Media Release

$20,000 Grant Applications Open

Applications for grants of up to $20,000 are now being sought by the City of Swan.

City of Swan acting Chief Executive Officer, Maureena Lockyer-Benzie, encouraged community groups to apply for grants for projects to improve the lives of local communities.

“This funding gives communities the opportunity to expand their horizons to create a new program or social improvement, or for a person or organisation to turn an initiative into a reality,” she said.

“The purpose of the funding is to help community organisations maintain the growth, sustainability and quality of life of the City through social, economic and environmental development.”

The grants being offered are 'matching grants', one of the categories of funding available under the City’s Swan Community Funding Scheme which was introduced in 2008. To receive these grants, applicants need to match the City's funding with their own contributions, either cash or in-kind.

"We value the significant contributions made by volunteers in the provision of community programs and services and encourage groups to factor in volunteer time and other in-kind contributions of their members when making their applications," Ms Lockyer-Benzie said.  

 The scheme also provides grants of up to $1000 for small scale local initiatives and event sponsorship of up to $5000. Donations and awards recognising individual endeavour in the areas of sports, arts and the environment are available. These are open on an ongoing basis so for more information on how to apply visit  http://www.swan.wa.gov.au/Our_City/Grants_and_Funding

 Grants are not open to established businesses or fundraisers while applications for projects which are a duplicate of others, or will be used for religious or political purposes, are also ineligible.      

Applications close at 2pm on Wednesday, September 15, 2010.