Community Grants Are Now Open

Individuals and community groups can apply for Community grants when the second round for applications opens on Thursday.

Hills Shire Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne said that Council was proud to give out donations and grants to a wide range of applicants.

“Our grants and donations program highlights what a vibrant community we have and how many incredible people there are in our Shire,” Mayor Byrne said.

“Last year, Council awarded a grant to 2Realise to run The Brave Program with Castle Hill Police and the Wesley Family Centre. The eight-week program brought together 20 students for two hours of vigorous physical activity, followed by a healthy snack and an interactive workshop focussed on empowerment and wellbeing.”

“These workshops were designed to help the students become more resilient and reach their ultimate potential.”

Mayor Byrne said that apart from large-scale community projects, the grants and donations program also supported academic and sporting initiatives.

“While Council is always happy to support our sporting types, I was really happy to see academics getting support for their endeavours.”

“The Baulkham Hills High School team consisting of Henry Wu, Luke Jarmain, Al-Aabid Chowdhury and Gamshagi Karunaivel are off to Karnataka, India to compete in the International Linguistics Olympiad.”

“Meanwhile we’ve also got Lokuliyana Wijesana who is heading to Tbilisi, Georgia for the International Chemistry Olympiad.”

“I’m so impressed by the many talented people we have living in our Shire. Many are among the best in their field, but don’t receive the plaudits they deserve.”

“I hope that Hills residents can join me in wishing them all the best on their travels and good luck in their respective competitions.”

Mayor Byrne encouraged members of the community to apply for the second round of grant funding.

“We’re taking applications between 14 July and 22 August. The Community Development team will recommend who receives donations based on how well they meet the criteria, with the decision ultimately going before Council.”

“I’m proud to be part of a Council that can support a wide range of residents in their academic, sporting, artistic and community endeavours.”

Sporting and Cultural Donations for Individuals and Teams
Council may provide donations to individuals or teams who reside in The Hills Local Government Area who have been selected to compete in cultural events or sporting competitions.

· $150.00 for an individual or $350.00 for a team selected to compete outside the Sydney Metropolitan Area
· $200.00 for an individual or $500.00 for a team selected to compete interstate
· $300.00 for an individual or $750.00 for a team selected to compete internationally.

Applications for Financial Support – Minor, Special Circumstances and Art Prizes
STANDARD DONATIONS

Applicants must be not-for-profit community based with at least 75% of the membership from The Hills Local Government Area. Applicants are only eligible for one donation in any twelve month period. Receipt of a donation will disqualify the organisation from applying for a Council Community Grant during that same 12 month period.

Standard donations comprise:

MINOR DONATIONS

Council may provide donations to a maximum value of $100 to local organisations or groups to assist with operational costs.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Donations in this category will be considered on a case by case basis. Broadly, special circumstances are considered to be unexpected events out of the control of the organisation or the community e.g. emergency relief appeals.

ART PRIZES

Council will consider providing a financial prize to local art societies for presentation at their annual art competition. Council will not acquire the art work. The work will remain the property of the artist to be sold or retained at their discretion.

Room Hire donations
Registered charitable organisations or individuals fundraising for charitable groups are eligible to apply for an in-kind donation of up to $1,000 for the hire of a Hills Shire Council venue for a fundraising event.

A refundable bond (subject to post-function inspection) will be required from the applicant.

To apply for a grant, visit https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Council/About-The-Hills-Shire-Council/Grants-Donations