Thirteen South Coast not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) are sharing more than $166,000 in funding for projects aimed at strengthening their capacity to support their local communities.
The substantial investment has been announced through FRRR’s Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program, in partnership with Snow Foundation and Bendigo Bank’s Community Enterprise Foundation.
Toolbox grants are available at any time throughout the program and the most recent grants will be some of the final awarded as part of IRCF, which has been operating across the region since 2020.
Earlier this year, each community came together at “roadmapping” workshops, reflected on what had been achieved to date and then identified their shared priorities for this remaining funding. This process has guided FRRR and its partners on how to prioritise and direct investment throughout the program.
Carolyn Ardler, FRRR’s Program Manager for the IRCF South Coast program, said that the funding will support collaborative community-led projects, as the program enters the culmination phase.
“The IRCF program has fostered tangible outcomes in the community sector and we are so thrilled with the way organisations have engaged with these opportunities to develop their skills and share resources.
“Our community facilitators have worked closely with participating groups in each locality to provide time for collaboration, discussion and submission. It’s wonderful to see initiatives put forward that will benefit the whole community,” Ms Ardler said.
“Through the program, local not-for-profits have formed connections with other groups and access to additional resources, which means they can face challenges together with a solutions-led approach, which has been empowering for community,” Ms Ardler said.
Georgina Byron AM, CEO of the Snow Foundation, reflects on her father’s enduring legacy, Terry Snow AM, the Foundation’s co-founder, and his deep connection to the South Coast. She describes the latest funding initiative as a meaningful tribute to his commitment to supporting local communities in the region.
“My father loved the South Coast and was very proud to be able to support so many wonderful community-led organisations through the IRCF program. It’s wonderful to know that this funding will strengthen local groups even further, so they can continue to make the South Coast a vibrant place to live, work and play,” Ms Byron said.
Ulladulla projects
In the Ulladulla area, six projects are sharing $93,082 thanks to Snow Foundation.
These projects are focussed largely on networking, storytelling and strengthening youth and cultural initiatives.
Batemans Bay projects
Four projects in Batemans Bay area will share $53,402, also with the support of Snow Foundation. The projects funded have a focus on skills development which will improve volunteer capacity, cultural awareness and succession planning. Additionally, engagement of a coordinator will provide direct support for existing networks to continue to flourish as they build capacity, social cohesion and resilience for the future.
Bay & Basin projects
In the Bay & Basin area, three projects are sharing $19,986, thanks to the support of Bendigo Bank’s Community Enterprise Foundation.
These projects have a focus on increasing cultural capacity, youth leadership skills and improving platforms for community collaboration.
David Impey, CEO of the Community Enterprise Foundation, said supporting projects that the groups had identified as they continued their ongoing recovery from the Black Summer bushfires were going to be of real benefit to the broader community.
“As the program has progressed, the confidence of local organisations to lead projects in a sustainable way has clearly grown.”
“The Foundation is glad to back initiatives that will see effective collaboration in the community and continued engagement of young people,” Mr Impey said.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
