The City has launched several new grant programs to support the community, sport and recreation clubs, local business and the arts in the recovery phase of COVID-19.
The programs are part of the City’s $43.7 million Economic Stimulus and Community Recovery Package, which was a key component of the 2020/21 budget adopted by Council in June.
Mayor Mark Irwin said the grants were a tangible way the City could support a large proportion of the community as we continued to navigate our way out of the pandemic.
“It has been an incredibly challenging time for businesses, the local arts sector and literally everyone across the community, so we wanted to ensure that the grants we have on offer could provide support to as many people as possible,” Mayor Irwin said.
“Whether you have a small business that could benefit, are a local artist looking for their next project or would like to organise a community get-together to help lift our spirits, I’d really encourage you to apply for a grant.”
Business Activations Grants
The new Business Activations Grants program enables local businesses to apply for funding for capital works projects, ways of boosting their online and e-commerce presence as well as training and professional development opportunities.
Grants of up to $5,000 per individual business can fund upgrades or improvements ranging from new equipment or software through to website design/development, digital marketing promotion or staff training courses.
To apply for grants, applicants must have less than 20 employees, an ABN and be based in the City of Stirling. Applications close when all budgeted funds have been allocated.
Community Creativity Fund
When it comes to arts and events, the City offers grants through the new Community Creativity Fund (CCF) and the long-established Community Arts and Events Fund (CAEF).
Developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CCF will get behind projects that enable local art and cultural industries to share their creativity with the local community. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for individuals/collectives with no ABN, and up to $10,000 for sole traders, incorporated organisations and small businesses.
Potential projects considered for CCF grant funding include the creation of new works, professional development opportunities and development of new online content/events that directly benefit the community.
The CAEF supports a variety of creative arts projects, cultural initiatives and events that contribute to a vibrant, active and connected City. A big focus for the CAEF is providing opportunities for communities to celebrate our unique lifestyle and local places. Funding is offered year round, subject to budget availability.
Community Groups Assistance Fund
The Community Groups Assistance Fund (CGAF) is offering individuals, groups and small businesses the support needed to deliver big and small projects that bring the community together.
The program was developed to fund more initiatives that enrich the wellbeing of people across the community and/or activate local community hubs and community centres.
Eligible activities include wellbeing programs, neighbourhood get-togethers or new projects/events that provide benefit across the community.
Three levels of grant funding are available:
- Up to $500 for individuals and non-incorporated organisations
- Up to $5,000 for individuals or collectives with no ABN
- Up to $10,000 for sole traders, incorporated organisations, small businesses and not for profit groups.
To be eligible for CGAF grants, individual applicants must live in the City of Stirling, the project must be delivered within the City and the majority of the target audience must live, work or study in the City.
Funding is offered year round, subject to budget availability.
Sport and Recreation Clubs Assistance
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to negatively impact local sport and recreation clubs, the City has introduced new programs to support them through the recovery phase.
The City is currently offering clubs concessions on seasonal ground hire fees, facility use and floodlighting to help reduce their operational costs. Assistance packages are also being offered to clubs that can clearly demonstrate that they have been directly impacted by COVID-19.
To view the successful applicants, click here.
For more information on the City's grants programs, visit the Grants and sponsorships page.
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