December 13, 2016
A new grant program will be available to not-for-profit groups in the Toowoomba Regional Council area from the second half of 2017.
Toowoomba Regional Council on Tuesday approved a new Community Economic Development Grant program aimed directly at supporting regional job creation.
Mayor Paul Antonio said grants would be capped at $5000 for each application, with a yearly limit of two grants per applicant.
The new program would start on July 1, 2017.
“Council is determined to support our Chambers of Commerce, Progress Associations and other not-for-profit groups who meet the selection criteria for our new economic grants,” Mayor Antonio said.
“This funding is aimed at building the capacity of regional groups who are delivering specific programs to attract or boost employment or who are undertaking projects in their towns and districts.
“Council envisages that these grants will support the implementation of the Toowoomba Region Economic Development Strategy and township economic development plans like the Community Growth Action Plans.
“Council officers have been working with regional groups to advance respective Community Growth Action Plans.
“These plans are devised by the various community groups who are best able to determine priorities and projects that will attract and secure jobs for regional centres or advance existing programs.
“Additionally, the grants could be used to identify and attract further state or federal funding opportunities.”
Interested groups are encouraged to speak with Council officers in 2017 for advice and more details about tailoring their grant applications.
