Thrive Community Recovery Grants
The pandemic has impacted our community in a myriad of ways, and our new Thrive Community Recovery Grants focus on specific areas that have been identified as areas needing specific support.
Grants of up to $5000 were available to community organisations for one-off projects that will benefit and engage the Merri-bek community.
Funding priorities/key areas projects
Social isolation/connection
Mental health, wellbeing and isolation are likely to continue into the recovery phase and there are particular needs and people that are falling through the gaps e.g. older residents and those without internet access). There is a need to rebuild confidence, trust and connections between people.
Social cohesion
This area can focus on community participating in decision making, making connection between newly arrived communities, addressing racism in and/or support in gaining employment. Migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, international students, new arrival communities, unemployed, women and children and mainstream communities are important to engage at this stage.
Safety and wellbeing
Emerging evidence suggests Covid-19 has increased gender inequality, with women taking on the burden of care work and education of families, experiencing a decrease in wellbeing more generally and more likely to become unemployed. LGBTQIA+ communities have also reported feeling less safe during Covid-19 and some have experienced poor wellbeing. There is a need for projects that support gender equality, decrease discrimination and violence and increase wellbeing.
Digital inclusion
The pandemic has magnified access to digital technology for Merri-bek’s vulnerable communities. Access, affordability, many household members using device/internet at same time and navigating the supports available are all issues that will remain long after Covid-19. There is a need to support individuals, households and community groups/organisations with limited skills or equipment/ technology to access available resources and devices to participate online.
What can be funded?
- Fees for temporary staff to implement a project/activity i.e. project work, tutor. Artist, instructor, speaker or labourer
- Advertising publicity and promotional costs
- Venue or meeting room hire
- Materials or other items essential to the project/activity
- Equipment Hire Costs
- Transport costs for activity participants
- Volunteer support expenses
- Costs to support participation or people with a disability with the project or activity
- Communications, media and marketing
- Demonstrated collaborations and partnerships with other groups
Applications are now closed.