The Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP, wants community groups to know that her office is ready with a new service offering expert advice on grant applications.

“We have a staff member who is solely concentrating on grants,” she says.

“We have a lot of experience we can bring to bear to give advice on how to address the criteria and to phrase things to have a better chance of being successful.

“Sometime just the terminology used will make a difference, as will structuring things to suit particular programs.”

Those interested can sign up on her website for a grants-specific bulletin, as well as benefiting from grant information stored there.

Two Federal Government community grant programs – the Stronger Communities Program and the Communities Environment Program – are currently open for expressions of interest, offering $150,000 per electorate for grants between $2,500 and $20,000.

The Stronger Communities Program allows for small capital projects and equipment that improve local communities and increase community participation.

Grants can cover up to half the project costs, matched by cash or in-kind contributions. Applications close 10 October.

The Communities Environment Program supports community groups to address local environmental priorities, connecting communities with their environment.

Grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 are available for 100 per cent of project costs.

“These fantastic grant programs provide much needed funding to South Coast community groups to undertake local projects,” she says.

Eligible community groups need to submit expressions of interest in the programs to Fiona Phillips’ office by 9 September for initial assessment.