Not-for-profit organisations and community groups can speak to the benefits that capital development grants have opened up for them within the Yarra Ranges.
Revamps and upgrades for the Healesville Bowls Club and Macclesfield Pony and Adult Riding Clubs arena have recently been funded by the Council’s capital development grants.
Funding is provided as a one-off grant with the goal of benefiting sporting and recreation groups as well as the general community.
Healesville Bowls Club Vice Chairman, John Clark said last year’s grant has helped them restore their historic 80-year-old clubhouse to its former glory.
“The Grants we received from Yarra Ranges Council has helped us to successfully restore and refurbish our original historic clubhouse, bringing it back to a space that can now be utilised as more than just a storage space but somewhere where members and volunteers can socialise and as a warm and welcoming space for visiting clubs to gather and connect,” John said.
“For us, all the money received wholly and solely went into this project as we’re not just preserving a piece of history for the club but for the Healesville community too, and without the Council grant this would not have been possible, so a big thank you to Council and all the volunteers and members who contributed their time and trades to get the clubhouse looking great again,” John said.
A capital development grant can cover up to 50 per cent of the total project cost but not exceeding $30,000.
The grants have opened again for the 2024-25 financial year and offer financial assistance to not-for-profit organisations to improve sport and active recreation infrastructure.
To be eligible for the Capital Development Grants, applicants must be incorporated not-for-profit organizations or community groups operating within the Yarra Ranges municipality.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Jim Child encouraged eligible applicants to apply.
“The Capital Development Grants recognise the immense contributions community sports clubs and organisations make to the Yarra Ranges each year,” Cr Child said.
“Grants are often the difference between whether a project gets off the ground or not, so Council is thrilled to be able to help and we thank these groups for their hard work reconnecting with the community during and after the pandemic, and offering a space that fosters physical activity and community connection.”
