CCI Giving launches its Small Grants Program

CCI Giving today launched its Small Grants Program and is now accepting applications for its first round of funding to be assessed in February 2018.

Through the CCI Giving program, small grants of up to $5,000 (capped at $150,000 annually) will be offered to organisations, such as local community groups or social enterprises, implementing charitable, humanitarian or social justice initiatives within or for the Catholic and broader community in Australia. On occasion, small grants of up to $10,000 may also be awarded to special projects that support small capital works initiatives.

The Small Grants Program is the first of three funding streams that will be offered through CCI Giving – the others being its Matched Grants and Impact Grants programs.

CCI Giving, which launched in August, was set up with a $10 million contribution by CCI. They created the charitable foundation with the desire to help Catholic organisations and other groups carrying out the Catholic mission in Australia to make a positive impact.

“CCI Giving is our way of formalising over 100 years of support for the Catholic community. We’re giving back to those overcoming challenges and adversity, and especially those who need us the most,”

Roberto Scenna, CEO of Catholic Church Insurance

To be eligible for a CCI Giving small grant, applicants must be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), hold Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Item 1 status and be carrying out activities consistent with Catholic teaching within Australia. With the view to assist smaller local initiatives, organisations that apply should ideally have an annual revenue under one million dollars.

The small grants are aimed at supporting organisations undertaking work in one (or more) of five key areas: young people experiencing educational disadvantage; refugees and people seeking asylum; rural, regional or remote communities; families affected by mental illness; or those affected by domestic violence.

The CCI Small Grants Program accepts applications on an ongoing basis. However, grants are restricted to one per organisation and are capped at $5,000 for a 12-month period. Small grants are reviewed and assessed quarterly by a committee.

Grant applications are now open. Find out if you are eligible here. It’s quick and easy to apply.