Georges River Council awarded 20 new community grants to local organisations via an online presentation on July 16.
Mayor Kevin Greene officially announced the recipients of Round 2 of its Community Grants Program for 2019-2020 including the new Micro Grants program, with a total of $123,158 in funding of between $1,000 and $25,000 individual grants awarded to a range of organisations.
"I am very pleased to announce the winners of Council's latest round of Community Grants that will support projects and initiatives to address community needs, solve local issues, and encourage community participation and social connections," he said.
"The Community Grant Program is a unique opportunity for us to work with local community organisations to improve the local community life and services for the residents of Georges River Council," he said.
"The grant round provided funding in three categories, including the new Micro Grants Program, which offers financial support of up to $1,000 per project for ideas around improving community wellbeing and achieving social change.
"Capacity Building Grants of up to $10,000 were available for not-for-profit organisations to run programs or purchase assets and equipment to meet community needs.
"The Connected Communities category delivers grants of up to $25,000 for major community-run programs and projects which result in more connected communities, or that promote social connectedness and reduce isolation."
The Micro Grants program is a new initiative recommended by Councillor Sandy Grekas in September 2019, following the success of the 2019 Dragon's Den Seed Funding program.
"The Micro Grant program will empower individual community members in the Georges River area to support community well-being, innovation and social change at a truly grassroots level," Cr Grekas said.
"Council wants to support people who come up with innovative ways to meet needs in the community, who may not be eligible for other grant programs. We understand that a small amount of money can help you get your idea up and running."
The list of the successful applicants as below:
Connected Communities category - 2 projects
Street Industries Inc, for their Street Smart Project early intervention program for at risk young people - $20,000.
Kogarah RSL Sub-Branch Youth Club for their Junior Jellybeans social connectedness program for children with disabilities and their parents - $10,000.
Capacity Building category - 16 projects
St George Family Support Services Inc for replacement of phone system to deliver essential family support services in Georges River - $7,700.
Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Communication equipment for people with disability - $9,820
Cass Care Ltd, Development of a therapeutic Sensory Room - $5,400
Volunteer Marine Rescue, NSW Rescue vessel equipment upgrade - $5,831.
Learning Links, Supporting children with learning disabilities and difficulties in the Georges River community - $8,615.
St George Men's Shed Inc. Improvement of air quality and dustcontrol in the Men's Shed Workspaces - $2,850.
St George Children with Disabilities Fund Inc., Music therapy and life enhancing support for children with severe disabilities, $10,000.
Hurstville Senior Citizens Computer Club Inc., Purchase of two (2) computers for seniors computer training classes - $2,200.
3Bridges Community Ltd, Portable toilet and shower CarePort unit at the 3Bridges Carss Park office for older, frail aged and vulnerable people, $10,000.
Kingsgrove Community Aid Centre Inc., Defibrillator in the common area of Kingsgrove Community Centre - $3,690.
Anglican Church Property Trust Diocese of Sydney - St Mark's Anglican Church South Hurstville, Environmental sustainability project to install a 9.9kw solar panel system at the St Mark's Church building - $5,000.
St George Art Society, Recording and display AV equipment to record artists to support live, recorded and streamed artist workshops - $1,050.
Oatley Senior Citizens Centre, Installation of a split system air conditioning unit in the Oatley Senior Citizens Centre - $4,550.
Integricare, Parenting workshop program for families experiencing domestic and family violence - $3,152.
Kogarah Community Services Inc. Enhanced technology to improve the service provided to our clients and community care workers to deliver quality care and improve staff productivity - $10,000.
Connells Point Sailing Club Inc. Support for volunteer first aid training - $1,300
Micro Grants category - 2 Projects
Chinese Parents Association - Children with Disabilities Inc. Educational cruise on the Georges River for children with disabilities and their caregivers - $1,000.
Crateful Group Australia Ltd. Vehicle expenses to support pop up hamper distribution for vulnerable Georges River residents to provide affordable fresh produce and household goods - $1,000.