Lake Mac grants program goes digital

Applications have opened for $1000 grants to develop ‘awesome’ digital ideas that will support the Lake Macquarie community during COVID-19.

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The Awesome Foundation Lake Mac is offering the grants as a way of complying with social distancing measures while still providing opportunities for locals to have their ideas supported.

Lake Macquarie City Council Community Development Officer and Awesome Foundation Co-Chairperson Emilie Wiggers said the first step of the process was for applicants to send in a three-minute video or an online application presenting their idea and fleshing out how they would use the $1000 no-strings attached grant.

“We’re hoping local businesses in Lake Macquarie will embrace this slightly different take on our Awesome Foundation grants,” Ms Wiggers said.

“We would love to hear from businesses like cafes, restaurants, or other companies who may need a small influx of cash to develop an idea for the Lake Macquarie community.”

“These are no-strings-attached grants, so whether you’re a family with a passion, or a business seeking to still provide a service, reach out and share your idea.”

People who applied for Awesome Foundation grants earlier this year will be encouraged to re-apply or tweak their application for a digital audience if required.

The top three applicants will be invited to a virtual pitch event using a digital video conference platform.

Ms Wiggers said any idea would be considered.

"It could be creating an online group game or smart phone app, a video meeting of your unique book club group or something as simple as purchasing online software for contactless food orders and purchases.”

“We want to see ideas that provide a digital connection to the community during COVID-19."

Awesome Lake Mac is the local chapter of a global community supporting projects through $1000 ‘micro-grants’, with all funding coming from the pockets of each chapter’s trustees.

To apply or find out more, visit the Lake Mac Chapter at www.awesomefoundation.org