Community
7 May, 2021
Buloke Bounce Back Grants Available
BULOKE Shire Council with the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 Community Activation and Social Isolation (CASI) initiative has established a new temporary community activation grant to assist community groups with the recovery from COVID-19. Named the Buloke Bounce Back Grants, these grants are a direct response to the impact COVID-19 has had on the volunteers that community groups rely on to provide their services, events and activities.
These grants are in addition to Council’s normal Community Grants Program.
The grants are targeted at supporting initiatives that encourage the reactivation of volunteers, members, community participation and/or promoting opportunities to increase community connections and networks during the COVID-19 recovery.
Applicants can apply for up to $2,000.
To be eligible for a Buloke Bounce Back Grant, applicants need to be an incorporated not for profit (NFP) community group or organisation.
Buloke Shire Council Mayor Cr Daryl Warren urges all eligible groups to consider the grants.
“This grant program will be of huge benefit to our community.
“Volunteering is an integral part of Buloke with 40% of people aged over 15 years volunteering according the last Census, far higher than the Victorian average of 19.2%.
“But as reported by Volunteering Australia, up to two thirds of volunteers have ceased volunteering as a result of the pandemic.
“Therefore, community organisations need some assistance with reactivating their activities, whether that be by reengaging previous volunteers, recruiting new volunteers, or growing membership and community participation.
“This financial boost will be just what a lot of our groups are looking for”, Cr Warren said.
To enable the quick-response nature of this program, applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, with the closure of the program on Friday 11th June 2021.
More information as well as the application forms are available on Council’s website.
You can also call our Community Develop-ment team on 1300 520 520 for assistance
with your application and begin the bounce back.
