By Helena Adeloju
The Ripe for Change Small Grants Program will be providing up to $10,000 to innovative food system projects in the Casey Council area.
Ripe for Change is a philanthropic initiative which aims to make the Victorian food system more sustainable. Its goal is to address complex food issues by taking a localised approach.
The new grants program is the first of its kind and is being trialled through the Casey Cardinia Foundation, with applications invited from Casey, Cardinia and the Mornington Peninsula.
Executive Officer of the Casey Cardinia Foundation Therese Howell said the small grants program was an exciting opportunity to further support the community by enabling philanthropic funds into the region.
“We’re encouraging innovative projects that collaborate with other groups and organisations,” Ms Howell said.
“We’re looking to inspire groups and organisations to think outside the square and look at their potential to do great things in this space.”
Funding for the grants program is being provided through the Australian Environment Grantmakers Network (AEGN).
AEGN Giving Green manager Esther Abram said the Ripe for Change grants were a terrific opportunity for Community groups in Casey to get funding support for work to improve the local food system.
“Community interest in sustainable food has grown, but there hasn’t been much funding available. Ripe for Change is hoping to address this gap,” she said.
Australian Community Philanthropy executive officer Kate Buxton said the Casey Cardinia Foundation had demonstrated leadership and innovation in their work on the Ripe for Change Small Grants Program.
“It’s a fantastic example of collaboration, and I’m really excited to see the Casey Cardinia Foundation leading the way,” she said.
Applications for the grants will be open until Friday 21 April.
Visit the Ripe for Change Small Grants Program website for more information and application guidelines:
www.caseycardiniafoundation.org/grants/
