Council has announced the successful recipients of the 2022/23 Community, Arts and Creativity and Environmental Grants Programs who will share in $290,000 in funding to support projects and initiatives that deliver direct benefit to our community.

From hands-on recycling workshop using plastic from clean ups to construction of nesting boxes, employing people with a disability to undertake bush regeneration at Flora Ritchie Reserve, Curl Curl and Dee Why Wildlife Refuge, to the installation of solar panels on both the North Steyne and Warriewood Surf Lifesaving Clubs. These are just some of the projects successfully awarded money, as part of this year’s round of Environmental Grants.

While the Arts and Creativity community lived up to their reputation of being innovative including successful grants for the development of a visual arts podcast, a studio for budding ceramicists to use, acting and scriptwriting workshops for adults, and open mic nights at bars and restaurants plus more. 

Community Development Grants have also been awarded to an amazing calibre of projects including an arts program for those with a severe intellectual and physical disability, a transport service for the elderly giving them the opportunity to connect with others, a free legal advice service for those experiencing family or domestic violence and a meal service for the disadvantaged, vulnerable and at-risk families.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the grant programs continue to foster a more connected, creative, and sustainable Northern Beaches.

“Council is proud to have supported many worthwhile innovative and successful projects over the years thanks to this grants program.

“A small subsidy for a project can make a real difference to individuals and community-based organisations which may have not been possible without this grant.

“The assessment panels had a tough job picking successful recipients with the very competitive field. The Arts and Creativity and Community Development stream alone chose 38 of 96 eligible applications receive funding.

“As Council has limited direct service provision, the Community Development Grants support those most vulnerable in our local area providing projects and initiatives that focus on improving equality, reducing disadvantage, and improving the wellbeing of locals.

“Our local communities know their local environments better than most and I’m confident the Environmental Grant winners will do a great job to manage, conserve and protect our natural habitats, land, rivers, wetlands, coasts and the species they support. Congratulations to all the deserving recipients.” Mayor Regan said.

Of the 19 applicants for Environmental Grants, 11 have been successfully awarded with 10 receiving full funding and the remaining to receive partial funding.

While Arts and Creativity received 43 eligible applicants, 16 have been successful with 15 receiving full funding and one partial finding and of the 53 eligible Community Development grants 18 will receive full funding and another four receiving part funding. 

All three grant streams assessment panels comprised of both internal staff and community representatives with expertise in a field relating to the specific grant and made recommendations to receive funding.

The funding pool comprises of $240,000 for Arts and Creativity and Community Development Grants, and $50,000 in the Environmental Grants.

The maximum grant allocated for each category include:

The successfully funded projects will be notified this week and all projects need to be delivered by  31 December 2023 as part of the grant conditions.

For the full list of Environmental, Arts and Creativity and Community Development Grant recipients and their respective projects, visit our website.