Southern Phone Grants Scheme now open!
Wingecarribee Shire Council is inviting applications from local community groups as part of the Southern Phone Grants Scheme.
The scheme is allocating up to $25,000 in total to community-based projects located within the Wingecarribee Shire.
The funding is as a result of a dividend received from Southern Phone Company Ltd which is a public company owned by 41 Local Councils, one of which is Wingecarribee Shire Council.
The grants will be distributed to community groups with the Mayor of Wingecarribee Shire Council, Councillor Duncan Gair nominated as the Trustee. The money is not being given to the Council.
Southern Phone Managing Director Mark Warren explained the Grants Scheme.
“The objective is to extend Southern Phone’s support to community groups and projects which would otherwise not receive direct funding by Council,” he said.
Funds may only be used to provide a physical asset for, or service to, the local community within the Wingecarribee Local Government Area.
“Southern Phone is a unique business,” Mr Warren added. “We create quality jobs in regional Australia and the dividends we generate are reinvested back into the community via our Local Government shareholders.”
Priority will be given to organisations and community groups that:
- Have a project requiring funds between $5,000 and $10,000
- Have a start and finish date for project delivery
- Have a project plan in place detailing how the project will be delivered
- Identify specific project objectives and outcomes to be achieved as a result of funding
Funding will not usually be provided for costs that are part of day-to-day operations (such as rent on premises) unless it is an additional expense associated with the project.
Funding will only be available to legally constituted, not-for-profit, non-political and non-advocacy community groups or organisations.
The grants must be expended between January and June 2015, with the final acquittal occurring in June 2015.
Selection Criteria includes:
- The project is located within the boundaries of the Wingecarribee Shire
- Does not duplicate an existing project, activity or service in your local community
- Supports and strengthens community groups/volunteers
- Contributes to a sustainable environment
- Encourages more resilient, healthy and active communities
Grants which are approved will be announced on 19 December 2014.
For more information including terms and conditions, visit Wingecarribee Shire Council’s online Community Engagement Hub at: www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au/giving-back.
Applications close at midnight on Sunday 30 November 2014.