Community Economic Development Grant Program

Community Economic Development Grant Program – Australia

The Toowoomba Regional Council has announced the Community Economic Development Grant Program to provide funding to support local community groups to deliver programs and projects that are of benefit to local businesses and the broader economy.

Program Objectives and Outcomes

The Community Economic Development Grant Program seeks to achieve the community’s vision for a “dynamic and diverse economy creating industry development and employment opportunities” by providing support for projects that aim to achieve one or more of the following:

Support the effective implementation of the Toowoomba Region Economic Development Strategy and the Community Growth Action Plans.Encourage the establishment, growth and retention of sustainable businesses which enhance the region’s reputation for innovation, creativity, diversity and sustainability.Foster new partnerships and collaboration between businesses and business support groups.Create employment opportunities and increase the level of business investment in the region

Funding Information

Grants of up to $10,000 are available for any one project, but requests for smaller grants are encouraged.The maximum grant amount available for any one project is determined by the amount of matching cash the applicant can confirm will be contributed to the project.Grants for projects with a total cash cost of up to $5,000 do not require a cash contribution from the applicant.Grants for projects with a total cash cost of over $5,000 require a matching cash contribution from the applicant for grant amounts of between $5,000 and $10,000.

Eligible Projects

It is mandatory that projects:

Help to achieve the objectives of the Toowoomba Region Economic Development Strategy and/orCommunity Growth Action Plans, and;Deliver one or more of the following outcomes:
- Connect local businessesEncourage business innovationBuild business capacity and skillsContribute to the ease of doing businessEnable partnerships and collaboration between businesses and/or organisations in theToowoomba regionAddress a local workforce gap

Ineligible Projects

Community Economic Development Grants will not fund:

Loan or other debt repayments.Projects already started or completed.Recurrent administration and running costs, such as:
- Regular wagesRegular office expenses.
Projects with a commercial purpose.Projects already funded by other Toowoomba Regional Council Grant programs.Prize money, trophies, raffle prizes or fundraising

Eligibility Criteria

Organisations can apply for a Community Economic Development Grant if they:

are an eligible community organisation or is under the auspices of an eligible community organisation as defined in the Community Grants Policy.operates or provides services within the Toowoomba Regional Council area.have an Australian Business Number (ABN).

Ineligible

Individuals.For-profit companies, Trusts and other organisations.Government, semi-government organisations and statutory authorities.Public and private educational institutions (primary, secondary and tertiary including Parents & Citizens and Parents & Friends Associations).Unions and student guilds.Research foundations and professional associations.

For more information, visit Toowoomba Region Council.