Grants to help create community connections

Wollongong City Council media release: Tuesday 15 February 2022

We’ve opened another two grant opportunities that recognise the importance of building strong connections. The Creating Connections and Connecting Neighbours grants are open to both high schools and the broader community who have a great idea that could have a positive impact on the people around them.

Creating Connections offers up to $250 to High School Student Representative Councils who have a great idea or project to build resilience or improve young people’s mental health within their school. The Creating Connections grant is open now and we encourage High School SRC’s in the Wollongong local government area to apply.

At the same time, the popular Connecting Neighbours grants have also made a return for 2022! These grants are for individuals and community groups who have a great idea that will make Wollongong neighbourhoods a better place to live. We are also particularly keen to help support ideas from some of our newest neighbourhoods in the West Dapto area.

Community members can apply for a grant of up to $250 for project ideas, or up to $1000 for projects that have the support of an incorporated organisation.

“Creating a connected community is one of the driving forces behind what we do at Council. It’s wonderful to be able to support young people, residents and community groups in forging healthy and resilient connections with others,” Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“Both grants offer the chance to strengthen our community ties and bring people together. It’s these relationships that create a safer and more interconnected community, and in turn creates a more vibrant and liveable city.

“We’re hoping that these grants will offer our residents and young people a steppingstone to try something new and give back to their community. I encourage everyone to consider applying, and if these grants don’t suit your great idea or project, take a look at all the other grants that Council currently has open right now on our website.”

Creating Connections Grants

WHAT: Grants of up to $250 for projects run by High School Student Representative Councils in the Wollongong LGA.

Council’s Youth Development workers are available to help support and refine your good ideas into great ideas! Find out more and get in contact via Council’s website.

HOW: Submit an application and find out more on our Grants Page.

DEADLINE: Friday 18 March 2022.

Connecting Neighbours Grants

WHAT: Between $250 to $1000 (individuals/community groups) on offer for ideas and projects that will help make Wollongong neighbourhoods a better place to live.

We’re keen to see creative ideas. Previous successful applications have included neighbour barbecue days, book boxes, gardening projects, craft sessions and walking school buses.

HOW: Submit an application and find out more on our Grants Page.

DEADLINE: 21 March 2022.

And why you’re here… even more grants to consider

Community Events

This program aims to encourage a wider range of events in our city, particularly those that bring social and economic benefits to the local area. With grants ranging from a few hundred dollars up to a maximum of $8,000 for major city-wide events, this program aims to support groups in delivering successful events for the community.

Applications for this program will be accepted until Thursday 31 March 2022.

Public Bands and Choirs

This program supports not-for-profit bands and choirs that are based in Wollongong and perform at public events. Funding available through this program is between $500 and $2,000.

To find out more, visit wollongong.nsw.gov.au/bands-choirs. Applications for this program will be accepted until Thursday 31 March 2022.

Small Cultural Grants

Our Small Cultural Grants program covers a broad range of activities that enliven our city, build our creative industries and encourage people to get involved. This can include activities like music, performing arts, visual arts and craft, and cultural projects.

Successful applicants can request up to $4,000 through this program.

To find out more, visit wollongong.nsw.gov.au/cultural-grants. Applications for this program will be accepted until Thursday 31 March 2022.

NAIDOC Week Grants

This year, NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held from Sunday 3 July to Sunday 10 July, with the theme being Get up! Stand up! Show up! A total of $7,000 of funding is available through this program.

To find out more, visit our website. Applications for this program will be accepted until Friday 6 May.

Heritage Grants

This program encourages conservation projects in heritage places and helps to conserve items that have local cultural significance. You can apply for support from the Wollongong Heritage Fund and receive up to 50% of the total project cost, to a maximum of $10,000.

There are criteria applicants need to meet to be eligible for this program so visit wollongong.nsw.gov.au/heritage-grants for more information.

Applications for this program will be accepted until Thursday 31 March 2022.