MEDIA RELEASE - Council provides $500,000 boost to worthy local not-for-profit initiatives
Sutherland Shire Council has once again provided much needed financial assistance to a host of worthy community-based organisations throughout the Sutherland Shire via its annual Community Grants and Subsidies Program.
The annual funding program sees Council deliver vital financial backing to a diverse range of not-for-profit organisations to deliver various programs that offer opportunities to a diverse cross section of the Sutherland Shire community that many of us take for granted, whether it be providing social outings for seniors, community events for residents from different cultural backgrounds or recreational activities for disadvantaged young people.
In its sixth year, the annual funding program offers financial assistance to support a wide range of grants of up to $20,000 each, to support projects, activities, and initiatives that make a meaningful impact in the lives of local residents.
Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce said he was delighted to once again be able to extend much needed financial assistance to so many of the outstanding support organisations that operate throughout the Sutherland Shire, citing the immense difference they make in the lives of those they serve.
“Once again, we were overwhelmed with the quality of submissions we received as part of this year's Community Grants and Subsidies Program, with each of our grant recipients leading some amazing projects that enhance the well-being of individuals and families throughout our community.
“We know from experience that these funds make a considerable difference in enabling the many dedicated community groups we have here in the Sutherland Shire to deliver bigger and better programs to serve the many individuals within our community who need an extra helping hand.
“Over the years, Sutherland Shire Council has had the privilege of presenting grant certificates to numerous deserving recipients, with the services and initiatives delivered by these local champions nothing short of inspiring,” Mayor Pesce said.
“Our aim is that the financial backing from this program will enable these community organisations to continue and hopefully accelerate the great work, allowing them to fulfil commitments to members and foster an increasingly connected, supportive, compassionate, inclusive, and engaged community.”
Among the many deserving recipients from last year’s program was Caringbah based disability support agency ‘Skillz4me’, with co-founder and Director, Sarah Stanton outlining for attendees at this morning’s grants presentation ceremony, the difference Council funding had made in delivering services for her clients.
As a result of their successful funding application last year, the service was able to stage a group beach outing for local children living with a disability and their families as part of their ‘Wave Warriors program’, with local Mum Lauren saying that the day had provided an opportunity to take her 16-year-old daughter for a swim at the beach – an opportunity she would have otherwise been unable to enjoy.
“I have never taken my daughter who has cerebral palsy to the beach and been in the water before. It was such a wonderful experience to have so much support around her,” Lauren said.
In the 2023/2024 program cycle, Council received a substantial number of applications, underscoring the diversity of projects seeking support. 39 local organisations delivering 48 programs have been selected to receive a portion ofthe available$500,000 in grant funding. This funding will facilitate the provision of essential services, programs, events, and support to the Sutherland Shire community in various meaningful ways.
Among the recipients are organisations offering specialised services such as aged and disability care, mental health and wellbeing services, social and family support, youth engagement, recreational activities including arts, Aboriginal specific, multicultural programs, and musical initiatives.
Recognising the substantial impact that even a modest financial boost can have on not-for-profit organisations in need of financial assistance, the Council hopes that grants of up to $20,000 will provide a warm and welcome boost to these local not-for-profits that support the community.
For full details on all the successful grant applicants for the 2023/2024 program, please visit Community Grants and Subsidies Program.