The Community Support Fund and Community Event Sponsorship Fund is a council initiative aimed at helping small gras roots organisations do extensive, often unrecognised work within the community. The first round for 2014 saw the council chip-in a total of $18,200 to the mostly not-for-profit organisations for programs, projects and events.

The successful round one organisations were: Coffs Coast Dragon Boat Club, Bellingen River RSL sub-branch, The Dorrigo Visual Arts Group, Mylestom Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association, Dorrigo District Guides Association, Arts Council of Dorrigo Inc, Local Made, Bellingen River Festival Inc, Bellingen Jazz Festival Inc, The Arts Council of Dorrigo, Camp Creative, Bellingen Music Festival, The Grub Club and The Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Match.

Jazz Festival and River Festival organiser Ben Perrim had double duties in applying for these council dollars and said the process was fairly intense though ultimately worthwhile.

“I had to provide five years of financial statements and forward estimates for both festivals,” Ben said.

“While the jazz and river festivals didn’t quite get the maximum amount on offer ($5000) I’m thankful they did receive support from the council as they are both important local events that bring in investment to the community and contribute to the area culturally.”

Round 2 of the Community Event Sponsorship Fund and the Community Support Fund will open in October.

For any questions regarding the funding programs, contact grants and business development officer Stacey Bayliss between 9am and 3.30pm, Monday to Thursday on 6655-7379.

Break-out story to follow.

NOW THE Bellingen River Festival has received a council boost, Ben Perrim hopes to raise extra funds through crowd-sourcing.

“The River Festival is a free event that joins business, organisations and the locals together to educate and celebrate the beauty of the Bellinger River,” Ben said.

“The day is really a showcase of all this diverse and abundant shire has to offer: live concert performances, workshops, exhibitions, storytelling, games and children’s activities – and of course the brilliant community parade across Lavender’s Bridge.

“But the River Festival doesn’t ticket - all the organisers are volunteers and this means that we need the support of everyone to keep this event healthy and vibrant going into the future.”

Ben said the opportunity to contribute to the River Festival will soon be available via crowd-sourcing at the website: www.bellingenriverfestival.org.