The move to assist not-for-profit groups in the area has delighted Mayor of Kingston Georgina Oxley, who said the funds will help recipients deliver a range of special events, programmes and services to the local community, adding:
“The need in the community has been greater than ever this year due to COVID-19."
She said the community groups were working hard to provide activities, opportunities and social welfare assistance, and the council is glad to support their valuable efforts.
This year, the allocation of grants has totalled 183, with groups attending to social welfare needs such as food hampers, and emergency relief reaching record levels as community members struggle to keep their heads above water during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funding for 2020-21 includes $1,171,189 in Partnership Grants to run for three years with long-standing key organisations that concentrate on welfare and social services, and a further $315,100 in yearly grants that provide not-for-profit groups with up to $10,000 to assist in the development of a socially connected, active and healthy community.
Flyer printing campaigns are often undertaken by not-for-profit organisations to alert community members of their services.
Kingston's Community Grants Programme also includes a number of other grants, covering everything from Student Achievements to Individual Development to Arts.