Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell is calling on community organisations and governments to submit expressions of interest for round eight of the Stronger Communities Program.
Grants of up to $20,000 are available to go towards small capital projects and Mr Birrell has urged groups to make an application which supports local communities.
“The Stronger Communities Program is a fantastic opportunity to help get grassroots community projects off the ground, as well as much-needed upgrades,” Mr Birrell said.
Mr Birrell cited a number of groups which had previously benefited from the program, including Tongala Development Group, Kyabram Youth Club and Rushworth Cricket Club.
Up to 20 projects will be chosen to share in $150,000, which has been allocated to Nicholls.
Mr Birrell said round eight was the perfect opportunity to give a helping hand to communities that had suffered through natural disasters or economic downturns.
“Investment in our region is needed more than ever to help our towns bounce back from recent flooding as well as drive economic growth during these tough times,” he said.
“These cash injections will allow groups to go ahead with much-needed upgrades or buy equipment which will have lasting social benefits to residents for generations to come.”
For this round, grant funding will be up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs except for local governing bodies (councils, authorities) where grant funding will be up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.
The minimum grant amount is $2500, while the maximum available is $20,000.
Project costs must not exceed $50,000 and the project must be completed no later than December 31, 2023.
Expressions of interest forms can be requested by emailing sam.birrell.MP@aph.gov.au or in person at the electorate office at 426 Wyndham St, Shepparton.
Expressions of interest applications close at 5pm on Tuesday, March 14 with successful applicants notified thereafter.