Grants up to $5,000 available for Orange locals who have ideas to help our community

By staff writer

Grants of up to $5,000 are available through Orange Credit Union's Community Grants Support Program 2022.

“We are proud to ‘give back’ to strengthen our community and support those who are making a real difference to improve the lives of others,” Orange Credit Union CEO Andrew de Graaff said.

MORE NEWS: "A few of our riders are cooked. Not just emotionally, but medically": Orange cyclist's diary

“Through the efforts of our team backing locals, over 185 local organisations in Orange and the surrounding region have received grant funding support totalling almost half a million dollars over the past 15 years.

“This valuable contribution and support from our team has helped to deliver local programs, events and projects across many sectors of the community, including education, financial services, culture, sports, recreation, medical [and] environment, that may have otherwise been out of reach.”

Not-for-profit organisations, community groups, schools and local government projects have been among the recipients of small grants up to $5,000.

MORE NEWS: Last Friday a school in Orange was forced to merge 15 classes into one; staff in "despair": Donato

They include Headspace Orange, JAM Orange for June's inaugural Winter Jazz Festival, Orange Rotary Club for its Sustainability Expo, and art programs for children.

"We were so grateful to be awarded the $5,000 Community Grant in 2021," said Headspace Orange community awareness officer Emma Crisp.

"This grant has assisted us in supporting our clients to access programs and tutoring run by Clever Cookie Academy to enhance their education and aid them in their academic success."

MORE NEWS: Workers warned off starting a fire in front yard of building site

The coordinator with JAM Orange Luke Wilkinson said: “The Orange Winter Jazz Festival will be an incredible event for the community, its venues and local artists. We’re incredibly thankful for the support that Orange Credit Union offered through their Community Grant Program.”

Assessment criteria and how to apply can be found online here.

Applications close at 5pm on April 30, 2022.