5 February 2014

The Northern Territory Government today called for applications for the next round of Community Benefit Fund (CBF) grants.

Minister for Business Dave Tollner urged not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding to back projects that benefit the community.

“The Territory Government is looking to fund community projects that can make a real difference to people’s lives and may not be the focus of other government grants programs,” he said.

“The CBF is a vehicle for the Territory Government to support some of the great ideas our community groups have and get them up running, or allow them to expand, so they can deliver wider benefit,” Mr Tollner said.

For example, the Genealogical Society of the Northern Territory was recently successful in gaining a $20,000 grant to bring its collection of genealogy content online to provide improved access for people researching their heritage in the Northern Territory.

Patsy Hickey, Senior Vice-President of the Genealogical Society of the Northern Territory said genealogy information was an important part of preserving our sense of history.

“The grant has provided the necessary funds for us to purchase up-to-date digital scanning equipment, which is allowing our volunteers to rapidly and efficiently make our resources and research available to a broader audience, using digital technology.

“We aim to connect more people with their family history and raise awareness of our cultural diversities,” she said.

The next round of the Community Benefit Fund grants are open for application including:

• Gambling Amelioration Grants, which fund interventions that reduce problem gambling and minimise the harms that result from gambling
• Small Grants program: which provides grants of up to $5000 are available to assist in general community development and improvement purposes
• Vehicle Gift and Long Term Loan programs to assist not-for-profit charitable, volunteer or community based non-government organisations.

Applications close on 1 March 2014.

The Community Benefit Fund receives money from levies imposed on the operation of electronic gaming machines operated by licensed hotels throughout the Northern Territory.

The fund receives a 10 per cent levy on player loss from electronic gaming machines in licensed hotels, unclaimed prizes and proceeds from items forfeited under the Gaming Control Act.

Each year the money is distributed by the fund through gambling amelioration, small and major community organisation grants, vehicle gifts or loans and administration.

For further information on the Community Benefit Fund grants on offer in this round and application forms:

• Visit: www.nt.gov.au/cbf
• Email: cbf.ntg@nt.gov.au
• Or call: 1300 650 153 (free call).

 Media Contact:Communication Adviser Jon Taylor 0417710687