If there’s one thing we love as Queenslanders, it’s being a part of our local community.

We take pride in our postcode as do our RACQ stores who present Local Giving grants to their local clubs each year.

RACQ Community and Sponsorships Manager Melanie Calzavara said it’s in RACQ’s nature to support grassroots communities across the State. 

“We love seeing our stores build great relationships with their communities through the Local Giving program,” Ms Calzavara said.

“The relaunch still allows community groups to apply in their local store which makes the program easily accessible.

“It makes us all proud to know we’re making such a tangible difference.”

Ms Calzavara said the Local Giving program had undergone category changes to better reflect RACQ’s commitment to helping organisations make a positive impact in their communities.

“These new funding categories are designed for us to continue supporting smaller clubs as they work towards their sustainability goals,” she said.

“Whether it’s a compost bin, plants to build climate resilience at a local park or equipment for disability and inclusive sport, we’re here to help local clubs on their environment and social sustainability journey.”

Ali McCudden, from disability support charity Sunshine Butterflies, said the $500 Local Giving grant they received from RACQ’s Noosa store last year supported their Chippies Corner Program, which provides opportunities for their members to design wood products in a safe environment.

“The RACQ Local Giving grant has allowed us to purchase new tools for our Chippies Corner Program so our members can take their woodworking skills to the next level,” Ms McCudden said.

“We’re grateful for the support from RACQ as it means we can open up even more opportunities for people with disability in the community to develop their skills.”

The new funding categories for the program include:

Safe driving and safer, connected roads

Supporting activities relating to the mobility needs of our members and their communities and enhancing the security and sustainability of their transport choices.

Disability, diversity and inclusion

Locally run diverse and inclusive activities supporting disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, culturally linguistic and diverse, migrant and refugee, rural and regionally remote and isolated people.

Climate resilient communities

Supporting Queensland through emergency response, disaster recovery and climate-resilient activities.

Environmental sustainability

Activities that preserve Queensland’s environmental sustainability and encourage everyday sustainable practices.