$500,000 in Parramatta community grants open for 2020

Locals, community groups, not-for-profit organisations and creative bodies are invited to apply for a share of half a million dollars in funding through City of Parramatta Council’s 2020 Community Grants program.

Ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 across five categories, the grants will support community services and activities that enhance the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of people in the Parramatta Local Government Area (LGA).

“Community organisations are the lifeblood of our City. Council is very proud to support these dedicated groups through our generous and long-standing Community Grants program,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.

“Not only does this funding help the not-for-profit sector expand its services, but it’s a great opportunity for the community to work together to build a strong and inclusive Parramatta. I invite groups and individuals to apply for a grant and continue their important work,” he said.

Funding categories include community capacity building grants, growing social enterprise grants, creative project leveraging fund, Parramatta’s Heritage and stories research fund, and creative fellowship fund.

Western Sydney not-for-profit organisation Hills Community Aid received a $10,000 City of Parramatta Annual Community Capacity Building Grant in March 2019. It used the grant to establish Cafe Connect, which provides a 10-week barista training program for vulnerable members of the local community.

“Hills Community Aid is passionate about supporting disadvantaged people in Western Sydney, helping them overcome barriers to employment and build connections with the community through various programs,” Hills Community Aid Community Engagement Coordinator Anita Fisher said.

 “We are grateful to City of Parramatta Council for the $10,000 Capacity Building Grant so we could set up our Cafe Connect training program. It’s been an incredible stepping stone for so many of our graduates and provided them with opportunities to build confidence and skills. It’s the best outcome we could ever ask for,” she said.

Initiated by the former Parramatta City Council in 2007, the Community Grants program has provided significant support to a diverse range of community organisations, volunteer groups, sporting clubs, social enterprises, creative producers and heritage organisations.

Applications for the 2020 Community Grants program open 9am Monday 28 October and close 9am Monday 9 December.

Council’s Community Capacity Building team will host information sessions and grant writing workshops in the Parramatta CBD and neighbourhood centres during the application period.

Pearl Dy

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Pearl Dy is a community manager and journalist. She is passionate about business and development particularly involving not-for-profits, charity and social entrepreneurship.

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