Community Grants Program

Key dates — Community Grants Program 2025-2026

• Applications open: Monday 3 February 2025
• Applications close: 5.00pm Monday 24 March 2025
• Applications assessed: April/May 2025
• Grant recommendations: June/July 2025
• Notification: Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified in August 2025

Free Community Grant Writing Workshops

Presented by Robyn Cochrane (Cochrane Research Solutions), learn key tips for crafting clear, impactful grant applications and project plans

Tuesday11 February, 10am-12pm
Via Microsoft Teams
To book, visit www.trybooking.com/CXZGJ

Wednesday 19  February, 6.30pm-8.30pm
In person workshop
Glen Eira Town Hall, Caulfield Cup Room corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield
To book, visit www.trybooking.com/CYAQC

Thursday 27 February, 1pm-3pm
Via Microsoft Teams
To book, visit www.trybooking.com/CYARD

Friday 7 March, 10am-12pm
In person workshop
Murrumbeena Community Hub,28 Gerald Street, Murrumbeena
To book, visit https://www.trybooking.com/CYARE

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding community groups and organisations must:

1. service the Glen Eira community;
2. be not-for-profit;
3. be incorporated;
4. have an ABN; and
5. hold a minimum of $20m Public Liability Insurance.

If you do not meet criteria items 3, 4 or 5 you may be auspiced by a not-for-profit organisation that does.

Applications prepared by professional grant writers must be submitted by the applying organisation.

For further information on eligibility and what will not be funded refer to page 6 of the program guidelines.

Grant streams

There are two funding streams for the Program in 2025-2026. Each has a maximum funding limit. Community groups and organsations may apply for more than one project under each stream (provided the combined total does not exceed the maximum value of each stream). A separate application form must be submitted for each project.

Community Strengthening Grants — up to $3,000

These grants are suited to local not-for-profit organisations and groups to:

• build capacity of organisations and provide training and development initiatives
• enhance current localised services
• provide community-based projects
• increase social connection and participation in local activities
• support and delivery of small events (under 250 attendees) that are accessible to the broader Glen Eira community
• increase skills, knowledge and leadership in the community.

Partnership and Events Grants — up to $10,000

Applications under this stream should demonstrate projects that:

• support new and existing partnerships to deliver collaboration projects;
• plan and deliver large festivals or events (more than 250 attendees) that are accessible to the broader Glen Eira community;
• create new and innovative projects;
• deliver services that meet existing and emerging community needs; or
• support civic participation and celebrate diversity in the community.

Assessment of your grant

Each grant application is assessed against the following seven criteria:

1. The extent to which the application aligns with Council’s strategic focus (20%).
2. Evidence that the project meets a community need and/or benefits the Glen Eira community (20%).
3. The extent to which the project is committed to diversity and inclusion (20%).
4. Clearly defined project aims, measures and outcomes (10%).
5. The capacity of the organisation to undertake the project and meet the conditions of funding (10%).
6. Inability of the organisation to access other funding to deliver the project (10%).
7. The extent to which the budget is balanced, realistic and reflects the delivery of the project (10%).

Notification of results

All applicants will be notified of the decision regarding their application. Notification is sent via email to the primary contact provided on the application form.

Acceptance of your grant

If your application is successful, you  must complete an Acceptance of Conditions Form prior to the release of the funds.

Terms and Conditions

• Grant recipients must acknowledge Council in any relevant material, publications, web pages or media releases about the funded project by using the Council community logo.
• Applicants must submit a completed application form and all required documents in order for their application to be assessed.
• Council may require you to validate any of the information provided in your application.
• Community groups and organisations that auspice other groups may apply for their own projects in addition to auspiced projects.
• Funding will not be given for projects started or completed before 1 July 2025.
• Applicants are responsible for costing their projects accurately. Council is not responsible for costs that have been underestimated.
• Under the Community Strengthening stream a community group or organisation can receive a maximum of $3,000.
• Under the Partnership and Events stream a community group or organisation can receive a maximum of $10,000.
• Applicants cannot apply for the same project across both funding streams.
• The amount of any grant awarded is at the discretion of Council.
• Applicants that meet grant criteria are not guaranteed funding.
• Grants may not be funded to the maximum amount requested.
• Funding for a project in any one year does not guarantee that the same project will receive funding in subsequent years.
• Funding will not be provided if there is an outstanding acquittal.
• A grant may only be used for the specific purpose awarded in the Acceptance of Conditions Form unless prior approval for a different purpose has been obtained from Council.
• If a project or event cannot go ahead as planned, the applicant must request a variation or extension by contacting Council’s Community Strengthening Team via communitygrants@gleneira.vic.gov.au Applicants are notified if their variation or extension is approved.
• Council may request the return of grant funds if there is evidence that grants have not been spent for the purpose they were awarded.
• The grant must be accepted, and project completed within the financial year that it is awarded.
• Applicants must ensure their activities, projects and events meet Victoria State Government and Local Laws, such as safety requirements, permits and approvals.

Acquittal of grant funds

A Community Grant Acquittal Form must be submitted to Council through the SmartyGrants portal. Where possible acquittals should be submitted prior to applying for another grant.

Audit of grants

Grant recipients acknowledge that as part of its accountability processes, Council may audit any grant recipient for compliance with grant conditions. Organisations selected for an audit will be notified.

Notification of results 

All applicants will be advised of the decision regarding their application by email.