Western Australian community groups are being invited to apply for funding from CBH Group, with the grower-owned co-operative offering grants for local projects and events across the state’s grain-growing regions.
The grain-handling co-op’s scheme provides funding for community groups, clubs and organisations seeking to deliver events or small-scale infrastructure projects.
Groups can apply for up to A$10,000 for events or up to A$20,000 for small-scale infrastructure projects. The programme runs two funding rounds each year, opening in February and August.
Formal eligibility criteria for the scheme include:
- Being located within a grain-growing community in WA
- Aligning with CBH’s purpose, values and behaviours and at least one of CBH’s Community Investment Fund Framework pillars
- Completing the project within 12 months of funds being awarded
“Each year we see applications for local projects that bring people together creating practical, long-term value for grain-growing communities,” said CBH community relations manager Cassidy Bennett.
“If you have a project that will benefit your local community, we’d encourage you to apply.”
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Bennett added that the ‘strongest applications clearly explain what the community wants to achieve and why it matters’, stating that CBH is “looking for projects with a clear purpose, strong community benefit and evidence of planning and local support”.
Boyd Rae, community engagement manager of previous grant winner Fat Farmers, said the funding helped his organisation access the equipment needed to host its upcoming Run 4 Resilience community event.
“The funding allowed us to access the equipment and resources needed to deliver an event that gets people moving, talking and supporting one another,” he added. “It’s an investment that creates lasting benefits for regional communities, and I’d encourage any community group with a vision to make a difference locally to put their hand up and apply.”
The grants form part of CBH’s Community Investment Fund, which was established by the co-op in 2013 to support the development, wellbeing and resilience of communities in Western Australia’s grain-growing regions. According to CBH, the fund has invested more than A$17m since its launch.
The co-operative says the fund has three key pillars for funding awards: connected and engaged communities, an inclusive and sustainable grain industry, and resilient people and regions.
