The revised draft Community Donations Policy guides council and community organisations to deliver projects and activities that support local connections and the retention of unique, diverse and culturally rich communities across the Mid Coast.

While the policy was first adopted by council in March 2019, the revised policy was submitted to Council in May this year, with minor amendments relating to wording in relation to eligibility.

Councillors have since workshopped amendments to ensure the policy supports social connections through programs and partnerships and allows funds to be allocated to changing community priorities.

Proposed changes to the policy are:

- the inclusion of 'innovation' as a principle guiding the implementation of the policy

- the specific exclusion of schools and P&C organisations from eligibility

- the inclusion of the applicant's current financial position in the assessment criteria

- changing 'essential community services' to 'emergency services' for eligibility for the Recurrent Donations Program (Rates and Fixed) to provide clarity around eligibility

- the removal of the word 'registered' in the definition of 'eligible organisations'

- Council's Policy Committee has also recommended that the review period for the Community Donations Policy be changed from four years to two years.

The draft Community Donations Policy will be on public exhibition until close of business on Wednesday, January 27 2021.

Head to www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/HYS to view the policy and provide feedback.