Baw Baw changes sponsorship process
Baw Baw Shire’s community sponsorship program has been reviewed and will be divided into two different streams of funding.
The community sponsorship program will be now divided into two streams of funding including:
Baw Baw ambassador – up to $500 for individuals or up to $1500 for a group or team; and, Community events – up to $5000. Applications will be now decided by council staff under delegation, rather than councillors.
The community sponsorship grants will be allocated during four rounds of funding in July and October this year and January and April next year.
Council’s community financial assistance program also includes education sponsorship grants.
The program allows education providers to nominate up to two students from years nine to 12 to each receive $250.
The education sponsorship aims to encourage students in their preferred education pathway.
Education providers may also apply for a second grant for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander.
In reviewing its grants program, council also decided to set guidelines for its budget with 70 to 75 per cent of the Community Financial Assistance Program to be allocated to its community development grants and 25 to 30 per cent for community sponsorship. This year’s total budget was $630,000.
Officers said delegating decisions to officers would substantially reduce the time it takes for a decision to be made for community development grants and sponsorship.
A report will be provided to council every three months on all delegated decisions made within the reporting period.
Applications will be through the SmartyGrants system, which officers said would provide a consistent process.
Cr Jessica O’Donnell said the sponsorship grants would be now separated into two different streams of funding.
“This will be much more streamlined and much more clear cut.
“It will be done fully under delegation so they won’t be coming to council which will make it easier for council and community events wanting to apply for sponsorship,” she said.
Cr Tricia Jones said council regularly reviewed its grants program to make improvements.
“I am mindful we are using ratepayers funds so we are ensuring the program is worthy of ratepayers funds is vital,” she said.
Cr Michael Leaney said the change meant there was now an events funding category which meant bigger events like Snowfest would be supported by direct grants through the tourism and economic development unit.
“This is an improvement on what the packages were previously,” he said.