As local community groups struggle through COVID-19 and fundraising opportunities diminish, Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, is reaching out with a helping hand.
She wants to help community groups tap into the federal government grants available and show them how to gain much-needed funds.
“As sausage sizzles, raffles and trivia nights become distant memories, it’s essential that volunteer groups take full advantage of every funding opportunity still available,” she said.
“That’s why I’m planning a free webinar for community groups to hone their grant writing skills.
“Some groups have an excellent strike rate when applying for grants but others need a bit of help,” McBride said.
“Toowoon Bay Surf Lifesaving Club’s Treasurer, Karen Hickmott and her committee for example, have recently secured two federal government grants.
“The first, a volunteer grant of $4,000 for fans and a fridge for the clubhouse, and the second, $6,600 under the Stronger Communities Program, to replace their patrol trailer.”
Ourimbah-Lisarow RSL Sub-branch President, Barbara McNab, said they had a 100 percent success rate when writing grant applications.
“The sub-branch relies almost entirely on grants to support veterans and their families,” McBride said.
They recently received a $1,200 Federal Building Excellence in Support and Training grant.
“I wish them well as they now apply for a Veteran and Community Grant to upgrade their honour boards and I want to give other groups the same opportunity.”
McBride will be hosting a free Grants Webinar with Keith Whelan, known as the Grants Guy, on Wednesday, August 26, between 6pm and 9pm, online via Zoom.
Whelan specialises in grants, tenders and funding, and provides a high level assistance to governments, not-for-profit groups as well as private enterprises.
Groups looking for help with fundraising can go online to emmamcbride.com.au to register for the free grants webinar.
Media release, Aug 4
Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride