Grants to strengthen community and transform places

Tuesday, 8 June 2021

Penrith City Council is calling for artists and local non-profit and community groups to apply for the 2021 Magnetic  Places and Community Assistance Program (CAP) grants programs.

Magnetic Places offers funding for artist-led projects that bring residents together, in new ways, to transform how they see and feel about the places they live. CAP provides funding to non-profit organisations and community-based groups for projects that strengthen the community, address community needs and improve opportunities for participation in Penrith City.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said Magnetic Places and CAP grants were a great opportunity to bring new projects to life that support the needs of communities across the City.

“Last year, these programs helped deliver programs, events and activities that helped make our community and the places they love more vibrant, welcoming and inclusive. This was particularly important following last year’s COVID-19 isolation measures,” she said.

Over 13 years, Magnetic Places has produced 99 creative projects in the City’s older, established neighbourhoods. Led by professional artists and community service organisations and underpinned by community collaboration, these projects transform places through art and creativity. Last year’s COVIDSafe project involved six arts activations in Coachmans Park, St Marys. 

The CAP scheme has been running for 27 years and, over that time, has donated more than $500,000 to hundreds of local community organisations and groups to run worthwhile activities and projects. This includes, in 2020, community garden projects, resources for cancer therapy rooms, outdoor movie nights and craft circle groups.

“We’re proud to welcome back these important programs in 2021 to once again help our residents build social connections and revitalise our places and shared community spirit,” Cr McKeown said.

The Magnetic Places grants program encourages suitable applicants to apply for grants of up to $10,000. Applications for Magnetic Places grants are now open and close 5pm on Monday 28 June 2021.

The CAP grants scheme offers grants of up to $1,500 to non-profit organisations and community groups. The grants can be used to get great ideas off the ground, form connections to and within the local community, expand or adapt services, develop skills, and buy resources. Applications for CAP grants are now open and close 5pm on Monday 5 July 2021. 

Council is also hosting an online Grant Writing Workshop on Tuesday 15 June to help groups and artists develop strong submissions.

To find out more, go to penrith.city/grants.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Tuesday, 8 June 2021.