MEDIA RELEASE - Deserving local community groups encouraged to apply for grant funding

Local community groups with innovative ideas are once again encouraged to apply for funding through Sutherland Shire Council’s annual Community Grants and Subsidies Program.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce said grants of up to $20,000 are available to support not-for-profit programs benefitting the local community, with applications open until Monday 27 March.

“Across the Shire we have many different community groups who provide invaluable support to residents. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to get their great ideas off the ground and bring them to life,” Mayor Pesce said.

“Their tireless work helps to make the Shire a better place for us all. They give so much of their time to create a caring and connected Sutherland Shire and to improve the lives of our community.

“The impact of our grants program is far and wide. Last year alone we supported 38 community organisations with almost $500,000 in funding across 47 different programs. The range of services we support spans many services from aged and disability care, mental health and family and carer support to youth, arts and cultural and many more.

“We’ve come off a few tough years following the COVID pandemic. Our annual program provides a much-needed financial boost for many community groups and allows them to create and extend the fantastic services they provide to local residents.”

Former grant recipient, Managing Director of The Business Concierge, Howard Smith said the funding his business received goes towards having a big impact on a generation of young people across the Sutherland Shire.

“Every single cent helps us to provide life skills education across 60 different subjects to thousands of primary and high school students across Sutherland Shire,” Mr Smith said.

“Last year alone it helped us connect with well over 2,500 local primary and high school students, teaching them skills from budgeting and banking to writing resumes and getting your first part-time job.

“Without Sutherland Shire Council’s grant funding, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do and make such an impact, because it’s a struggle for us to keep up with the local demand for our programs.”

Community groups are encouraged to visit http://sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/grants for more information and to apply online.