Grants, sponsorships and partnerships

We have closely examined this area of our operations to find savings that will help our financial sustainability. We have made a number of tough decisions that we understand will cause some disappointment.

Community Grants

• The total Community Grants fund is $3,997,500 (reduced by 10 per cent or $427,000).
• The Climate Change Partnerships grants stream has been increased from $100,000 to $130,000.
• All other Community Grants streams have been maintained at 2022-23 levels or reduced.
• The major Community Infrastructure Grants stream has been reduced from $3 million to $2.7 million.

Partnerships

Total partnerships budget $381,315 (saving of $103,300)

Maintained

• Barwon Sports Academy
• Bellarine Catchment Network
• Bis-Sport Sponsorship
• Geelong Cricket Association

Increased

• Emergency Management (contribution to Citizens Radio Emergency Services Teams) $2,250 (up $450)

New

• Parks, Gardens and Landcare support $25,000

Not renewed

• Barwon Coast Beach Bus
• Barwon Heads Football Netball Club (to subsidise maintenance of Howard Harmer Reserve, non-Council owned land)
• Friends of Buckley Falls
• Geelong Sustainable House Day
• Life Education Van
• Oceanside lifeguard services
• Park Stewardship Funds

Community Events sponsorship

Maintained

• Pako Festa
• Australia Day Committee
• Community Christmas Carols

Not renewed

• Geelong Show
• Gala Day
• Geelong Cup

(Combined saving of $41,000)

Sponsorships and Donations

Maintained

• Geelong Football Club

Not renewed/reduced

• Geelong Supercats
• Give Where You Live

• Geelong Business Excellence Awards (reduced from $25,000 to $10,000)

(Combined saving of $42,000)

Geelong Major Events

• Geelong Major Events budget $930,000 (reduced by $300,000).