The program aims to strengthen small communities in the three recognised dairy regions — Gippsland, northern Victoria and south-west Victoria — by offering grants of up to $5000.
Funds can be used to support a broad range of community projects including those that strengthen the community socially and economically, support environmental sustainability, make the community more culturally vibrant, support education and training or improve health and social wellbeing.
“This is our 21st year collaborating with FRRR (Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal) to provide support for initiatives that regional communities prioritise,” Gardiner Foundation chief executive officer Allan Cameron said.
“We are once again looking forward to supporting great local ideas.”
FRRR acting chief executive officer Sarah Matthee said it was wonderful to have partners that understood the importance of supporting grassroots groups.
“For example, last year one of the groups we funded together was Katamatite Bush Kinder, which runs a program taking the four-year-old kinder group out to the bush; rain or shine,” Ms Matthee said.
“The grant helped them fund technology to capture the activity, report on it and share it with parents to engage them in their child’s experience.
“Parents reported that the children had such a wonderful time that all they did when they went home was discuss the day at bush kinder.
“Funding these kinds of initiatives helps create lasting connections to the environment, not to mention stimulate their creativity.”
Grants will be awarded at ceremonies in each region, providing valuable networking opportunities as well as the chance to celebrate local recipients.
Applications for the grants program close on Thursday, March 16 at 5pm.
A dedicated online grant-seeking workshop will be held online on Monday, February 13 from noon to 1pm.
For more information, visit the FRRR website.
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