By Danielle Kutchel
A council grants program designed to help community organisations assist those struggling during the pandemic has received a boost to its coffers.
The City of Casey’s Quick Response Grants program will be boosted by $250,000, allocated from the 2020/21 year end surplus.
The decision to allocate the funding was made at the council meeting on Tuesday 21 September and carried unanimously.
It’s expected the money will help at least 50 organisations with $5000 each.
The Quick Response Grants program is open year-round, however, the funds will be distributed within the next three months, meaning applications will be assessed against eligibility and funding priorities as soon as they are received.
The program formed part of the council’s response to the first Covid lockdown in 2020, when it injected $100,000 into scheme to help residents impacted by the pandemic.
Community organisations were able to apply for two grants of $2000 each, with 45 organisations receiving funding.
In the 2020/21 financial year, the City of Casey distributed $80,748 in Quick Response Grants, again of up to $2000 each, to local community groups and organisations to provide food, social support, and emergency relief.
According to a council officers’ report on the matter, 18 groups in Casey are now actively providing emergency food relief, along with some social enterprises.
The report recognised that these groups are experiencing their highest levels of demand yet for food relief.
In moving the motion, Administrator Cameron Boardman said there was a need to continue supporting the community through the pandemic while the state moves through the reopening road map.
“It is an indication of where we have a direct role to assist the community,” he said.
Administrator Miguel Belmar said the grants program demonstrated the partnership between the council and social organisations.
“These are trying times; the support that will be provided through these grants includes very fundamental needs that people in the community have,” he said.
“I want to encourage those community groups that need these funds to apply for them.”
For more information about the Quick Response Grants, visit casey.vic.gov.au/quick-response-grants
