Kiama Council has introduced the new Small Community Event Grants program so community groups will no longer need to apply for funding on an ad hoc basis.

The Small Community Event Grants program will offer between $250 and $2000 to local groups to help fund their events. Funds will be distributed across two rounds in April and November each year in April and November, with each round offering a total of $8000 in grants.

Eligible groups need to be based in the Kiama Municipality, be incorporated or auspiced by an incorporated organisation, be not-for-profit, and be able to demonstrate how the wider community will benefit.

Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly said the new program provided a better way to support community events in an open and transparent way.

“Council receives numerous requests for donations throughout the year from local organisations for community events such as garden competitions, art workshops, charity concerts, street parades and bushfire fundraisers,” Mayor Reilly said.

“These were traditionally considered by Council as they arise on an ad hoc basis.”

Applications for the November funding round are now open, and close at midnight 24 November 2023.