Category Archives: Grants and sponsorship

Apply for a RADF grant today

August 3, 2020

Redland City Council is now accepting round one applications for 2020-2021 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants.

Mayor Karen Williams invited professional and emerging Redlands Coast artists to apply for funding from the RADF, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Redland City Council.

“Like so many things, the RADF schedule has seen pandemic-related disruption this year, but we’re back in business with submissions for round one grants being accepted until 31 August 2020,” Cr Williams said.

RADF Assessment Panel Co-chairs Cr Paul Bishop and Cr Lance Hewlett said the focus for this round was ‘People and Place’.

“We are looking for applications that creatively explore stories of people and place in Redlands Coast,” Cr Bishop said.

“Our stories have the power to teach, entertain and inspire and we are keen to see projects expressed through a range of media; including song, visual arts, dance, music, craft, writing, theatre and design.”

Cr Hewlett said the RADF provided opportunities for local communities to participate in arts and cultural activities, with funding of up to $10,000 per project available.

“I urge all Redlands Coast creatives to visit Council’s website for information about categories of funding, eligibility criteria and how to apply,” he said.

“Check out our videos of previous RADF grant recipients at www.redland.qld.gov.au/radf for some extra inspiration.”

Council delivers a helping hand for Redlands Coast businesses and community groups

July 24, 2020

Redlands Coast businesses and community groups have received a $370,000 helping hand to get back on their feet following COVID-19 restrictions.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council had awarded grants to 16 community groups and 81 businesses as part of its $2 million social and economic package to support residents, businesses and community groups through the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Funding worth $111,594 was made available through grants of up to $10,000 to local community groups to provide support and relief to the Redlands Coast community,” Cr Williams said.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams with Salads Made Fresh owners Jeff McEvoy and Darlene Clemenkowff

Love and Hope Redlands provides healthy and nutritious meals for families and others in need. The group was inundated with requests as the financial impact of job losses hit.

With a grant to buy commercial fridges and freezers, group founder Adriana Kuhn said Love and Hope was now able to put food on the table for more families.

“We can keep more in stock and will be able to help everyone who needs it, when they need it,” Mrs Kuhn said.

U3A Redlands president Debra Barker said dealing with social isolation had been a major challenge, particularly when libraries, community centres and retail venues were forced to close during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The group accessed a grant to expand its use of cloud-based video conferencing to deliver courses such as German language and ukulele lessons to older residents.

“It’s been very important to stay in contact with our members and this grant has also provided us with new ways to bring together groups and those unable to travel,” Mrs Barker said.

“The grant has also been an amazing help for us to keep in contact with members who don’t have internet access or a computer. We were able to use some funds to cover paper and postage costs so we could keep our hardcopy newsletters flowing and keep people informed during the pandemic.”

Assistance for 32 local businesses, worth a total of $31,494, through Council’s COVID-19 Business Support Grant included up to $1,000 for professional advice services such as accounting or human resources.

Innovation grants of up to $5,000, worth a total of $228,055, were awarded to 49 businesses seeking to restructure their operations to ensure viability and continued operations.

The full list of community organisations that received a grant is provided below.

Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce president Rebecca Young praised Council’s swift response and active support for local businesses.

“I’m across what other councils have done and they were nowhere near as supportive of businesses as Redland City Council has been during COVID-19,” she said.

“The Chamber has received very good feedback about the grants. This will help keep the doors open and it has allowed a number of businesses to invest and shape their longer-term futures.”

She said Redlands Coast businesses were resilient and had received strong support from the local community.

“There is some concern that what’s happening in Victoria could happen here,” Ms Young said.

“However, businesses are feeling optimistic and have shown how resilient they are. Grants like these really help.”

Victoria Point’s Salads Made Fresh went above and beyond during COVID-19, teaming up with other local traders including Pattemores Meats at Alexandra Hills, and Banjo’s Bakery at Cleveland, to home deliver food and essential supplies.

As primarily a wholesaler of fresh, pre-prepared salads, owners Jeff McEvoy and Darlene Clemenkowff saw an opportunity to expand their home delivery market.

With assistance through Council’s innovation grant Salads Made Fresh is implementing an end-to-end business automation and inventory management system that will significantly improve efficiency.

“This support puts us in a good position to kickstart something and give us the capability of holding on to the new business we are winning,” Mr McEvoy said.

Community organisation support grant recipients were:
• STAR Community Services
• Running Wild… Youth Conservation Culture Inc.
• Love and Hope Redlands Inc.
• Bay Islands Community Services Inc.
• University of the Third Age (U3A) Redlands District Inc.
• CPL – Choice, Passion, Life
• Donald Simpson Community Centre
• Victoria Point Redland Bay Meals on Wheels Inc.
• Redland Community Centre Inc.
• The Rock Family and Community Support Inc.
• St Vincent de Paul Society Qld
• Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association – Redlands Branch (Redlands PCYC)
• Young Life Australia – Redlands Area
• Redlands Fellowship Property Ltd
• Jobs Association Inc.
• Cleveland Uniting Church

Council seeks Redlands Coast arts practitioners for volunteer grant assessment panel

July 17, 2020

Redland City Council is calling for local art enthusiasts to be part of its Arts Queensland Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) volunteer assessment panel.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council was seeking Expressions of Interest from local artists, arts and cultural workers, members of cultural groups, local organisations or associations and people active within the arts community who would like to be part of the panel.

“Being on Council’s RADF volunteer assessment panel is a great opportunity for those who are active within the Redlands Coast arts community to provide mentoring and assistance to other local artists,” she said.

“We have a vibrant arts sector on Redlands Coast and this is an opportunity to ensure that vibrancy continues into the future.

“The panel will be co-chaired by Councillor Paul Bishop and Councillor Lance Hewlett and an additional six members will be appointed to the panel for two years with an option to extend for a further two years.”

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said the arts industry had been especially hard hit during the COVID-19 crisis, and this was one avenue through which local artists could support other Redlands Coast artists and residents through recovery.

“Being a volunteer panel member requires attendance at a training induction and participation in assessment meetings, all of which will be done online while COVID-19 social distancing measures are in place,” he said.

“This is critical time for the arts to continue to thrive on Redlands Coast.

“Council is looking for exemplary arts leaders to be part of this important initiative.”

Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett said panel members could still apply for a grant themselves but would not be able to assess that round.

“Council has been administrating Arts Queensland RADF grants for many years, helping professional and emerging local artists from all fields further their development while fostering high quality arts experiences across Redlands Coast,” Cr Hewlett said.

For further information about the expressions of interest process, visit redland.qld.gov.au/RADF

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Redland City Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Funding support for Redlands Coast sporting and community clubs

May 27, 2020

Local sporting and community clubs will get access to operational funding to help them continue supporting the local community.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams today received support from Councillors to amend the guidelines for Council’s Mayor and Councillors’ Community Benefit Fund so it could support clubs with operational funding.

“We know local community and sporting clubs are doing it tough and Council is committed to doing everything we can to support them,” she said.

“Historically the Mayor and Councillors’ Community Benefit Fund has been restricted to supporting events and one-off projects, which are not occurring given the COVID-19 situation.

“Today’s decision will allows Council to pivot and make the $50,000 remaining in this fund for this financial year available for operational funding, so local clubs are ready to welcome back members when restrictions are lifted.

“With the end of the financial year approaching fast, it is critical interested clubs get their applications in by 11.59pm on 14 June 2020 so they can take advantage of this operational funding, which at this stage only applies to the current financial year.”

Cr Williams said today’s decision followed Council’s $2 million COVID-19 stimulus package adopted in March, which included a one-off contribution towards electricity costs for clubs and associations registered under Council’s community electricity scheme.

“Local clubs are the backbone of our community and now more than ever they need our support,” Cr Williams said.

“Council is also continuing to work with any clubs suffering financial hardship to ensure they are supported through the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Post-COVID recovery discussion during economic round table

May 22, 2020

Laying the foundations for a local post-COVID economy was a key point of discussion during a meeting of the Redlands Coast Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) this week.

EDAB Chair Sam Kennedy said this week’s round table discussions showed a large amount of work had already been done to lay the foundations for how the Redlands economy could rebound from the current pandemic.

“The meeting was a real eye-opener and shows the importance of collaboration in responding to the current economic challenges being faced through the COVID pandemic,” Ms Kennedy said.

“It is clear Council has already done a great deal of work on the city’s social and economic response and on behalf of the Board I congratulate them for moving so rapidly to respond.

“We heard about a number of success stories that have come out of Council’s $2 million stimulus package, including businesses that have used Council’s repurposed grants program to pivot and access professional services so they can continue serving the community.

“The Board also built on that work with some exciting discussions including internet connectivity across the city and how we can use the current situation to keep Redlanders in the Redlands through better connectivity, delivering an economic boost to local businesses.

“We also discussed some exciting projects that are taking shape and have the potential to be a real game changer for the city.”

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said having some of the nation’s leading economic minds focussed on the Redlands would ensure we were well placed to not only recover from COVID-19 but to grow the local economy beyond the current pandemic.

“We know recovering from the current situation will be a marathon not a sprint, so having the foundations and collaboration is going to be critical,” Cr Williams said.

“The Board this week was able to provide decades of economic experience and suggest a number of key partners who can support Council in helping our initiatives and projects become a reality, ultimately delivering benefits for the broader community.

“This week’s EDAB meeting follows a round table I hosted with local shopping centres recently and a second meeting I convened to discuss how to ensure any projects built in our city deliver jobs for locals.

“It is critical this work gets done now so the plans are in place and ready for when restrictions are lifted so our local economy can benefit.”

Details of Council’s COVID-19 Support for businesses and the community are available at redland.qld.gov.au/info/20166/support

Council’s COVID-19 assistance package progressing and new measures to be investigated

May 13, 2020

Redland City Council has noted the progress of its Stage1 COVID-19 Social and Economic Assistance Package and endorsed investigation of new, Stage 2 initiatives.

Mayor Karen Williams said that of the 11 items endorsed on 26 March 2020 as part of a more than $2 million assistance package, five were already complete and the other six were in progress.

“I’m pleased that Council has moved swiftly to play its part to relieve some of the pressure the COVID-19 pandemic has caused for Redland Coast residents and businesses,” Cr Williams said.

“This early progress paves the way for Council to now look at new options to provide further stimulus and support.

“Council has doubled the time for current rates payments and continues to work compassionately with those requesting financial relief,” she said.

“Community groups have been advised of available grants up to $10,000 to provide hardship relief to residents and one-off Council contributions made to waive electricity network charges for clubs and associations adversely impacted by COVID-19.

“Business owners may apply for grants up to $1000 to access professional business advice and up to $5000 to re-engineer their business operations to remain viable.

“Already we’ve received 26 applications for these grants, across all categories. Application information is available on Council’s website.”

Cr Williams said Council was also giving preference to local suppliers, with a 10 per cent advantage to be applied, while Council’s own local spend increased by approximately four per cent in the past quarter and 97 per cent of invoices paid within 14 days.

“In addition to providing increased flexibility in many of Council regulatory requirements, a substantial area of support has been delivered through advice to community and businesses,” she said.

“Council’s support officers have helped local businesses, social enterprises, community groups and sporting clubs access Federal and State government economic stimulus packages.

“Council support services have effectively triaged business and organisation information needs by helping point to relevant support with forty percent of business inquiries seeking information on government stimulus support.

Twenty one percent of business inquiries to date have been accommodation and food services businesses and eighteen percent from manufacturing.

“This support information is also being offered through regular e-newsletters to more than 1400 business recipients and updates on Council’s COVID-19 Business and Community page.

“Approximately 400 tourism and event businesses have also received six industry specific e-newsletter updates while our officers have individually contacted more than 80 event organisers.

“Council is committed to working closely with industry representatives and government agencies to ensure tourism and events operators receive the help they need.”

Cr Williams said opportunities to bring forward State Government investment in major infrastructure projects was also being identified, including through programs administered by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

“While it is impossible to completely remove the burden this pandemic is having on Redlands Coast, Council remains committed to doing what it can to continue supporting our local people, community organisations and businesses.”

Council’s grants program to address COVID-19 crisis

April 28, 2020

Redland City Council has released a $370,000 grants package to support local community organisations and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mayor Karen Williams said the COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Grants Program followed a Council decision to repurpose existing grants within this year’s remaining budget to help meet some of the financial challenges arising for community groups and businesses from COVID-19.

“This grants program is all about getting our local businesses and community groups the help they need to continue serving the community,” Cr Williams said.

“The first stream is aimed at providing support to community organisations that are assisting people directly impacted by the crisis.

“These organisations are eligible for grants of up to $10,000 to support their efforts.

“We are aware that many community members are doing it tough at the moment, whether it be through job loss, isolation, homelessness or other COVID-19 impacts, and we are pleased to be able to back community organisations that are supporting these people.”

Cr Williams said the second stream would support local businesses in critical need of support due to the impact of COVID-19 with grants of up to $1000 per business for professional advice.

“There are a number of stimulus measures available for businesses, but we know the information can be confusing and when you are financially and emotionally stressed it can be even more difficult to know what you are and aren’t eligible for,” she said.

“This funding will help businesses get the professional advice they need to access the right funding and support for their individual business.”

Cr Williams said Council would also provide $80,000 to help businesses innovate during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Businesses will be able to apply for funding to the value of $5000 to help them find new ways to deliver their business to the community,” she said.

“This may include the use of technology, research and design or innovative products, services, projects or collaborations.”

Cr Williams said Council was fielding many calls from business owners seeking advice on how to deal with the varied impacts of the unprecedented business environment.

“These business grants will support impacted local businesses to get the targeted professional advice they need,” she said.

“They will also support businesses employing innovative ways to pivot their products and services to capture new opportunities.”

For more information, visit Council’s website or contact Council on 3829 8999.

Apply for a Council Community Grant – 2019/2020 Round 2 now open

February 12, 2020

Do you have a Redlands Coast community-based program, project or event that needs an injection of funding to support the efforts of you or your organisation?

Round 2 of Redland City Council’s Community Grants and Sponsorship program (for 2019/20) is now open for Community grants, with sponsorship applications being accepted from 17 February.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council provided financial assistance to individuals and organisations, helping them run projects that benefitted the local community.

“Since 2009 we have awarded more than 1,000 grants and sponsorship totalling more than $6 million,” Cr Williams said.

“Our aim is to maximise benefits for the community and ensure the fair distribution of resources.

“All applications go through a competitive assessment process that ensures equity, openness and transparency.”

Cr Williams said it was through community grants that Council helped fund initiatives across a range of areas, including economic development, community development, sport and recreation, cultural heritage, the arts, and the environment.

“When applying, there are four community grant categories to choose from: organisational support, project support, conservation and capital infrastructure,” she said.

“The Grants and Sponsorship Team is also offering a free Strategic Planning Workshop in early-March which has been so popular that it has already booked out.

“But Council is keeping a waiting list for another workshop if there is a need.

“Phone the Grants and Sponsorship Team on 3829 8999 to express your interest.”

Key dates – 2019/2020 Grants and Sponsorship Program

• Strategic Planning Workshop – 6–9pm, Tuesday 3 March 2020 (waiting list applies)
• Grants – Round 2 now open. Applications accepted until 2 March 2020
• Sponsorship – Round 2 opens soon. Applications will be accepted from 17 February 2020.

To book a meeting with the Grants and Sponsorship Team and for a fact sheet with all the details, visit Council’s website.

Council community grants now available

July 3, 2019

Applications for the first round of the 2019-20 Community Grants program open this month so now is the time to make your great community-focused idea happen.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the latest round of community grants would support a wide variety of projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening the Redlands Coast community.

“Every year, Council provides more than $300,000 in grants and sponsorship in the categories of Organisation Support, Project Support, Conservation and Capital Infrastructure,” Cr Williams said.

“Last year, Council grants contributed to a variety of projects, from supporting the Minjerribah Respite Community Garden on North Stradbroke Island to Conservation Volunteers Australia with weed control across the Coochiemudlo Island and to providing vital equipment for wildlife carers on Redlands Coast.

“Council also supported first aid training, coach accreditation and strategic planning for a number of sport and recreation clubs as well as for Victoria Point’s Meals on Wheels.

“Council’s Sponsorship Program helped to bring a range of fantastic community events to Redlands Coast last year, including the Cleveland, Camping and Boating Expo and the Quandamooka Festival.

Council is also sponsoring two community days for NAIDOC week, one on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and one in Capalaba.

“The diversity of previous successful applicants illustrates the range of initiatives supported by our grants and sponsorship program.

“I urge anyone with a project or initiative that can deliver clear benefits to the broader community to apply,” Cr Williams said.

Applications for this round of community grants will be accepted from Monday 15 July until Monday 12 August 2019 in the following categories:
• Organisation Support Grant – for projects associated with becoming more sustainable and improving capacity to deliver services.
• Project Support Grant – for projects that deliver short-to-medium term positive outcomes for the community.
• Conservation Grants – for conservation projects that benefit the environment and wildlife.
• Capital Infrastructure Grants – to assist eligible organisations to build, renovate or refurbish facilities. This category aims to improve community facilities in the Redlands.

For eligibility criteria and to learn more about how to apply for grants or sponsorship, visit redland.qld.gov.au/Grants email grants@redland.qld.gov.au or call 3829 8999.

Turn your idea into reality with a Council community grant

February 7, 2019

Apply now for a community grant from Redland City Council and let 2019 be the year your great idea for a community focused project comes to life.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the latest round of community grants is now open and for people who are interested to apply before the round closes Monday 4 March.

“Thanks to Council’s Community Grants and Sponsorship Program more than $785,400 of funding supported a diverse range of community projects and events,” said Mayor Williams.

“Last year’s projects brought great benefits to our city last year and include a Sensory garden at My Horizon as well as projects celebrating Quandamooka art and culture.

“Other great community initiatives supported by Council included the mentoring and upskilling of local Redland Bay Coast Guard volunteers and a program called Ruby (Rise up be yourself), delivered by the Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association – Redlands Branch, which supports women who are, have been or likely to be experiencing domestic and family violence.

“Council’s Sponsorship Program supported the 2018 Island Vibe Festival, which saw over 2700 people flock to North Stradbroke Island, and the successful Redlands Coast Fun Run, which attracted 824 registered participants.

“Various categories of funding are available, which means a range of projects are eligible to receive support.

“If anyone working in Redlands Coast has an idea for a project that will deliver clear benefits to the community I urge them to visit Council’s website while submissions are open to see if our Community Grants team can help them,” Cr Williams said.

Applications for this round of community grants opened Monday 4 February and will be accepted until Monday 4 March 2019 in the following categories:

Organisation Support Grant – for projects associated with becoming more sustainable and improving capacity to deliver services.
Project Support Grant – for projects that deliver short-to-medium term positive outcomes for the community.
Conservation Grants – for conservation projects that benefit the environment and wildlife.

Applications for the next round of Sponsorship will be accepted from Monday 18 February until Monday 18 March 2019 and will support community-based activities and events that provide measurable benefits to Council.

For eligibility criteria and to learn more about how to apply for grants or sponsorship, visit Council’s website or email grants@redland.qld.gov.au or call 3829 8999.

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