Last chance for not-for-profits to apply for COVID-19 grants

Groups have until this Friday (September 4) to apply for up to $5000 as part of council’s special COVID-19 Recovery Assistance Grants.

To date, 183 applications, totalling $715,533, have been approved.

Deputy Mayor Karen May, who is chair of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDGM) Human and Social Recovery Subgroup, said the grants had been well received by community groups.

“Most not-for-profits have lost revenue and faced increased costs due to the pandemic,’’ Cr May said.

“These grants, which are processed quickly once we receive the application, can provide them with a helping hand financially,’’ she said.

Cr May said the grants, announced in council’s 2020-2021 budget as part of a $7 million COVID-19 support package, had been a success.

“But there is still funding available in that bucket, so we’d encourage any not-for-profits who haven’t applied to do so this week,’’ she said.

Grant applications can be made online at mackay.qld.gov.au/community/grants

Funding is available across three categories based on the turnover of the organisation and the level of impact from the pandemic, to the values of up to $1000, up to $2000 and up to $5000.

Cr May said the Human and Social Recovery Subgroup was well aware of the economic and social impact the pandemic was having in our region.

But she said the group was also heartened by the resilience being shown by the community.

“This is a tough time, especially for many businesses and residents, who have been impacted, economically and in terms of being isolated from family members in other parts of Australia.

“But our community is also showing the spirit it is renowned for, getting about life as best we can in the circumstances and helping out those in need where we can.

“As our virtual online campaign says, ‘Stay Safe, Stay Connected.”