Grants available for rural communities
Rural communities are encouraged to apply for up to $5000 in the annual Gardiner Dairy Foundation community grants program.
Delivered in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), this is the 20th year of the grants program which focuses on supporting rural communities in the state's three dairying regions.
This year the program will encourage projects to focus on building the capacity of community organisations and improving digital connectivity.
A digital connectivity grant project could involve upgrading infrastructure and facilities, improving digital access or providing training that enables the community to benefit from digital services.
A building capacity grant aims to support organisations to sustain or grow the effectiveness of their operations.
The small grants program, which has $120,000 in available funds for grants up to $5000, will continue to support a broad range of community projects that local groups identify can make their community socially, economically or environmentally stronger.
Applications for events to enhance cultural vibrancy, volunteer planting projects to support environmental sustainability, extending education and training opportunities, support for infrastructure projects or programs to improve health and wellbeing are all encouraged.
Gardiner Dairy Foundation chief executive officer Allan Cameron said they were committed to strengthening Victorian dairy communities.
"Investing in the communities that are at the heart of the Victorian dairy industry is critical to the sustainability of dairy farming in Victoria. Since launching the program with FRRR in 2002, Gardiner Dairy Foundation has supported over 500 local projects and distributed more than $2 million to Victorian dairy communities," he said.
A program that helps young people in the Foster district to stay engaged and enjoy country life has defied COVID-19 lockdowns and is set to flourish thanks to a funding boost.
One of the success stories from last year's program is Manna Gum Community House at Foster who used its $5000 to maintain the youth group's impetus after a pilot-program was impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns.
Manna Gum manager Bec Matthews said the youth group and after-school space provided a vital outlet for young people as they emerge from lockdowns.
"We've got to make sure our young people are staying here and having a positive experience living in regional areas," Ms Matthews said.
"Youth have been impacted disproportionally by COVID compared to the rest of the community and it's more important than ever to have these programs running."
The Gardiner Foundation Community Grant and other financial support allowed the youth program to continue during COVID, even though it had to operate remotely during lockdowns.
Ms Matthews said the program aimed to overcome a lack of local social activities for young people outside of sporting arenas.
Applications for the Gardiner Dairy Foundation community grants program close on April13. More information can be found on the FRRR website.