Grants seminars

LEARNING how to write successful grant applications is a handy skill for everyone connected with clubs and associations.
Training for the community in these kinds of skills is an important part of most local councils’ activities.
That is the reason why Knox City Council is hosting a free seminar on Wednesday 13 February on the writing of submissions.
The sessions will interest people in all kinds of community groups including sporting groups and service clubs.
They will also be useful for people in paid jobs who occasionally have to acquire money through grants external to their organisation.
The workshop aims to help people feel more confident writing applications for grants, including small seeding grants and larger grants for major projects.
They are appropriate for people with or without experience in writing applications.
They will also keep people up to date on the latest policies in handing out public money. Applying for public and private money is a particular skill that improves with experience.
Successful applications carry many rewards for those who know the ropes in an increasingly competitive field.
But scarce resources and a finite amount of money available to community groups in any one year mean there is stiff competition for the available funds.
Many clubs depend for their survival on receiving help from various government and corporate organisations, and applying for grants is often an annual task for members, one they might not have the know-how to apply effectively. For a club to fold because of successive poor grant applications is disappointing for members.
Knox Mayor Jim Penna says a well-written submission can make all the difference for a community group when it is looking for sponsorship, donations or support.
The council is urging everyone interested to go along to the sessions. People interested in attending may call 9298 8312 to make a booking.