The Boosting Pride Project
In November 2021, Sanctuary Point Community Pride Inc. (SPCP) received a transformative grant from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) under their Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program. The Boosting Pride Project, as it came to be known, was awarded a generous sum of $10,309.00. The primary aim of this project was to foster greater community engagement by SPCP and bolster the organisational capacity of the community group by implementing a well-rounded strategy, including the development of a website, a robust communications strategy, and modern accounting software.
A Professional Website Design
One of the crucial aspects of the Boosting Pride Project was the development of a professional website for Sanctuary Point Community Pride. Until then, the organisation had been operating with a limited online presence, which hindered its ability to reach a broader audience and effectively communicate its mission and events. With the allocated funds, SPCP engaged a professional website designer, Local, to create an informative, visually appealing, and user-friendly website that would serve as a central hub of information about SPCP for grant providers, residents and visitors alike. SPCP employed local digital creative Peter Costello from Yes! Creative to design our website. Our new website has become a platform where we can showcase past and present projects, upcoming events, community initiatives, and volunteer opportunities, encouraging active participation from all members of the community.
Audit and Upgrade of Social Media Channels
Recognising the significance of social media as a powerful tool for community engagement, the Boosting Pride Project allocated resources to hire a contractor to audit and upgrade SPCP’s social media channels. The goal was to enhance their online presence, foster meaningful connections with the community, and promote ongoing dialogue. Kirsten Merriment from Click Marketing has been assisting us with this portion of the grant. Through Kirsten’s assistance with our strategic content creation and active social media management, SPCP has effectively shared success stories, upcoming events, and relevant news, which has inspired a sense of belonging and unity among the residents. This work is ongoing, and we anticipate a newsletter to be regularly circulated by the end of the year.
Youth-Centric Membership Strategy
As part of its commitment to building a solid and inclusive community, the Boosting Pride Project emphasised increasing membership, particularly among the youth. By engaging young members of the community, SPCP sought to create a sense of ownership and empowerment among the next generation. SPCP teamed up with Firefly Bay and Basin in 2022 to gain their expertise in this area. This resulted in the 2022 Spring into Sanctuary Point Poster Competition. Due to its success, this competition will be rerun in 2023 with the hope that this partnership will continue well into the future. This aspect of the grant is still ongoing and seeks community partnerships to increase youth participation.
Establishing Financial Accountability
To ensure the organisation’s sustainable growth, the Boosting Pride Project directed its attention to the financial aspect of SPCP. It engaged an experienced accountant to set up the financial accounts using Xero. Xero provides cloud-based accounting software for small- and medium-sized businesses. With computerised financial records, the organisation was better equipped to seek additional funding opportunities, manage resources effectively, auspice grants, and allocate budgets for upcoming projects and initiatives. Local bookkeeper Janelle McCowatt from BAS to Basics was employed to do this work and has been engaged by SPCP to manage our finances, including BAS Statements, on Xero.
Impact So Far and Future Prospects
The Boosting Pride Project so far has been transformative for Sanctuary Point Community Pride. The tangible outcomes of the project were evident in higher engagement on social media platforms and a steady rise in membership numbers.
Looking ahead, the successes of the Boosting Pride Project have laid a strong foundation for the future of Sanctuary Point Community Pride. The newly developed website continues to serve as a source of information, and our social media channels remain active and vibrant. In the last six months, a significant increase in followers, likes, and reach has been achieved.
The Boosting Pride Project has been a resounding success for Sanctuary Point Community Pride. With the FRRR’s support and its members’ dedication, the organisation has made significant strides in fostering community engagement and enhancing its organisational capacity. As the community continues to unite and thrive, the Boosting Pride Project is a shining example of what a united community can achieve.