More than $400,000 has been earmarked by the Sunshine Coast Council for community grants to assist 91 organisations.
The funding will help a diverse range of sectors, including cultural development, community facilities, sports activities and festive projects.
Among the successful bids was the Real Arts programme run by the Integrated Family and Youth Service, which operates a youth engagement project in Maroochydore to help it access support networks.
The scheme is aimed at those between the ages of 12 and 18, and offers the chance to take part in creative activities like music and indigenous art. The service could use the grant for several projects to help promote the project, including poster printing to encourage young people to take part.
The council’s Community Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said the art project was among the many interesting submissions. She explained:
"One particularly exciting project is IFYS's 'Real Art' program to be run at three locations on the Coast – Coolum Beach, Beerwah and Maroochydore over five months. It aims to connect with the youth in our region and encourage them to speak up about community concerns and create opportunity.”
More details about the grants process and how to apply for the next round of funding can be found on the Sunshine City Council website.