Notice To MembersMerimbula RSL Club is encouraging people from across the Bega Valley to put their hat in the ring for ClubGRANTS funding for projects, sport and events that contribute to community wellbeing.
ClubGRANTS are open in two categories – 1 and 2. Individuals, community groups, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations can apply.
Category 1 grants of up to $25,000 are open until the end of this month (May 31). Bega Valley Shire Council coordinates Category 1 grants, which are assessed annually. Category 1 funding is provided by six registered clubs across the Shire: Bermagui Country Club, Club Bega, Club Sapphire Merimbula, Eden Sports and Recreation Club, the Merimbula RSL and Tura Beach Country Club.
Individual clubs including Merimbula RSL coordinate Category 2 grants, which are assessed monthly. Last year the RSL distributed almost $50,000 in the community for projects ranging from stroke recovery support to debutante balls, flower shows, fireworks displays, men’s sheds, rural fire brigades, community halls and sports, youth and disability programs.
Merimbula RSL Category 2 grants are open for in-kind and cash donations until August 31, 2025.
Secretary manager Michael Mutsch says while a lot of people are aware of the Category 1 grants, many may not realise they can apply directly to clubs for Category 2 funding. The RSL Board assesses these applications at their monthly meetings, and funds are distributed soon after the funding is approved.
Michael encourages sporting clubs, community groups or people planning a community project or event to apply for the grants. Applications can be for in-kind donations such as meeting room or event room hire fees as well as cash donations towards an event, sporting program or fundraising initiative.
The Board is also keen to support smaller communities in the shire who don’t have their own services club. “If you are from areas like Kiah, Towombah, Rocky Hall or Candelo for example, the RSL Board welcomes your applications.”
Michael says the scope of projects you can apply for is broad, as long as the funds stay in the Bega Valley Shire. People outside the shire can also apply, as long as the benefit was felt within the shire.
“For example, we have funded Sydney-based organisation ‘Careflight’ because they were seeking funding to support the services they provide to families in the Bega Valley Shire.”
ClubGRANTS has an electronic application process where the first step is to set up an account.
“Once you have your account set up, the application process is straightforward and simple. The online account is also useful for you to keep track of what you’ve applied for and what you’ve received,” he says.
The RSL has step-by-step instructions on their website to help people set up their online account and submit their application.
“The online application process is straightforward if you have a good level of computer skills but if you have any problems, please get in touch,” Michael says.
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