The draft Grant Programs (Financial Assistance) Policy was exhibited between 1 to 28 February 2024 and 12 to 30 April 2024, and received 28 submissions. Thank you to all who provided feedback.

A report detailing the outcomes, including a copy of all comments received, was presented to Council at its meeting on Tuesday 28 May 2024.

Following feedback received during public exhibition, we have made an amendment in the section titled “Principles”, in point e), adding the line:

“We will endeavour to provide feedback within 10 working days of a request for feedback being received”.

• View the Council Report (Item 9.2)
• Read the Community Engagement Report.

Council has now adopted this policy.

• View the Council Minutes (item 9.2).

The amendments contained in the draft policy ensure all grant and financial assistance programs are guided by consistent principles:

The draft Grant Programs (Financial Assistance) Policy covers financial assistance which Council provides under section 356 of the Local Government Act. This includes competitive grant programs currently covered by the existing Community Grants and Partnership Policy and now extends to other financial assistance programs provided to community libraries, surf lifesaving and social services.

The draft Policy provides a framework to guide management of Council’s community grants program. It contains principles that set the scene for an equitable, open and orderly process for providing assistance to the community. It also provides for greater recognition of the contribution Council makes to supporting organisations that contribute to social, cultural, environmental and economic life of the Northern Beaches.

The current policy, titled the Community Grants and Partnership Policy (Policy) was adopted by Council on 25 June 2019. The scope of the current policy is limited to the competitive grant programs.

The Community Grants and Partnership Policy is now scheduled for review to ensure it continues to meet community needs and expectations.