Eleven community and sporting groups will share in $500,000 from Bayside Council.
The funds come from the NSW Government’s Stronger Community Fund which was introduced after last years council amalgamation.
A further $500,000 will be allocated in a second round.
Administrator Greg Wright said a range of organisations would benefit.
“Community groups are the heart and soul of society and the services they provide make a real and lasting difference to the lives of residents, that’s why it’s important funding is invested into local projects,” he said.
“It was fantastic to see the diversity and breadth of the applications and I look forward to seeing the projects in action in the local community in coming months.”
Successful groups include Sunnyfield, Bay City Care, Kyeemagh Infants Public School P&C and the St George Football Association.
Exodus Youth Worx received $50,000 to launch a innovative new employment skills training program and social enterprise; a food truck.
Chief Operating Officer Angus Ng said the food truck would help teach young people valuable skills while raising money for the organisation.
‘’It’s innovative and mobile and means we’re not hamstrung to one location,’’ he said.
‘’It’s a trendy, yummy way to empower young people through deliciousness.
‘’We hope it gets to the stage where people recognise it and know it as the Exodus truck.’’
Young people would learn communication, hospitality, cooking and cash handling skills.
‘’Our young people have great potential but they come from a disadvantaged background,’’ he said.
‘’A lot of organisations are recognising that social enterprise is the way forward.’’
He thanked Bayside Council for their support.
‘’Without this grant we would have put ourselves at financial risk getting the project off the ground,’’ he said.
‘’The grant certainly made it happen and it says a lot about council that they would support it.’’