Cessnock City Council is offering the grants to upgrade community venues, sporting facilities or sporting equipment.

Grants on offer include the Community Facilities Dollar for Dollar Grants Program and Sporting Facilities and Equipment Grant Dollar for Dollar Grants Program.

Dollar for dollar grants work by the group raising half of what is needed to fund a project, and council matching what has been raised.

Cessnock City Council general manager, Stephen Glen encouraged local community and sporting groups to take advantage of the grants.

“Sport plays a big part in our community and supporting it at a grassroots level is a great way of boosting participation,” he said.

“Our local halls and community centres are vital as they host a range of events and activities for all residents including youth activities, playgroups, community gatherings and recreational activities”.

“We look forward to supporting projects that will rejuvenate the places that bring our community together.”

Applications close on September 9.

For more information and to apply visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/community/grants/council