2024 Ashbury Community Fund grant applications now open

Ashbury's 2024 Community Fund is Now Open 

An annual initiative of Dennis Family Corporation, Ashbury Estate’s developer, this year marks the seventh year that eligible not-for-profit organisations operating in Armstrong Creek and surrounding areas can apply for grants of $1,500, which will be assessed by an independent judging panel.

Last year 21 happy local community and not-for-profit groups received grants totalling $31,500. Included amongst them was the 1^st Torquay Scout Group. Established over 80 years ago, it’s one of the oldest Scout Groups on the Surf Coast. It’s also one of the largest, with the majority of members coming from Torquay, Armstrong Creek and Anglesea.

With over 33 years of scouting experience behind her, for the past 10 years, the Group has been led by Desley McKnight. A key focus of Desley’s role is oversight of the wellbeing of the Group’s members and its leaders, as well as regular liaison with parents and guardians, and she’s quick to acknowledge the positive impact that last year’s grant has had on the Group’s activities.

“We’re a very active Group, and our youth members really enjoy outdoor activities like camping and canoeing. So we put the grant towards the purchase of some new camping equipment including fold-up tables and waterproof storage containers. Not only has this allowed us to stack and store all our camping equipment more neatly and effectively, it’s also made camping a whole lot easier in terms of transport and set up, and we can’t thank Dennis Family Corporation enough for their generosity.”

This year the Group is applying for another grant. If successful, Desley says they hope to use the funds to put towards the purchase of more kayaks, paddles and PFDS.

“We’re lucky enough to have two qualified canoe instructors amongst our current leadership group which means we’re technically in a position to get more youth members out paddling. But we also need more canoes and kayaks. More kayaks means more of our youth members can paddle together whereas previously it’s only been possible to put older youth members in canoes at any one time. so fingers crossed, we’re successful again this year!”

Dennis Family Corporation is encouraging all eligible not for profit groups to apply to this year’s Fund, and now is definitely time to start thinking about lodging your submission.

Applications open on Sunday ,1 September and all you need to do is complete an online form by 5.00pm Monday, 30 September 2024.

Applications will be assessed in early October, with all applicants notified in early October once a decision has been reached. All successful applicants will also be invited to the presentation evening in mid-October.

For eligibility criteria and how to apply visit https://ashburyestate.com.au/ashbury-community-fund-2024