A unique partnership between Bega Valley Shire Council and a local philanthropic body designed to maximise the amount of funding going to local community groups has entered its fifth year.
Late last year, Bega Valley Shire Mayor David Hede presented the Mumbulla Foundation with a cheque for $30,000 for distribution to local community groups.As has been the case over the past four years, the Mumbulla Foundation will match Council’s $30,000 dollar for dollar – effectively doubling the amount of money distributed by Council in the form of community grants.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available each year to non profit community groups to improve social and economic opportunities in the Bega Valley Shire.
There is an emphasis on projects and initiatives that help address priority needs identified in the Shire’s Social Plan – and particularly those benefiting young people.
Cr Hede said there was a need for Council to pursue ‘non-traditional’ funding arrangements, such as the partnership with the Mumbulla Foundation, because of its limited income. He described the partnership as a ‘win-win’ for everyone involved and said Council was proud to be a part of it.
President of the Mumbulla Foundation, Geoff Brookes, has welcomed Council’s commitment to the partnership, which he said was making a real difference to the lives of Bega Valley Shire residents.
