YARRA VALLEY, VIC. — The Yarra Valley Community Foundation will offer up to $30,000 in grants to support local community projects when its first funding round opens on Friday, November 6.
The foundation is inviting community groups and individuals to identify local needs and apply for funding, with the aim of supporting projects that make a difference across the region.
Chief executive officer Charlie Simson said the first grant round is a significant milestone for the foundation, one that is driven by community feedback.
“We’re seeking to understand from the community where funding is most needed, rather than presupposing how the money should be allocated.”
Applications are expected to open on Friday, November 6, and close on Sunday, November 22, with the grant criteria to be released on Wednesday, November 4.
While applications will not be restricted to particular organisations or locations, priority will be given to projects taking place in the 13 designated localities: Healesville, Yarra Glen, Coldstream, Gruyere, Yering, Tarrawarra, Dixons Creek, Steels Creek, Castella, Toolangi, Chum Creek, Badger Creek and Mount Toolebewong.
Ms Simson said funding will be available for charitable activities, meaning applicants will not necessarily need to be registered not-for-profit organisations.
The foundation is expecting grants to range from about $500 to a maximum of $10,000, depending on applicants’ needs and the assessment criteria established by a community committee.
The $30,000 available for this year’s round comes from a bequest specifically allocated to grants, allowing the foundation to begin distributing funding while continuing to build its long-term fund.
Community consultations have already highlighted a range of challenges facing the region, including housing affordability, limited rental availability and the rising cost of building.
Ms Simson said housing is a significant concern, although the foundation’s first grant round is unlikely to resolve an issue of that scale.
Other potential priorities include community development, arts projects and initiatives supporting children, young people and families.
The foundation is also interested in helping existing community groups continue their work, particularly where additional funding could allow successful programs to expand or remain sustainable.
“There’s a lot that’s already happening, so we’ll probably end up supporting the things that are already working,” Ms Simson said.
The grant criteria are being developed by a community committee, with applications to be assessed against the criteria once they are finalised.
Ms Simson encouraged anyone unsure about their project’s eligibility to contact the foundation before deciding whether to apply.
“One of the advantages of being local is that we do actually know people, we do know what the community is asking us for, and if someone’s unsure, we would rather they had a conversation than just decide on their own that they aren’t eligible without fleshing it out with us first.”
Expressions of interest can be submitted through the Yarra Valley Community Foundation’s website at yarravalleyfoundation.org.au.
