The grants program is designed to provide local not-for-profit organisations and event managers with much needed funds, so they can continue to make a positive contribution within our community and our economy.

The Grants Program will open on Monday 11 February and close on Friday 1 March 2019.

“This is a great opportunity for event organisers and community groups to receive a helping hand to make their projects and events come to life,” said Acting Director Holly McBride.

“There’s funding available to support many types of projects, and we’re really encouraging groups and event organisers who have not applied before to attend an upcoming information session, and get help with submitting their first grant application.”

The 2019 Council Grant categories open for application are:

General Community Grants (Up to $10,000):

Dedicated to projects that will improve a public space in the community, or that encourage the inclusion of people who have limited opportunities to participate in activities due to low income, geographic or social isolation, cultural background or disability.

Non-Council Owned Hall Grants (Up to $10,000):

Provided to community groups who wish to undertake small upgrades or maintenance works to improve facilities at non-council owned community halls across the region.

Place Making Grants (Up to $10,000):

These grants focus on providing opportunities for residents to create and run special community events with the aim of celebrating and enriching the community’s lifestyle. Projects funded in the past have focused on a range of arts, cultural education programs and local history activities.

Event Sponsorship Grants (Of $5,000):

Council’s Event Sponsorship Program aims to support event organisers in the marketing and promotion of locally grown major events, held between July and December this year. Past events that have received funding under this program include the Port Macquarie Running Festival, Blues & BBQ Festival, and Slice of Haven. Both ‘for profit’ and ‘not for profit’ entities are welcome to apply.

To assist with the application process, representatives from interested groups are invited to attend 1 of 4 information sessions being held in Port Macquarie, Laurieton and Wauchope in the coming weeks.

These sessions will allow community groups who have not applied for a grant before to understand the process, get help with their application and improve their success of receiving funding.

The Grant Information Sessions will take place as follows:

Laurieton: Tuesday 5th February – 12pm to 1pm at Laurieton United Ex-Services Club.

Wauchope: Thursday 7th February - 12pm to 1pm at Wauchope RSL Club.

Port Macquarie: Monday 4th February - 5pm to 6pm and Friday 8th February - 12pm to 1pm at Port

Macquarie-Hastings Council.

For more information on Council’s Grants Programs or to register for a workshop visit  pmhc.nsw.gov.au/grants or call Council on 6581 8111.