The annual Gardiner Dairy Foundation Community Grants Program is now open.
Delivered in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), this round marks the 20th year of the program, which is focused on supporting communities across Victoria’s dairy regions.
This year Gardiner Community Grants will encourage project applications that focus on building the capacity of community organisations and improving digital connectivity.
The new focus is in response to insights from FRRR’s Heartbeat of Rural Australia Report, which was published late last year.
The report highlighted that there was a significant digital divide in rural communities, compared to urban areas, and that local not-for-profit organisations needed capacity building support to be able to do their vital work.
Digital connectivity projects could include upgrading infrastructure and facilities, improving digital access or providing training that enables the community to benefit from digital services.
Building capacity grants aim to support organisations to sustain or grow the effectiveness of their operations.
Funds may be requested for salaries to increase the organisation’s paid workforce, training for volunteers, upgrading office equipment or supporting strategic planning and improved governance.
The small grants program, which has $120,000 in available funds for grants up to $5000, will continue to support a broad range of community projects that local groups identify can make their community socially, economically or environmentally stronger.
Applications for events to enhance cultural vibrancy, volunteer planting projects to support environmental sustainability, extending education and training opportunities, support for infrastructure projects or programs to improve health and wellbeing are all encouraged.
Gardiner Foundation CEO Allan Cameron said the foundation was committed to strengthening Victorian dairy communities and was pleased to be partnering with FRRR for the 20th year to support innovative, community-driven projects.
“Since launching the program with FRRR in 2002, Gardiner Dairy Foundation has supported nearly 500 local projects and distributed more than $2 million to Victorian dairy communities,” Mr Cameron said.
FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton said the Heartbeat of Rural Australia Report called for more support to go to community groups to address critical issues, and it was wonderful to see Gardiner Foundation respond.
“Our Heartbeat report highlighted significant gaps and challenges for rural communities, but also highlighted the critical role that local not-for-profits play in meeting the needs and filling the gaps in rural communities,” Ms Egleton said.
“That's why we value our long-standing relationship with Gardiner, because they, like us, are committed to working together to support these vital community groups in the long-term.”
Applications for the program close on Wednesday, April 13 at 5pm AEDT. More information can be found on the FRRR website.