Local community group representatives were all smiles last Thursday afternoon when they gathered at Tomorrow Today to hear the news that their grant applications were successful. Louise Pearce, Tomorrow Today Board Chair, welcomed everyone and explained why the grants program is so important; “Our grants programs are all about building capacity in the community. As Benalla’s community foundation awarding grants is one of the highlights of our year. Today is the reason why we make such an effort to raise money for our community fund. I’d like to thank the donors for their generosity, it’s greatly appreciated.”
Tomorrow Today’s Annual Grants program awards up to $5000 for initiatives that will build skills, encourage connections, and improve the wellbeing of Benalla’s residents. Tomorrow Today Board Member, Larissa Montgomery, presented the grants: “The grants we provide must follow one of two themes; building a stronger, more connected community, or improving the social or educational outcomes for Benalla’s young people.” This year Tomorrow Today awarded over $40,500 to nine local projects.
Each recipient spoke briefly about their initiative.
Benalla Community Garden for equipment to establish a Kitchen Garden Project. The project will be a collaboration with schools and Benalla Health as well as community organisations such as Benalla Scouts.
Bernard Briggs Preschool to upgrade its bike path and surrounding garden which will encourage children to develop their gross motor and balance skills while enjoying outdoor play-based learning.
Benalla Flexible Learning Centre for the All OK Repairs program which will work with local tradespeople to engage youth in hands on learning activities and provide opportunities to explore future trade pathways.
Benalla Scout Group to purchase all-weather marquees for use on camps and at events.
Cooinda Village for the Hands On Wood Working Group. This project will help foster connection by providing a space for Cooinda residents and the general community to gather and participate in socialising and woodworking activities.
Edspace for development of the Puppy Dog Tales curriculum. This program aims to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes for children, and improve child/student wellbeing.
Munro Avenue Preschool for the purchase of new outdoor equipment to encourage outside play and foster general wellbeing.
NESAY to support community engagement events at Waminda.
Waminda Community House for continuation of its Wednesdays at Waminda program. This successful program has had excellent outcomes for children and their families over the past two years.
All the recipients were very grateful for the funding they received. Maggie Fanning from Edspace summed up what the grant means for them: “Tomorrow Today is a fantastic community support for us and the children of families we provide education for. This funding allows us to go to another level.”
Rosie Koop, Tomorrow Today EO closed proceedings “There are some wonderful projects this year, I’m excited about so many of them. In particular, seeing projects that impact the whole community for the better is just fantastic.”