Well, it can hardly be called fun, finding that elusive funding is a time consuming but necessary task for volunteer led not-for-profit community associations.

This is no different for the Bega Valley Data Collective. As a new organisation we are starting from scratch, so we need to find funds from various sources to implement different components that are needed to develop our community owned data space. The data space will be a valuable asset for our community and is necessary to achieve our mission to place advanced data research along with powerful story telling capabilities into the hands of communities in the Bega Valley.

We are approaching funding in different ways, by applying for grants, developing relations with funding partners and building our membership base.

Members of our working group have been busy putting together many grant applications and so far, we have applied for $264,218 in funding. We are hopeful that we will be successful with some of these funding opportunities. Grant applications that we have submitted include:

• FRRR ANZ Seeds of Renewal for the Data Library framework with initial data insights
• auDA Foundation for an online Community Vitality Place
• FRRR Strengthening Rural Communities for an Online Community Directory
• Dept of Regional NSW Stronger Country Communities Fund for Year one Project funds

Progress has been made in partnership funding that will address local issues of housing affordability and the lack of aged care workers in the Bega Valley. We are looking forward to support from the local community through membership and we are developing subscription levels for individuals, ABN holders and partners.

Enquiries on funding and membership can be emailed to info@begavalleydata.com.au.