
South West Community Foundation is preparing to distribute more than $113,000 in grants to 31 successful community groups across south west Victoria.
SWCF Board Chair David McIntyre said the 2022 Grant Round was more important to the community as they work to recover from the challenges of the last two years.
“Many groups have been unable to get out and undertake their regular fundraising activities, so it is a privilege to be able to help get them back on their feet with these small grants,” Mr McIntyre said.
“This year we are distributing grants totalling $113,863 across all six south west local government areas, and to programs ranging from education, environmental restoration, the arts, volunteer training and building community infrastructure.
“It is an incredibly diverse range of community programs.”
SWCF Executive Officer Annabel Cussen said all of the funds distributed were the result of previous community fundraising efforts.
“All of the money SWCF gives back to the community was generated in the community,” Ms Cussen said.
“We manage specific community funds for Koroit and Colac, as well as the main SWCF fund, and we have an ongoing granting partnership with the Fletcher Jones Family Foundations to help extend our gifting even further.
“Local advisory committees provide input and advice on the grants for their area, so all of the money goes to the local groups most in need.
“We are always looking for new donations to help us extend the range of granting we can offer, and as a registered charity all donations above $2 are tax deductible.”
The 2022 Grant Round program had applications from a wide range of community groups, and was again over-subscribed with 57 community groups applying for funding.
