What are ClubGRANTS?
Have you heard about ClubGRANTS? There are two rounds of grants available for community groups in the Bega Valley:
- Category 1 – Bega Valley Shire Council coordinates these grants, where groups can apply for grants of up to $10,000 for projects and services that contribute to the wellbeing of local communities. 2024 grants are now closed.
- Category 2 – You apply directly to your local club for Category 2 grants.
ClubGRANTS online: 2023-2024 Category 2 grants now open
A new round of Category 2 ClubGRANTS is now open for in-kind and cash donations. You apply directly to the Merimbula RSL for Category 2 grants.
How to apply
The application process has changed to online only and the RSL has released
step by step instructions on how to apply.
We encourage you to read through these instructions before you hit the APPLY NOW link.
Applications are open until August 31, 2024.
Who can apply, and for what projects?
The Merimbula RSL Club is keen to support smaller communities in the shire who don’t have their own club. If you are from areas like Kiah, Towamba, Rocky Hall or Candelo for example, the RSL Board welcomes your applications.
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 if the project is benefitting the Bega Valley.
For example, the Merimbula RSL Club has previously funded Sydney – based organisation ‘Careflight’ because they were seeking support for the services they provide to families in the Bega Valley Shire.
Having trouble?
If you’re still unsure, please contact Merimbula RSL Club Secretary Manager Michael Mutsch
- Phone (02) 6495 1502
- Email: michaelm@merimbularsl.com.au
New grants available from Merimbula RSL
Merimbula RSL Club is encouraging groups from across the Bega Valley to apply for Category 2 ClubGRANTS for community development projects, sport and events.
A new round of grants is now open for in-kind and cash donations. The application process is online and grants are open until August 31, 2024.
In 2023 the RSL Club distributed $95,846 in Category 2 grants to 48 different groups across the Bega Valley.
Recipients ranged from Cobargo & District Pony Club to Rocky Hall Community Association, Southern Women’s Group, Tathra Hospital Auxiliary, several men’s sheds and a large number of sporting clubs.
Funding also went to several events.
“This year we supported the Something Blue Wedding Fair, Merimbula Jazz Festival and Wintersun Festival which were all great events bringing visitors to our region. They also have longer-term flow-on effects with increased numbers of return visitors. We are proud to support the organisers who put in a lot of volunteer hours to make these events happen,” RSL secretary manager Michael Mutsch said.
“We also love supporting as many sporting clubs as possible from football to tennis, netball, cricket and basketball.”
Also among this year’s recipients were preschools and schools, visitor information centres, mountain bike clubs, social clubs and quilters.
Michael said although they were pleased with the number of applications in the previous round, he still believed many individuals and groups didn’t realise they could apply directly to the club for this funding.
The RSL Board assesses the applications at its monthly meetings.
“A lot of people know about Category 1 funding that the Bega Valley Shire coordinates in conjunction with all the clubs in the region, but not as many are aware there is other ClubGRANTS funding available where you apply directly to the club,” he said.
Michael said the board welcomed applications from smaller, outlying communities.
The scope of projects you can apply for is broad, as long as the funds stay in and benefit the Bega Valley Shire. People outside the shire can also apply.
“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.”
Last year ClubGRANTS has moved to an electronic application process. This was a big change for some of the smaller community groups who are used to applying by handwritten letter.
“Most people now have their online accounts set up, making it quite straightforward to apply,” he said.
“Once you have an account set up, you can keep track of what you’ve applied for and what you’ve received. This is particularly helpful for groups and committees who apply every year.”
Michael said the RSL had prepared simple instructions which are on the club’s website https://merimbularsl.com.au/your-community/clubgrants/ to help people set up their online account and submit their application.
Bega Valley Shire Council coordinates a separate ClubGrants program for Category 1 funding on behalf of all clubs in the shire. In 2023 the RSL donated $18,00 to Marine Rescue Merimbula through Category 1 ClubGRANTS coordinated by Bega Valley Shire Council. Marine Rescue used to grant to purchase a large, wall-mounted touch screen for briefings and skills development training.