Published on 17 April 2024
Hepburn Shire Council last night adopted a revised Grants Funding Policy to guide its delivery of all current and future grant making programs.
Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said he was pleased with Council’s decision to adopt the policy, which ensures clarity, transparency and a standardised approach to management of these funds.
“Grants are an important way that Council supports community projects. Our grants programs have helped deliver some vital upgrades and projects in our townships,” said Cr Brian Hood.
Council has an annual grants budget of $198,000, which it regularly distributes to the community under six different umbrellas. These include the Community Grants Program, Quick Response Grants, Environment Groups Grants, Events Grants and Towards Zero Grants (now known as Sustainable Hepburn).’
Recommendations made by the Victorian Auditor General’s Office (VAGO) in 2022 form the basis for the review of Council’s Grants Funding policy.
VAGO identified that councils should establish an over-arching policy to guide grant-making programs.
“Hepburn Shire thoroughly considered these recommendations, which are incorporated into the new Grants Funding Policy. This policy will ensure that Council grants are administered consistently, and bring about transparency, good governance, effectiveness, and fairness,” said Cr Hood.
By adopting the Grants Funding Policy, Council will further enhance its financial management, including clarity around use of funds. More details are available at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/grants