Connecting Over 55s - Social Connection Grant

During the election period 17 September to 26 October 2024, Council will not be accepting, assessing or allocating grant applications in accordance with our Election Period Policy. Applications will reopen on 27 October 2024.

Social and community connection is an important part of an individual's life. Connecting socially and actively participating in community is a key contributor to achieving good mental wellbeing as we age. In recognition of the importance connection has on a person’s health and wellbeing, this grant will support activities and events that will help connect people over 55.

The Connecting Over 55 Grants are available to facilitate community projects that will reduce isolation, empower, foster harmony and boost the wellbeing of older people in Nillumbik.

What can be funded?

Applicants can receive up to $1,000 in funding to assist in delivering initiatives and activities that will foster social connectedness for their members and the broader community, such as but not exclusive to:

• Community events and activities
• Equipment
• Promotional materials

What won't be funded?

• Projects, events or activities that could be funded through Council’s annual community grant programs, peak bodies or other government funding
• Projects, events or activities being held outside the Nillumbik municipal boundary, or that won’t substantially benefit the Nillumbik community
• Ongoing operational expenses or core business costs (E.g. salaries, administrative costs, maintenance costs, uniforms, utility bills, etc.)
• Projects that are curriculum based or entirely student, club or congregation focused
• Projects solely for fundraising purposes without broad community benefit
• Competitions, prize money and awards
• Projects or events with a political or religious purpose
• Events that are fully ticketed with no free or heavily subsidised component
• Alcohol or gambling related activities
• Projects that have received full funding from another source
• Retrospective funding for projects which are due to commence prior to the notification of the application outcome
• Applicants that are in debt to or have any outstanding commitments with the Shire.

Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration, applicants MUST:

• Be a not-for-profit incorporated organisation or community group that lives, works, studies, volunteers or plays in Nillumbik, or partnered with (auspiced by) an eligible organisation 
• Hold a minimum of $20 million public liability insurance, or if your activity will be held in a Council venue or on Council land, you may be eligible for coverage under Council’s community public liability insurance
• Have acquitted and be compliant with all Nillumbik grants previously awarded by Council

Funding conditions

Successful applicants must agree to:

• Keep Council informed of any changes to the proposed funded activity
• Liaise with Council regarding their promotional material and use of the appropriate Nillumbik Shire Council logo
• Obtain all relevant project and event related permits, approvals, and licenses from the relevant authorities prior to commencement
• Return the full or remaining amount of grant monies to Council if the funded activity is cancelled or is less than budgeted
• Submit an acquittal and evaluation to Council by 30 June 2025.

Acquittal and evaluation

This information enables Council to evaluate the achievements of funded activities, monitor the effectiveness of the grant program and ensure that we are meeting the needs of grant recipients and the community.

Recipients who have an outstanding acquittal for a grant, without an approved grant variation in place, may be ineligible for funding in future grant rounds until the outstanding acquittal is received.