Aiming for the Grants Program stars 

When the Ballaarat Astronomical Society wanted to make its programs more inclusive, it turned to a City of Ballarat Community Impact Grant. 

The August 2021 grant applications are now open, and aim to support community groups and organisations to run projects, programs, events and other activities, or to buy much needed equipment – just like the Ballaarat Astronomical Society. 

“Noting the needs of people who are hard of hearing, the addition of a hearing loop (funded via a Community Impact Grant) will enable our members and public with hearing support needs to enjoy our presentations and to participate to their full potential,” Ballaarat Astronomical Society member Judith Bailey said. 

Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said access to the City of Ballarat’s Tourism Event Grant Program and Strategic Partnership Grants were also now open. 

“We have three fabulous grant programs that can really make a difference to a wide range of businesses, groups or organisations in Ballarat,” Cr Moloney said. 

“Some are aimed at a strategic partnership between a certain organisation and the City of Ballarat, which may run over several years, others are to help community groups that are mainly volunteer run and others are specifically in the tourism sector. 

“I would encourage anyone who is looking for that bit of extra support, particularly at the moment, to go to our website, look at the eligibility criteria and apply if you think we can help out.” 

The three grant programs include: 

1. The Strategic Partnership Program - which supports businesses, groups, and organisations to deliver high quality programs or events that deliver on Council’s strategic objectives. These programs and events may be funded over several years. Funding available for the 2021/22 year is $199,000, with applications available in August 2021 and February 2022, unless the full budget is allocated in August. Applications close at 5pm 5 September. 

2. The Community Impact Grant Program - which helps community groups and organisations to run projects, programs, events and other activities or to buy necessary equipment to promote community outcomes in:

• environmental sustainability 
• healthy, connected, and inclusive communities 
• promoting community-focused economic outcomes, innovation, and resilience.  

There is $300,000 available in 2021/22 and applicants can apply for funding between $500 and $20,000. Applications also close at 5pm 5 September. 

3. The Tourism Events Grant Program - is a monthly grant program open to for-profit organisations and businesses to address key Ballarat Events Strategy 2018-2028 priorities, which include encouraging increased tourism visitation, supporting Ballarat’s liveability and amplifying Ballarat’s brand as a tourism destination. Applicants can apply for funding of between $500 and $20,000. Applications are accepted any time (with assessment taking place monthly) until the full budget is allocated. 

For more information, go to ballarat.vic.gov.au or contact Customer Service on 5320 5500.