Our Connecting Neighbours Grants program provides small grants to community members and groups who want to make a positive impact in their local area.
This round is all about food! We're embracing the cultural importance of food as well as the growing, preparation and sharing of it all. Most importantly, the connection and building qualities food brings to everyone, everywhere.
As part of our work with Fair Food Illawarra, we're keen to support projects that celebrate healthy, sustainable, affordable and accessible food for all.
Do you have a great idea that doesn’t involve food? You are still welcome to apply.
Applications have now closed.
To apply for this program you must:
- Live or be based in the Wollongong City Council area.
- Be an individual with at least two other friends or neighbours who support your idea (for grants up to $250) OR have a local organisation willing to support your project (for grants over $250 and up to $1000).
This program isn't for larger community organisations that already receive government funding. However larger organisations are welcome to support a community-led project. See the 'Support organisations' section of this page for details.
The activity you're applying for needs to be a new initiative that involves local residents and helps build connections between neighbours and local communities.
Some examples of projects are:
- A BBQ to welcome new neighbours
- Working bees or gardening
- Social outings, such as for a group of isolated older neighbours.
Ideas can be simple, and you're welcome to come up with other projects not listed here!
Applications will be looked at by a panel who will then recommend projects to be approved by the General Manager.
Applications will be reviewed against the following criteria:
Applicants:
- Must be based in the Wollongong Local Government Area.
- Need to be community members with a shared idea, part of a community group, or representing a small community organisation (not a government agency or a large non-government or community organisation).
The idea:
- Is a new initiative and involves local residents.
- Connects people and/or strengthens the neighbourhood.
Funding:
- Of more than $250 will be managed by an incorporated organisation.
- Up to $250 for individual community members with a shared project idea
- Up to $1,000 for projects with the backing of a support organisation. See the 'Support organisations' section of this page for more details.
How funding is provided
For projects funded up to $250, you will receive a letter of offer and be asked to sign a simple agreement with Council. You'll need to provide an invoice to Council and the person nominated on your application will receive funds by cheque. At the end of the project, we ask you to complete a simple form telling us how it went.
For projects over $250 up to $1,000, the support organisation and the applicant will receive a letter of offer and be asked to sign an agreement with Council. The support organisation will need to invoice Council, and funds will be provided to that organisation by cheque or direct deposit.
You need the support of an incorporated organisation to apply for Connecting Neighbours Grants of more than $250.
Your support organisation will need to:
- Take responsibility for guiding the project
- Sign an agreement with Council if the application is successful
- Agree to cover the event or activity under their insurances
- Invoice Council, and receive and manage the grant funds
- Work with the project coordinator to write a report to acquit the grant.
Examples of suitable support organisations could include your local neighbourhood or community centre, a sports group, club or larger community organisation.
We may be able to help you find a support organisation if you don't have one for your project. Get in touch by email or call us on (02) 4227 7111 for advice.
We also welcome larger organisations that would like to be connected with a neighbourhood project to contact us.
Confirmation of support
You will need to attach a letter from the support organisation that confirms they will take responsibility for the project and manage the grant funds. It must also clearly show the name, position, contact details and signature of the support organisation's authorised representative.
We're happy to chat to you about your ideas before you put in an application.
Our staff can act as 'coaches' to help you develop your ideas, complete an application and, if needed, find a support organisation.
Get in touch by email or call (02) 4227 7111 to start the conversation.
- See our Park and Beach Hire page for details on how to make a park booking.
- If you'd like to hold a street party, please download the Application for Temporary Road Closure (for Street Parties) form PDF, 34.91 KB and return it to Council. You should also read the standard conditions that apply to street parties.
- See the Food Fairness Illawarra initiative for information on the importance of food and the impact it has on our lives.
Below are images of some Connecting Neighbours projects that have been supported in the past (before COVID-19 restrictions applied).
If you have any questions about Connecting Neighbours Grants, please email or call us on (02) 4227 7111.
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