Launch of new community grants
24 Jan 2024
Barwon Water is launching a new grants program to create opportunities to access funding for a wide range of initiatives that benefit local communities.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available for community-led initiatives across Barwon Water’s service region, which takes in over 8,000 square kilometres from Little River and the Bellarine Peninsula in the east, down to Apollo Bay and across to Colac in the west.
Barwon Water General Manager Customers, Community & Strategy Laura Kendall said the new community grants program has broad eligibility criteria, designed to be inclusive and accessible, and in line with what our community have told us they value.
"Community groups across our region do incredible work in all kinds of ways and we’re keen to offer practical support through our new grants program.
“As we work to enable regional prosperity, we’ve given our whole support program a makeover so we can fund more local projects.
“So we’re now offering grants to community groups, as well as new-look schools grants.
“We’re looking for projects that will help save water for the region, make the community a better place to live, improve the local environment, help people to be active and connected, and encourage social inclusion.
“Applications open on 1 February, with an annual cycle that provides fair and consistent timelines for our not-for-profit, volunteer-based community organisations and schools.
“We hope to support a wide range of projects that will make a positive difference in our local communities.”
To be eligible, the community or school project or initiative must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- saving water for the region
- improving the local environment
- making the community a better place to live
- helping people to be active and connected
- encouraging social inclusion
The community grants program has a total pool of $30,000 to distribute with grants of up to $5,000. The school grants program has $25,000 with grants of up to $2,500. Applications close 31 March 2024. Grant recipients will be advised of the outcome of their application in May 2024.
Go to Barwon Water Your Say to find out more about the grant guidelines and apply.
Barwon Water’s other community support programs include:
Schools Water Efficiency Program
Grants can be used for initiatives that save water for the region, improve the local environment, make the community a better place to live, help people to be active and connected, and encourage social inclusion.