City grants kick-start local initiatives
City grants kick-start local initiativesMore than $156,000 in cash and value-in-kind has been awarded to 24 community and not-for-profit organisations as part of the City’s fourth 2015/2016 sponsorship round.
The City’s grants program provides matched funding of up to $10,000 for projects that contribute to the community and enhance or celebrate the local area.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the matching grants program had helped bring thousands of people together and built a real sense of community since it started in 2007.
“These matching grants have helped thousands of important local initiatives get off the ground, from health services and community gardens to multicultural events and activities that everyone in the community can take part in,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It’s a simple but very effective way of helping residents and community groups turn their ideas into action, strengthen community ties and celebrate the rich diversity of our city and its villages.”
In the last financial year, the City awarded more than 400 grants worth a total of $13 million in cash and in-kind to support community services, cultural and economic development, and environmental initiatives.
Projects to benefit from the latest round of matching grants include:
A photo exhibition and media interviews of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women at Redfern Community Centre;
A community event celebrating the history of Erskineville including tours, lecture and film screening;
A magic show of contemporary and traditional practices at community centres across the city;
Theatre workshops for those at risk of homelessness in Kings Cross, Woolloomooloo and Newtown;
Launch of Refugee Week at Sydney TAFE to celebrate positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society;
An accessible community parenting program in Roseberry for new fathers;
A pop-up market to showcase local emerging designers, musicians, chefs, artists and more from Newtown and Erskineville; and
A personal development program offering health services for mentally ill residents in the city.
Karen Price, ACON Health’s Director of HIV and Sexual Health, said a $3,500 matched cash grant from the City was vital in helping a breast cancer awareness campaign for lesbians and same-sex attracted women get started.
“We are extremely grateful to receive this funding from the City of Sydney,” she said.
“Like ACON, the City values community participation and engagement. Our ‘Talk, Touch, Test’ breast awareness campaign is all about increasing the engagement and involvement of lesbian and same-sex attracted women in breast health – it’s about increasing the conversation and raising awareness, promoting self-examination or access to cancer screening services.
“This grant will allow us to introduce this targeted, culturally specific and community-driven campaign to women in our communities and we deeply appreciate the City’s ongoing support the communities ACON serves.”
Matching grants are available all year round and open to individuals, non-profit and for-profit organisations. Applications are assessed against strict guidelines and criteria to ensure their projects are financially secure and meet the City’s objectives.
