The Gloucester Uniting Church congregation is looking for new ways to support the community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Driven by the desire to be a community church, run by the community, to support the community, the group has decided offer grant funds for community initiatives.
"The people of the church felt strongly about supporting the Gloucester community,” church council chair, John Williamson said.
Gloucester Uniting Church Community Grants Program is open to individuals or not-for-profit organisations for activities that are designed to benefit the community.
“We don’t see ourselves as a group that just meets on Sunday,” project co-ordinator Bob Tebbett said.
“We are more than that for the community.”
Up to $10,000 is available for proposals that seek to support social activities, health, spirituality, education or general well-being for the Gloucester region.
“People who apply need to show how their project will benefit the community in one or more of these ways,” Mr Tebbett said.
Applicants don’t have to be a religious group or a religious individual, the church is looking for people who want to help better the community.
Funds for the grants have come from many years of fundraising and donations within the church community.
A special mention goes out to the church’s Adult Fellowship Group, who are among the largest contributors, raising funds mainly through catering as well as other activites.
The church also donates funds every year, donating around $30,000 last financial year to national and international charitable organisations. The grant program will be in addition to their regular donations.
Grants applications open on April 3 and close on May 5. All applications will be treated as confidential, with a panel of five people making the decisions.
Successful applicants will be advised in early June.
For more information visit the website at http://www.gloucesterunitingchurch.org/ or contact the church for more information via a written request to: Grants Secretary, PO Box 34, Gloucester.