Grants Now Open: what would you do?
If you have an idea for a community project or are part of a group that needs some funding for a recovery or resilience project, then now is the time to chat to the Community Foundation about making a grant application. Our 2025 Community Grants program is now open for applications and will remain open for the full month of September. This year we have two streams, one community grants and one targeting projects that help with recovery and resilience, thanks to the Mirboo North Recovery fund.
Creating a Welcoming Space for Families
In case you need some inspiration, here’s an example of a grant in action. We caught up with the Thorpdale Playgroup a couple of months ago to see how they had used their community grant from 2024 to strengthen their little playgroup.
The Thorpdale Playgroup meets on Tuesday and Friday mornings each week during term time at the Thorpdale Multipurpose Stadium on the grounds of the Thorpdale Primary School. Their home is in a carpeted room off the main hall, where they have comfy couches for parents and carers to sit and chat and plenty of toys to engage the little ones.
“Our project was about refreshing our Playgroup and making it a more inviting environment through introducing some better storage solutions and updating play equipment,” explained Jess Nash, President.
Some of the play equipment that was purchased is being used out in the main hall due to the rainy and wintery weather: we witnessed a few trike races and obstacle course runs during our visit.
“I would recommend applying for a grant,” says Jess. “The process was easy and it has given our Playgroup a new lease of life. It is so valuable to have a supportive space for parents to connect and for young children to explore and learn safely.”
How Community Grants Support Local Projects
If you have an idea that could use community grant funding to make it a reality, have a look for an application form on our website, give us a call on 0418 301 092 or drop in to Co-space during school hours. Don’t be concerned if you are new to grant applications, we will be able to help you with the process. www.mirboodistrictfoundation.org.au.