Community Grants Program

1. Community Grants Program Overview • Yarra’s grants program is one of the largest significant in local government. • Demonstrates a commitment to working with the community to achieve a stronger, healthier and more resilient Yarra. • Critical way of responding to Council’s strategic direction.

2. Community Grants Program • Three categories … • Annual Grants • Emerging Issues Program • Community Partnerships

3. Community Grants Program Focus in 07/08 • In the last round Council had a 38% increase in applications to the grants program • This round we aim to fund strong applications well to ensure they succeed. • Process has been further strengthened to ensure transparency. • Simplify process for applicants.

4. Community Grants Program Assessing Applications • For applications relating to public housing estates the NAB, NAT and REAG have a role to play • Council staff assess applications against criteria • An independent panel then assesses and makes recommendations to Council • Council considers the applications formally at Council meeting in Nov and approves

5. Community Grants Program Annual Grants • Small to medium sized projects • Respond to social, cultural, recreational and economic needs of Yarra residents • Has five streams • Funding is provided and offered annually

6. Community Grants Program • Annual Grants Streams • Arts and Cultural • Environmental • Services and Community Development • Sport and Recreation • Youth Services • Town Hall Usage • Out-of-Time Funding

7. Community Grants Program Nutrition Support Grants Social Support Grants • Initiatives aimed at supporting older people, people with a disability and their carers to participate in community life • Activities that enhance independence, health and well-being • HACC eligible population

8. Community Grants Program Nutrition and Social Support Grants • Provide an opportunity for people to meet in a social and culturally relevant way via planned activity • Promote the culturally diversity of the Yarra community • Assist local groups to foster independence and participation for members

9. Community Grants Program Emerging Issues Program • Provides grants for projects of up to one and two years duration • Funds initiatives and programs that address emerging social issues in line with the priorities identified for this round

10. Community Grants 06/07 Emerging Issues Program • The EIP addresses both emerging and unresolved local social issues. • These issues are complex and require a coordinated response • May involve community agencies working together to develop a response

11. Community Grants Program Partnership Grants Support more substantial projects that address major strategic priorities of the Council (1-3 years) • Improved quality of life for the socially disadvantaged and excluded members of the community; • An inclusive, tolerant, supportive and involved community; • A healthy, connected and active community, which has access to a range of quality recreation and sporting places, spaces and activities.

12. Community Grants Program Issues • Simplicity of application form • Recruiting Panel members • Management of program

13. Community Grants Program After Grants • Community Empowerment Program • Community Enterprise • Giving Centre