IDEAS to inject vibrancy into local towns, hold COVID Safe events or provide support to the Port Stephens community can now benefit from grants of up to $6000.

Applications for round 2 of Port Stephens Council’s community funding program are now open for the Vibrant Spaces Fund, Community Event Development Fund and Community Support Fund.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says the grants are designed to restart Port Stephens and support the community through COVID-19.

“Since launching the funding in July last year, we’ve contributed to some amazing initiatives including the Tomaree Museum Pop Up Shop and Summer on Magnus Street.

“We’re now on the hunt for our second round of grant applicants to help restart Port Stephens and make it an even more vibrant and supportive place to live.

“Whether you want to hold an event, paint a mural, put on a performance, activate a space, celebrate local heritage, beautify a place or do anything that adds vibrancy and energy to our streets — we want to hear from you!

“We have a range of grants for creatives, not-for-profits, businesses, community groups, schools and individuals.

There really is something for everyone.

“You don’t have to live in Port Stephens to apply. As long as your idea benefits our local community, I’d encourage you to get in touch and see what’s on offer,” Mayor Palmer said.

Burbridge and Burke owner Kim Burbridge says the Vibrant Spaces grant helped her partner with other businesses and creatives to put on a series of events for the community.

“We’ve worked collaboratively to create a festival running through December and January in Magnus Street supporting local creatives, particularly performers who were out of work last year due to COVID-19.

“We pooled our grant funding together with 4 other businesses to put on the event. It has been a real collaborative effort and that’s one of the wonderful things about being in business at Nelson Bay,” Ms Burbridge said.

Mayor Palmer said it’s a great opportunity to get an idea off the ground.

“It’s so simple to apply and our team is here to help you through the process.

“I’d encourage anyone with a great idea they’d like to see turn into a reality to apply.

“Don’t forget, if you have a smaller project, our My Incredible Place Micro Grants offer $500 year-round for artistic and creative ideas that connect our community and improve the visitor experience,” he added.

 

Vibrant Spaces Fund

• Funding creative and innovative projects that improve the quality of our public spaces and build community partnerships
• Up to $6000 per application
• 2 funding rounds available in July 2020 and February 2021

 

Community Support Fund

• Grants to assist local not-for-profit community service providers support vulnerable communities during and in the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Up to $6000 available per application
• 2 funding rounds available in July 2020 and February 2021

 

Community Event Development Fund

• Aims to support the delivery of events that create social connections, improve liveability and wellbeing of our residents
• Up to $3000 available per application
• 2 funding rounds per year in July 2020 and February 2021

The above funding programs opened on 1 February 2021 and close 14 March 2021. To view the full range of funds available, read the guidelines and apply, visit portstephens.nsw.gov.au/funding