Connecting Neighbours Grants

To apply for this program you must:

• Live or be based in the Wollongong Local Government 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). The local organisation does not apply for the grant; individuals still need to apply.

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. The focus of this round of grant funding is native verge gardens.

Some examples of projects are:

• A BBQ to welcome new neighbours
• Working bees, gardening or a creative activity
• Social outings, such as for a group of isolated older neighbours.

If you're creating a verge garden, it must involve native plants.

Ideas can be simple, and you're welcome to come up with other projects not listed here!

A native verge garden is where the verge or nature strip is turned into a street garden. This garden is planted and maintained by you.

The benefits of replacing traditional grass can offer environmental, economic, social and aesthetic benefits. They can save significant amounts of water and are great at increasing biodiversity.

Guidelines and detailed information on creating verge gardens can be found on our Verge Gardens page, or find out more about growing an edible garden verge.

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).
• If the project is a verge garden, you must use native plants and have approval of the owner of the property (including approval of the owner of a tenanted property).

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 Parks and Gardens 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.
• If your project is a verge garden, see our Verge Gardens page for more information, or find out more about growing an edible garden verge.