Grants to boost social cohesion in Queensland communities

More than $2 million in grants is now available to community organisations, social enterprises, faith and cultural community groups, sporting and interest clubs and local councils as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Thriving Cohesive Communities grants program.

Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke today (17 December) announced the opening of the second tranche of the Thriving Cohesive Communities grants – totalling $2.07 million.

“These grants provide funding towards projects that strengthen social connections and promote opportunities for economic inclusion to create a sense of belonging for all Queenslanders,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“These grants will give local communities the opportunity to partner with the Palaszczuk Government to ensure their community is safe, inclusive and welcoming for all.

“The second tranche of these grants will be available under three streams – Community-led social cohesion planning and action; Pathways to economic inclusion; and Engaging young people to become global citizens.

“Through the Community-led social cohesion planning and action stream, grants of up to $400,000 will be available for local partners to facilitate community-led social cohesion planning and activities in the priority locations of Toowoomba, Rockhampton and Townsville.

“Under the Pathways to economic inclusion stream, grants up to $120,000 will be available for projects that enable social enterprises to provide vulnerable young people and family members with jobs and skill development opportunities.

“There will be other monies available to engage young people to become global citizens and assist people in positions of influence (faith and cultural communities and sporting and interest clubs) to positively engage with young people on topics of diversity, inclusion and social cohesion.”

The announcement of the second tranche of the Thriving Cohesive Communities grants follows the opening of the first tranche of the grants and the release of the Thriving Cohesive Communities: An Action Plan for Queensland 2019–2021 (Stage 2) last month.

Mrs O’Rourke said the Thriving Cohesive Communities grants was another example of the Palaszczuk Government’s support for initiatives that make our thriving communities safer.

“We want all Queensland communities to be thriving, cohesive communities that are inclusive of Queenslanders of all backgrounds, ages and abilities,” she said.

“Diversity is the corner of healthy, thriving communities where all people are accepted, respected, fairly treated, and can make a positive and valued contribution.

“Queensland is a culturally response state that recognises the benefits of diversity for our communities, and to the economy.”

Applications for the second tranche of the grants open on 17 December.

The first and third streams of the grants will close at 2pm on Friday 28 February 2020. The second stream will close at 2pm on Friday 14 February 2020

To apply for the grants, visit www.communities.qld.gov.au/industry-partners/funding-grants/funding-available.

ENDS

Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389