Creating inclusive communities and enabling people to reach their greatest potential is at the heart of what we believe at EPIC Assist (EPIC).
That’s why we refreshed EPIC’s Community Grants program in late 2018, so we could assist more organisations across our operational regions in Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania.
The program is open to not-for-profit organisations, community groups, schools and sporting clubs or teams who welcome people with disability and provide opportunities for inclusion.
In 2019, 36 organisations have been impacted by EPIC’s Community Grants program.
Though they have varying purposes, all the well-deserving organisations have one thing in common—they add value to the lives of people with disability.
Some of the causes the grants program has supported in 2019 include:
- hiring an interpreter for an event showcasing comedians with disability
- purchasing an accessible telephone for a receptionist with cerebral palsy
- creating a counselling room as part of a community pastoral care program
- a community organisation that provides a fun and supportive environment for girls with autism to meet and connect
- purchasing helmets for a horse-riding association offering services to people with disability
- assisting multiple organisations who provide food relief to their communities
- purchasing costumes for an inclusive theatre group’s annual Shakespeare production
- supporting sports registration costs for children living with cystic fibrosis
- pathways to employment through certificate courses in Conservation and Land Management
- a crisis support program for people with muscular dystrophy
- supporting an inclusive surf lifesaving club’s nippers program that welcomes children with disability
- purchasing cutting equipment used in the production kitchen of a rehabilitation program
- funding for a community day for people with disability to participate in fishing from a wheelchair accessible boat, and mental health discussions
- supporting a recreational and educational camp for children living in families with mental illness
- morning tea events to bring together families of children with undiagnosed disabilities
- assisting to create an interactive community garden that provides a space for people with disability to interact and enjoy the outdoors.
Are you involved in a community organisation that welcomes people with disability?
Find out more about EPIC’s Community Grants program and how to apply in the first round for 2020.