A popular grants program which provides funding of up to $20,000 for small community groups is now open for applications.

The Stronger Communities Programme, which has been offered by the Morrison Joyce Liberal National Government for the past six years, provides funding of between $2,500 and $20,000 for not-for-profit groups to undertake small capital works projects.

There are so many community organisations throughout the electorate who have benefitted from earlier rounds of the Stronger Communities Programme, including junior and senior sporting clubs, childcare centres, our volunteer marine rescue services, rehab centres and churches to name just a few of the types of those who have received funding.

“Round 7 of the programme is now open and Expressions of Interest (EOI) forms are available from my office. We would like eligible groups to have these back to us by close of business on November 19.

Our community consultation group will then assess those EOIs and we can advise those who can proceed to application stage by December 3.

An added benefit in this round is that applicants, apart from local government organisations, will be eligible for 100 per cent of funding, to support our economic recovery from the effects of COVID-19.

The first step in the process is that groups need to request an Expression of Interest (EOI) form by emailing my office at George.Christensen.MP@aph.gov.au.

More information on the Stronger Communities Programme is available at business.gov.au/scp

Key details

• 18 October 2021 - Applications now open for Round 7 of the Stronger Communities Programme

• 19 November 2021 – Expression of Interest (EOI) must be lodged with Mr Christensen’s office

• 3 December 2021 – Approved applicants advised, following MP consultation with committee

• 19 January 2021 – Applications close

• A maximum of 20 projects, to a total value of $150,000, can be recommended