Grant Programs
Yass Valley Council’s grants programs are a way for Council to contribute to community organisations and others to continue their worthwhile work in the community.
The Community Grants Program provides financial assistance to community organisations to undertake activities, which contribute to the implementation of the Community Strategic Plan.
The Local Heritage Grants Program assists owners and managers of heritage properties to undertake projects which maintain Yass Valley’s built cultural heritage and heritage conservation areas.
Tips on how to write a grant application
The following notes and Youtubue video are from a very well received workshop presented at Yass Valley Council on Monday, 15 February 2021 by The Grants Guy, Keith Whelan.
14 participants attended from a range of local sports, historical, community and service groups. Follow the links below for notes on the session and a recording.
In association with the Heritage Branch of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), Yass Valley Council offers an annual Local Heritage Grants Program to assist owners, property managers and community groups to undertake projects within the Yass Valley.
Please reference Council's policy - SP-POL-4 Local Heritage Grants - for further information on this grant program.
You can make a time to discuss your proposed project with Council’s Heritage Advisor at anytime throughout the year.
Council’s 2020/2021 Local Heritage Grants Program
Applications for Yass Valley Council’s 2020/2021 Local Heritage Grants Program are now open with $19,000 in funding available for heritage conservation projects.
Local Heritage Grants aim to contribute to the preservation of structures of historical value and to foster positive attitudes towards heritage and conservation.
In 2019, six groups received Heritage Grants across the Yass Valley. St Columba’s Church in Bookham used the funding to undertake important restoration work, including the replacement of the church roof.
“I am very grateful to Yass Valley Council and the Heritage team for appreciating the charm and character of St Columba’s Church, Bookham. On two occasions the Council has made it possible for preservation work to be carried out on the Church,” said Marguerite Julian.
“The crowning glory is a shining new roof replacing the old iron rusted one. It really has made a huge difference with many travellers stopping and admiring this historic building constructed in 1910 and the community feeling a sense of pride in Bookham. I think these grants are a fantastic opportunity for the community to upgrade treasured buildings for future generations.
Mayor Rowena Abbey said the Local Heritage Grants Program is a way for Council to provide financial assistance to enable maintenance projects to structures of significant historical value to ensure their conservation for future generations.
“Council’s financial support is needed more than ever as COVID-19 has presented many challenges and prevented many groups from fundraising in their usual ways,” Cr Abbey added.
Applications for the Local Heritage Grants Program close at 5pm on Friday, 3 July 2020.
Council's Community Grants Program provides financial assistance to not for profit community organisations that are located in the Yass Valley Local Government Area. The aim of the program is to encourage the implementation of projects that enhance existing or develop new services and activities in the areas of:
- Community and Culture.
- Recreation and Leisure.
- Sports and Health.
- Children, Youth, Aboriginal, Disability and Senior Services.
- Welfare.
- Natural Environment.
Please reference Council's policy - SP-POL-3 Community Grants - for further information on this grant program.
Council Donations
For every new term of Council (4 years), a schedule of recurrent donations is established. Organisations receiving those recurrent donations were largely included following a public call for applications.
The current schedule of recurrent donations is attached to Council's SP-POL-1 Rates & Charges Donations Policy.
Mayoral Donations
Up to 5% of the annual donations funding allocation shall be reserved for donations to charitable organisations, not-for-profit organisations and small community events. The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and General Manager will have discretion to make such donations up to the value of $200.
SP-POL-2 Mayoral Discretionary Donations
A request for a Mayoral Donation must be made in writing, by completing Form 201 - Donations Application and can be made at any time during the financial year.