A draft Community Donations Policy, currently on exhibition for feedback, will assist organisations to deliver projects and activities that support community connections and the retention of unique, diverse and culturally rich communities across the MidCoast region.

The multi-faceted program proposed in the policy aims to support social connections through programs and partnerships and is designed to allow funds to be allocated to changing community priorities, according to Lyndie Hepple, council’s Community Strengthening co-ordinator.

“The Community Donations Policy provides a framework for council to support the fantastic community organisations that are delivering valuable services to our community,” Lyndie said.

The policy provides a framework for financial and in-kind support for eligible organisations and includes four different assistance programs ranging from small one-off donations to larger annual donations and multi-year seed funding for innovative new projects.

The new policy has been designed to support equity and be delivered within the existing donations budget allocation, and will be implemented through a phased transition, with the first release of funds expected to follow the adoption of the new policy.

The policy was drafted with reference to feedback received from existing donation recipients during workshops held last year.

“Council is proud to invest in our local groups and their feedback has been vital in helping us draft a program and transition plans to support the ongoing delivery of valuable community services,” added Lyndie.

“The donations policy especially supports our large network of volunteers and not-for-profit organisations and we’re looking forward to continuing that support into the future.”

The draft Community Donations Policy will be on public exhibition until close of business on Friday February 8.

Head to midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Have-Your-Say to view the policy and provide feedback.