Community groups in the Northern Victoria Region working to preserve our local heritage will be eligible for a new fundraising assistance program launched by the Brumby Government and the National Trust.
Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad encouraged local heritage custodians to consider whether ‘Top-Up: The Community Co-Contribution Heritage Funding Scheme’ could assist with heritage places and objects in the region.
“Community groups working to restore and repair heritage places or objects will be able to use the National Trust External Appeals System to manage their fundraising accounts and provide tax-deductible status to donations,” Ms Broad explained.
“Furthermore, groups can apply to receive a Brumby Government Top-Up Grant of up to $10,000, to help them achieve their fundraising targets.
“In addition to the Brumby Government’s annual heritage grants, we are delighted to partner with the National Trust to further help community groups protect their heritage.”
National Trust Chief Executive Martin Purslow said the scheme would provide crucial assistance for small community groups throughout Victoria.
“Small groups often struggle to fundraise for the restoration of treasured heritage places, so we are really delighted to be able to expand our unique tax-deductible appeals status and offer practical help to reward their initiative and dedication,” Mr Purslow said.
“It’s great to have the Government’s support, and we hope this will be a real opportunity to help groups that are nearing their target to get over the line and achieve their goals,” he added.
To be eligible, heritage places or objects must be owned or managed by a not-for-profit community group, accessible to the public and listed on either the local council heritage overlay, Victorian Heritage Register, National Trust Register or National Heritage List.
Community groups have until 29 May 2009 to apply to participate in the scheme.
For more information, visit www.nattrust.com.au/donations_appeals/external_appeals.