Sykes: Small grants for small rural communities

Source: Sykes media release 02.09.08

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, reminds all not-for-profit organisations that applications for the next round of funding through the Small Grants for Rural Communities Program closes on 30 September 2008.

Dr Sykes said, “I encourage small rural & regional non-for-profit organisations to apply for grants of up to $5,000 for projects and activities that aid the sustainability of their community. Applications from communities with a population of 10,000 or less will receive priority.

“The program offered through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) is simple and straight forward with a swift application and approval process,” Dr Sykes added.

Applications that support the following areas of interest will be given preference:

• Community hardship in drought affected areas;
• Community infrastructure;
• Retention of young people in rural & regional Australia;
• Resettlement of immigrants in rural Australia.

“This has been a valuable program and I am pleased that the following community organisations in the Benalla Electorate were successful in the previous round of funding in March this year:-

• Avenel Neighbourhood House;
• Continuing Education & Arts Centre Alexandra (CEACA) Inc;
• Eildon & District Workers Guild Inc;
• Euroa Health;
• Mansfield Wildlife Shelter & Rescue Inc.; and
• Nagambie Hospital Inc.

Dr Sykes concluded, “Given the continuing impact of the drought with many small communities still in need of financial support and assistance I encourage the many eligible towns in the Electorate of Benalla to apply.”

Application forms, guidelines and further information can be obtained from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal website http://www.frrr.org.au,
freecall 1800 170 020 or via email to info@frrr.org.au.

Application forms are also available by contacting Peta Clark, Grants Researcher, at Bill Sykes’ office on 5762 2100.