It is an opportunity to recognise the west is full of talent, ingenuity, creativity and determination.

Champions Of The West comprises a grants competition for 12 awards, each boasting a $10,000 prize for individuals, groups and businesses.

An additional grant of $10,000 will be awarded to the ‘Champion of Champions’ winner, encouraging people to get behind their peers who are nominated finalists.

What kind of ideas are we looking for? Anything that will be of benefit to the community and requires a grant to help the project come to life, such as:

Community – facility upgrades, infrastructure, new works or equipment;

Environment – restoration and protection, volunteer program funding;

Indigenous – arts, up-skilling, scholarships;

Sport – equipment, uniforms, training, health improvements;

Small business – new products or services;

Education – primary, secondary, day care, special needs, TAFE;

Arts – skills development, new work, residencies;

Employment – training, job placement, social entrepreneurship;

Young Achiever – scholarships, workshops;

Health – aged care, clinical funding, training;

Tourism – attractions, historical/cultural sites, interpretive programs; and

Manufacturing/Innovation – training/development, new products or services.

Who can apply for a grant? Anyone that lives or works in Western Sydney as determined by the Council boundaries referenced in the Champions Of The West Guidelines. Applicants under the age of 18 must obtain prior permission of their legal parent or guardian.

How long do I have to apply? Applications can be submitted between Sunday 13 April 2014 and Sunday 11 May 2014.

How do I apply?

1.Download the Champions Of The West Guidelines and Terms And Conditions to ensure you are eligible to apply.

2.Download and review News Corp’s Privacy Policy prior to applying online

3.Submit your online application using the form below. Please read the questions on the form prior to starting to ensure you have the necessary documents to submit your application.

The program will culminate in an event where winners will be announced and grants awarded, on Tuesday 3 June 2014. If you or someone you know are doing something worthwhile for your community from Western Sydney, apply today.

Source: The Daily Telegraph. Original article.