Elaine Broadfoot might be 83 years of age and a little restricted in her computer skills, but that didn’t stop her making a successful application on behalf of the Grafton Gem Club for funding from the Clarence Valley Council’s Community Initiatives Program. The club is one of 47 not-for-profit community groups who were successful with their applications for assistance from the program in the latest round, and Elaine said her club could not have been happier. “It is only the second grant for the club,” she said. “At our monthly meeting, I held the announcement until the last item of correspondence.  The committee and club members were surprised and gave me a round of applause.” Another surprise was the help she got making her funding application, with the council’s community projects officer arriving on a bicycle to offer assistance. “I think it is just wonderful that the community projects officer is preserving the environment by making at home appointments on her bicycle,” she said. “I really appreciated the assistance.  The club will definitely be applying to the community initiatives program again and would like to thank council for making funds available for non-profit organisations.” The Gem Club meets Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9am-4pm in the club shed next to The Barn, Grafton Showgrounds.  New members welcome to come along, especially young people.  Contact Elaine on 6643 5659 or email clarencechick@gmail.com Any not-for-profit organisations or individuals wanting more information on funding opportunities through the Community Initiatives Program are welcome to contact the community projects officer by email to sammy.lovejoy@clarence.nsw.gov.au or telephone 6642 0957. The next funding round opens on September 1, 2016, for projects/initiatives from mid December 2016 to June 30, 2017.