Applications are now open for Council grants to help Redlands Coast community and sporting groups which are still feeling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the $400,000 funding pool would support local community organisations and their members as they recovered from the pandemic.

“We know there are still groups within our community struggling due to the pandemic and so we surveyed them to see how our grants program can best support their needs,” Cr Williams said.

“Based on this feedback the 2020-21 Community Grants Program has been revised to ensure it helps our local community groups do what they do best – support our residents.”

Grants up to $5000 will be available in two categories – Organisation Support (Sustainability) and Capital Infrastructure (Maintenance).

“The Sustainability grants aim to help community organisations and sporting clubs to stabilise and continue to operate over the following 12 month period,” Cr Williams said.

“The grants can be used to pay regular bills or operational costs, fund financial or strategic planning assistance, or for initiatives to increase membership.

“Maintenance grants will help organisations address urgent building compliance work for community facilities to meet relevant laws and codes.

“This could include minor structural repairs, pest management, fire safety and emergency equipment, or disability access.”

Cr Williams said eligible organisations were welcome to apply for both grants.

Applications for the 2020-21 Community Grants Program open today (15 February) and close on 28 March 2021.

Eligible items for Organisation Support (Sustainability) Grants include:

• Payment of regular rates and other bills
• Financial and strategic planning assistance (including accounting, business consultancy, legal services, human resources services and other business specific advisers)
• Day to day operational costs (including staff wages, rent and insurances)
• Initiatives designed to increase membership (including incentive programs, direct mail and other advertising)

Eligible items for Capital Infrastructure (Maintenance) Grants include:

• Electrical infrastructure
• Disability access and associated issues
• Fire safety and emergency equipment
• Replacement of residual-current devices (RCDs)
• Minor structural repairs
• Pest management
• Renewal of Asbestos Management Plans (AMPs)

For information on eligibility criteria and how to apply for either of the grants, visit the online application portal on Redland City Council’s website.