MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council is extending its range of community and business grants to “support our community in the recovery phase” of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To be launched next week, the grants will be available to eligible business associations, bushland and foreshore friends groups, Landcare groups, not-for-profit organisations, community groups and “creatives” (individuals, organisations and groups).
The grants follow help to peninsula businesses in which the shire offered rent relief, waived outdoor trading fees, launched a Funding Finder website and Support Local campaign, as well as extended outdoor dining areas for food businesses.
“I encourage anyone in our community looking for financial support for their eligible group or business to apply for a relief and recovery grant. It can go a long way to help get your business back on its feet,” the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said.
She said the Funding Finder website provided a “full overview” of local, state and federal governments, as well as philanthropic grant programs.
“It’s easy to use and takes the guesswork out of finding funding.”
Grants include relief grants of $2000 starting 18 January; a $3000 business association COVID-19 recovery grant program will run 1 February to 5 March; $10,000 community recovery grants (1-26 February); and $10,000 biolinks support grants (8 February-5 March).
Details for each program with eligibility and assessment criteria are available at mornpen.vic.gov.au/grants
The shire’s annual community grant program has been deferred for the 2020–21 financial year.
A list of 1250 grant and finance opportunities is at mornpen.vic.gov.au/fundingfinder
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 19 January 2021
