Grassroot clubs invited to apply for Federal funding

Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie is inviting local clubs and groups to apply for grants for small capital projects that build community and improve facilities across the electorate.

“Applications are now open for Round 7 of the Stronger Communities Programme, a $22.65 million national funding stream that guarantees $150,000 will be spent in our region to make our communities better places to be,” Rebekha said.

“Each of the 151 electorates in Australia receives the same $150,000 allocation with eligible groups able to apply for grants of between $2,500 and $20,000.

“In recognition of the economic hit from COVID, groups do not have to provide matched funds and can seek 100 per cent of project costs, which is great news for our clubs. Councils must provide matched funding if they apply.

“The Stronger Communities Programme is a practical grant round that over the years has delivered nearly 100 projects in Mayo that have made small but mighty improvements in our communities.”

As in previous rounds, Rebekha will set up an independent committee of local community leaders to evaluate the program Expressions of Interest (EOI) lodged with her Electorate Office.

Clubs and groups have until 5pm Friday, December 10, to lodge their EOIs. Forms are available on Rebekha’s website along with a recording of the online Grant Writing Workshop the Mayo MP hosted on Thursday.

The independent committee will shortlist up to 20 applications. Chosen groups will then be invited to lodge formal applications with the Commonwealth before 19 January 2022.

“For the better part of two years our clubs and organisations have taken a financial hit, unable to charge gate tickets, open the canteen or run the sausage sizzles and quiz nights to pay for those projects that need to be done,” Rebekha said.

“The Stronger Communities Programme has allowed our community to install shade awnings at bowling clubs, airconditioning in halls, and electronic scoreboards for ovals.

“The program is also extremely popular. Last round I received requests for more than a million dollars worth of projects and it was a tough job for my independent selection panel to whittle the shortlist to expend the $150,000.

“This is where grant writing skills come into their own, and why last week I hosted an online Grant Writing Workshop.

“If you would like to watch a recording of that workshop or find out more about the Stronger Communities Programme, head to my website at

Stronger Communities Programme Round 7 | Rebekha Sharkie MP."

Photo: Rebekha is pictured with members of the Willunga Bowling Club during a visit pre-COVID. The club received $5,696 for shade structures in Round 6 of the Stronger Communities Programme.