Community organisations invited to share in $1 million funding

Non-government organisations across Queensland have been invited to apply for a share in $1 million funding for collaborative projects in their local communities.

Minister for Communities and Disability Services Warren Pitt said the funding was part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to assist community-based organisations to work together to integrate and strengthen their services.

“One-off grants are being offered to organisations across Queensland through two funding initiatives — Building Links and Building Rural Links,” Mr Pitt said.

“Both initiatives encourage organisations to enter into partnerships or sharing arrangements that help them improve their long-term sustainability and service effectiveness.

“This could include the sharing of corporate services and resources or the development of integrated service delivery models.”

Mr Pitt said Building Links was an initiative of the Queensland Government’s Strengthening Non-Government Organisations strategy, while Building Rural Links was part of the Blueprint for the Bush.

“Building Links is open to groups of organisations that include at least one NGO funded by the Department of Communities or Disability Services Queensland.

“Building Rural Links funding targets groups of organisations providing services to communities west of the Great Dividing Range, small communities east of the range and those in Cape York and the Torres Strait.

“These groups can include a broad range of organisations that provide community support, with at least one currently receiving funding from a Queensland Government agency.”

Mr Pitt said a total of $500,000 had been allocated for each initiative.

“Grants are available for developing business cases or implementing planned collaborative activities.

“I encourage organisations to explore this opportunity and to think broadly and innovatively,” he said.

Applications for funding must be submitted by Monday 6 August 2007.

For more information about Building Links and Building Rural Links, visit www.communities.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280