http://www.rasnsw.com.au/832.htmThe Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) Foundation is offering young people in rural and regional NSW the opportunity to secure up to $25,000 to deliver a new and innovative rural community project.Will your idea transform your community?
The $25,000 Question can make it happen.
We will consider inspired projects as diverse as playground equipment for your local kindergarten or a tree-planting day to combat salinity.
Applications for The $25,000 Question are now open. To enter, simply tell us how you would use $25,000 to realise a project to benefit your local community (you must identify a need in your local rural or regional community, come up with an idea to address this need, and partner with a community organisation to create a project plan).
Eligible entrants must be 35 or under on 1 May 2011 and projects must be located in rural or regional NSW.
Applications close 14 January 2011
Applicants must
* Identify a need in their local rural or regional NSW community
* Outline a creative project to address this need
* Partner with a community organisation * to create a project plan
The RAS Foundation is looking for standout project proposals that demonstrate
* Creativity
* Collaboration with the community
* Deliver sustained benefits over a period of time
Eligibility criteria
* 35 years or under on 1 May 2011
* Passionate about rural and regional issues
* Project proposals for infrastructure for local shows and show societies will not be considered.
Examples of eligible projects
* Art, music or performance workshops for young people
* Community media centre, delivering internet access and other resources
* Skate-park, bmx track or other recreational facilities for children and young people
* After-school homework hub or holiday programme
* Health initiatives
* Mental health awareness day
* Community garden, environmental rehabilitation, tree-planting or water-saving initiatives
* Drug and alcohol-free community event
* Free after-school programme
* Outdoor education, adventure camp or leadership development experience for young people
* Local theatre performance
Judging and selection
Applications will be assessed by an independent panel with representation from the RAS Foundation board. Each application will be scored on the following criteria:
* Innovation: new ideas, creativity
* Impact: benefit to the community
* Implementation: projects must be achievable and realistic
* Thorough project/business planning
* Demonstrate strong partnership with local community group
Grant funding will be awarded to the successful candidate’s nominated community partner.
The successful candidate will be announced at the 2011 Sydney Royal Easter Show,
14-27 April 2011
Australian Competitions Club
