for funding under the Duralie Coal Mine grants scheme, for projects that will provide lasting benefit for the community.
As part of the consent for the Duralie Coal Mine, Yancoal make annual payments to Council for community projects.
A condition of the consent is that the funding is only available to the Stroud district community. Council administers the funding round, and grants are determined by a panel comprising Council and members of the Duralie Community Consultative Committee.
The application round opened on Wednesday 13 June and continued until Friday 29 June. Recommendations for approval of grants will be made by MidCoast Council on Wednesday 8 August 2018.
Stronger Communities Fund
The Stronger Communities Fund has been established by the NSW Government as part of their Fit for the Future reform program. It provides newly merged councils with funding to kick start the delivery of projects that improve community infrastructure and services. The program provides a total of $1million in grants to be distributed to incorporated not-for-profit community groups, for projects that build more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive local communities in the MidCoast region.
The first round of $500,000 funding was allocated in late-November 2016 to community projects that ranged from boatsheds and community gardens, to hall refurbishments and exercise trails. In round two, another $500,000 will be distributed, with community groups being eligible for up to $50,000 for projects such as upgrading existing facilities, the introduction of new community services, or funding for sporting infrastructure or equipment.
The successful applicants in round two are as follows:
|
Organisation
|
Name of project
|
Funding allocated
|
Total project value
|
|
1st Bulahdelah Scouts
|
New Equipment Purchase
|
$10,650
|
$11,150
|
|
Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group
|
Bitton Street Project
|
$50,000
|
$170,000
|
|
Combined Community Service Clubs of Taree
|
Manning Riverstage
|
$50,000
|
$108,450
|
|
Forster Surf Life Saving Club
|
Purchase of Beach Patrol Vehicle
|
$35,910
|
$35,910
|
|
Gloucester Bowling & Recreation Club
|
Accessability & Safety Project
|
$9,135
|
$9,135
|
|
Gloucester Senior Citizens Club
|
Kitchen Makeover
|
$9,910
|
$9,910
|
|
Hannam Vale P&C Tennis Club
|
Lighten Up
|
$7,950
|
$9,150
|
|
Lions Club of Hallidays Point
|
Lions Park Walkway/Cycleway
|
$25,000
|
$45,500
|
|
Lions Club of Harrington
|
Stage Structure in local function room
|
$12,897
|
$13,200
|
|
Marlee Hall & Progress Association
|
Monies for Dunnies
|
$16,650
|
$18,750
|
|
Old Bar Barbarians Football Club Inc
|
EG Trads Fields All Weather Awning
|
$50,000
|
$78,480
|
|
Pacific Palms Surf Life Saving Club
|
Footpaths and Bike Racks at PP SLSC
|
$12,000
|
$14,195
|
|
Rotary Club of Gloucester
|
Disability Friendly Exercise Station at Gloucester Community Fitness Trail
|
$35,686
|
$35,686
|
|
Taree Athletic Club
|
Kitchen Fitout
|
$20,000
|
$40,000
|
|
Taree Motor Cycle Club
|
Environmentally Friendly Stormwater Filtration System
|
$40,330
|
$45,330
|
|
Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Men's Shed
|
Erection of prefabricated building Stage 1
|
$23,650
|
$73,150
|
|
Tea Gardens Soccer Club
|
Seating at Memorial Park
|
$14,000
|
$16,656
|
|
Tinonee Soccer Club
|
Clubhouse awning and sheltered grandstands
|
$46,162
|
$57,412
|
|
Wingham Junior Rugby League Football Club
|
Purchase 4 x 4 tier aluminium stands
|
$29,550
|
$34,830
|
Community Grants Program
This program gives money to non-profit community organisations in the region, for projects that provide community services and benefits.
We are currently working on developing a new MidCoast community grants program.
Free Grant Writing Workshops
We hold free grant writing workshops every year for not-for-profit organisations and community groups to learn practical grant writing skills. The workshop will take participants step by step through the grant seeking process, starting at planning a project through to reporting on successful grants. Topics covered in the workshop include
- how to develop a tender kit for your organisation
- how to develop a project plan
- how to gather evidence and support for your project
- understanding Guidelines and Eligibility
- how to structure a grant application, and
- how to account for and report on your grant.
Check back here for upcoming Grant writing workshop dates.
Get that Grant booket(PDF, 2MB)
This free booklet provides a range of tips and tricks, which can take your project from an idea to reality.
One-on-one advice and support
Do you have a great project idea, but have no idea how to get started? Or maybe you’re just not sure what grants are available and how to find them.
Our Community Development Officer can talk to you over the phone or meet with you to discuss a specific project idea. Contact our Community Development Officer to book a time.
Below are links to other websites that may be useful to organisations and groups seeking grants.
Local Heritage Fund
If your heritage place is in need of a fresh coat of paint, repairs or works to restore it back to its former glory, you could be eligible for some financial assistance. The Local Heritage Fund is available to owners of heritage places across the MidCoast Council area. Find out more about Local Heritage Fund.