Bega Valley Shire Council is coordinating the process and encouraging interested community groups and not-for-profit groups to get in early with their applications.

“It’s great that registered clubs across the Bega Valley Shire are continuing to dig deep and support their local communities as part of the 2014 Club Grants program,” BVSC community development officer Emma Benton said.

“The Club Grants scheme is a state-wide initiative that recognises clubs’ significant financial support for projects and services that contribute to the wellbeing of their communities.

“They are incredibly popular, with last year’s grants program providing more than $90,000 in support of 43 projects that benefitted the local community.”

“This forms part of the $76 million given to NSW community groups, charities and sports organisations through last year’s Club Grants scheme.

“Council is coordinating applications in the Category 1 group which caters for local community priorities like welfare and social services, development projects, local health services and employment assistance activities.”

Chair of the Bega Valley Club Grants Committee and CEO of Club Sapphire Merimbula, Damien Foley, announced that applications for this year’s Category 1 Club Grants funding were now being called. 

The funding for this scheme is provided annually by the eight Registered Clubs of the Bega Valley, namely Eden Fishermen’s Club, Pambula-Merimbula Golf Club, Club Sapphire Merimbula, Merimbula RSL Club, Tura Beach Country Club, Bega RSL, Tathra Beach Bowling Club and the Bermagui Country Club.

“These Registered Clubs are all not-for-profit organisations who provide significant facilities and support to their local communities.  This support comes in many ways, including through the financial grants scheme known as Club Grants,” Mr Foley said.

“Applications for this year’s Category 1 grants have just opened and the Committee urges all not-for-profit community groups across the shire to visit the BVSC website to review their eligibility for a grant.

“We want to ensure this valuable funding makes a real difference in those areas of our community that most need this support.”

Successful projects for 2014 will be allocated according to the Club Grants committee’s funding priorities, which include projects that assist the Aboriginal community, children, young people, seniors, women, people with disabilities and people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

For application forms and information visit Council’s website www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au > Information & Services > Awards Grants & Scholarships > Club Grants.

Further information is available through Emma Benton on 6499 2222 or ebenton@begavalley.nsw.gov.au.

Applications should be sent directly to Council and will be accepted up to COB on Monday 12 May 2014.