Local organisations in Hamilton are set to benefit from $50,000 to support priority community group capacity initiatives.
The funding, which comes from FRRR thanks to the support of Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, Jack Brockhoff Foundation, The Ross Trust and William Buckland Foundation, will be administered by South West Community Foundation (SWCF).
The pool of funding is intended to support local not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) and community groups to strengthen their capacity, so they can better support their communities. Hamilton was one of five communities shortlisted to participate in a five-year capacity building program for grassroots organisations through FRRR’s Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program. Only three communities could go forward, with Hamilton missing out.
However, FRRR and its partners were so impressed with the ideas and passion of the community that they still wanted to provide some form of support.
Jo Kemp, FRRR’s IRCF Victoria Program Manager, said it made sense to partner with the South West Community Foundation to administer the funding given its strong ties to both towns.
“We are grateful they have agreed to work alongside us, and given they are based in Warrnambool, they can offer additional support and facilitate connections,” Ms Kemp said.
“The selection process highlighted the initiative and commitment of Hamilton’s local and regional NFPs and so FRRR wanted to be able to help activate some of their ideas.”
Dee Barrera, Program Manager for Standing Tall in Hamilton, said local organisations had demonstrated great enthusiasm as a sector for tackling shared issues when they came together to explore the program opportunity.
“The process shone a light on existing strengths in our community and a real willingness to approach challenges collaboratively. I am confident that this generous support will enable our vital community groups to work productively and see them build greater capabilities and thrive” Ms Barrera said.
The funding support was announced this week as Hamilton NFP representatives came together to reconnect, as part of a community engagement event on PLACE’s nationwide Listening Tour.
Annabel Cussen, SWCF Executive Officer, said partnering with FRRR presented a wonderful opportunity to support initiatives that had been identified by the organisations delivering services on the ground and that those NFPs would be able to apply for funding through SWCF.
“We are eager to strengthen and expand connections with these communities, in the knowledge that projects will be approached strategically and collaboratively for everyone’s benefit,” Ms Cussen said.
Groups seeking to apply for support should contact Annabel Cussen at South West Community Foundation.