Funds to flow for small projects

ORGANISATIONS and community groups in need of small injections of cash to get capital projects up and running can take advantage of a new Liberal National Government initiative called the Stronger Communities Programme. There is $150,000 available per year for two years to fund small capital projects which deliver social benefits.This is an exciting opportunity for local communities to work with me to identify potential projects which will contribute to our community’s long term vibrancy and viability.Though these are smaller projects, any project requires manpower, so there is potential job creation in every successful grant.I will be establishing a community consultation committee to identify priority projects and to ensure this funding delivers the best possible outcomes.Following community consultation, I will invite identified incorporated not-for-profit and local government organisations to apply for funding. Applicants can apply for at least $5,000 and up to a maximum of $20,000 and must provide matching cash or in-kind funding on at least a dollar for dollar basis.I encourage potential applicants to read up on the guidelines to determine eligibility, and then submit an initial Expression of Interest via my office on george.christensen.mp@aph.gov.auThese should be in by 5pm on Friday, August 7.They will be considered by the community consultation committee and those which best fit the criteria will then be invited to submit applications early in September.Applications recommended for grant funding will be assessed against the Programme Guidelines by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development to ensure that approved projects represent value for money.  Find out more at http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/SCP