News Corp launches 2014 Leader Local Grants Program
News Corp’s Leader Community Newspapers has launched its third annual Leader Local Grants program offering $33,000 in $1,000 micro grants for community projects in Melbourne.
The announcement:
The general manager of Leader Community Newspapers, Fiona Mellor, today announced the launch of the 2014 Leader Local Grants program.
Now in its third year, the initiative sees Leader Community Newspapers award $33,000 in $1,000 micro grants to help bring community projects to life.
The grants are awarded through reader voting through each of Leader’s 33 community newspapers.
Leader is Melbourne’s leading community newspaper group, with 33 newspapers and 1.5 million copies spanning a wide coverage of Melbourne.
Ms Mellor said: “The engagement Victorians have with this program is phenomenal. Last year almost 71,000 votes were registered. The success of the program is enhanced by the power of the Leader brand, both online and in paper.
“I’m pleased that Leader is able to make a positive impact in Melbourne communities by highlighting a need to recognise and fund ideas that improve communities through the program.
Since inception, the initiative has provided more than 100 x $1000 micro grants to help fund important community projects.
Leader’s Editor-in-Chief John Trevorrow said: “This is key: our readers nominated projects and our readers decided the winners. The stories in all papers reflect the pride and passion behind all these local community projects. Our papers have contributed to making communities a better place, and strengthened social connections and cohesion among our readers. These are priceless results to be proud of.”
Residents and not-for-profit community groups are encouraged to apply for one of the 33 micro grants by submitting their ideas that they believe will help make their communities a better place.
They can submit ideas by registering their details at leaderlocalgrants.com.au and uploading an application. Applications can be lodged until 5.00pm Friday, 23 May.
Ten finalists for each of Leader’s 33 newspaper distribution areas will then be selected by a judging panel. Voting will commence at 9am Monday, 2 June when Melburnians can vote and comment on the ideas they want to see brought to life. Voting closes at 5pm Friday, 13 June and the idea that receives the most votes in each paper area receives a $1,000 micro grant. Recipients will be announced in Leader newspapers and online from Monday, 23 June.
For more information about Leader Local Grants, visit www.leaderlocalgrants.com.au.
Source: News Corp press release.
