Inverell Shire Council offers the grants each year to community organisations across the shire’s villages and localities.

Inverell Shire Council general manager Paul Henry says the grants can support a wide range of activities, with priority given to applications which focus on providing family-friendly facilities.

“The grants program can assist with improving facilities for volunteers, upgrading assets and helping community groups grow,” Mr Henry said.

“Last year, funds enabled Staggy Creek Tennis Club install a new under-cover concrete area and Bonshaw Hall upgraded their electricity to improve safety for volunteers and user groups.”

Under the grants program, non-profit organisations can apply for up to $2000 for capital works projects and improvements to existing infrastructure.

Graman Memorial Hall committee received a grant for $2000 last year, and secretary Annie Nicolle says those funds enabled the group to install air conditioning.

“The air conditioner has been much appreciated in the warm and cool months,” Ms Nicolle said.

“Our fortnightly playgroup families and sewing ladies continue to use the hall regularly.

“The committee also hosted lunch for the Inverell Motorcycle Restorers Club in April this year with 220 people attending and we had lots of positive comments.”

Grant guidelines and the application form can be accessed at www.inverell.nsw.gov.au, at council’s Administration Centre in Otho Street or Facebook page.

Applications will be received until 4.30pm on Friday, September 16.

Considerations include that grants will be on a dollar for dollar basis with the committee providing their value in either cash or “in kind” labour or material, and priority will be given to applications for the purchase of playground equipment or other family activity-type projects.