Community Grants
Quick Response Grant funding, up to $1,000, is available every month or until budget allocation is exhausted. Rounds open the first day of each month (except June) and close on the last Friday of that month. Please read the Quick Response Grant Guidelines before starting an application.
Community Grants
Community Grants 2023 Round 2 is open and will close on Friday, 4 August 2023. You are encouraged to read the Community Grant Guidelines and contact Council's Community Grants Officer before starting an application.
The Community Grants Program is open all year. Grant applications are assessed twice a year in March (Round 1) and August (Round 2).
For returning applicants, log into log into SmartyGrants and go to 'My Submissions'
Quick Response Grants
Following a review of the Community Grants Program, Council resolved to expand the program to include Quick Response Grant Funding.
- rounds open each month (except June or until the budget is fully expended) on the first day of the month and close on the last Friday of the month.
- eligible groups can apply for up to $1,000, no co-contribution required
- applications are assessed by Council officers meaning a quick decision time - usually two weeks after the round closes
You are encouraged to read the Quick Response Grant Guidelines prior to starting your application to ensure your group / project is eligible. To assist with planning your application you can download a paper copy of the application form. All applications are to be submitted via SmartyGrants.
If you have any questions regarding your proposed application, or SmartyGrants, please contact the Community Grants Officer on 1300 BCOAST (226 278), 5671 2211 or via email grantenquiry@basscoast.vic.gov.au
Community Grants
Council assesses grant applications twice a year, March (Round 1) and August (Round 2).
You are encouraged to read the Community Grant Guidelines and to contact the Community Grants Officer before you commence your application. You can download a paper copy of the application form for draft purposes if you wish. All applications are to be submitted via SmartyGrants.
Community Grant Categories
- General Community Grant
Up to $5,000 for equipment or other projects to assist community groups with equipment, activities and promotion. Other project can be a seeding grant, or funding for a consultant or designer. - Festivals, Celebrations and Events Grant
Funding up to $5,000 to support community groups to run local community events. - Minor Capital Works Grant
Funding up to $5,000 to fund small-scale recreation reserve or community infrastructure developments.
Groups applying for a Minor Capital Works Grant must seek advice from Council when planning a project and before making an application online, otherwise the application will be ineligible.
- ** New Category** Climate Action Grant
Funding up to $5,000 to fund project management, promotion, education and minor infrastructure.
Funding up to $10,000 - one per round - to support more substantial projects that accelerate community-led climate action such as feasibility study for community energy project, smart grid technology, behaviour change program in climate space.
For further information about this category, particularly the major project funding, please call Council on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or 5671 2211 and ask to speak to our Climate Change and Sustainability Advisor.
Major Project Funding
As a result of the review of the Community Grants Program and the request from community for an increase in the funding amount, the number of major projects - up to $10,000 - has increased.
- up to three major projects will funded each round, in addition to one major project funded in the Climate Action category
- major project funding is from $5,001 up to $10,000 per application
- major project applications are accepted under any grant category except Equipment
- You must complete a project plan when applying for major project funding. Download the project plan (PDF 71kb) and save it to your computer. When you have filled it in don't forget to attach it to your grant application.
Applicants must seek advice from Council well before submitting an application for major project funding otherwise the application may be ineligible. Please read the Community Grant Guidelines to determine the relevant officer to speak to, or contact the Community Grants Officer on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211 or email grantenquiry@basscoast.vic.gov.au.
Auspicing - what is it?
Individuals, and not for profit applicant groups that are not legally incorporated, are encouraged to consider being auspiced by a legally incorporated group to be able to apply for a community grant.
Legally incorporated groups are encouraged to consider their situation, interest, and ability, to auspice potential individuals or applicant groups that are not legally incorporated.
Auspiced applicants are required to complete a Community Grants Auspicing Form and attach it to the application.
What is auspicing? You can seek general auspicing information at Justice Connect
www.nfplaw.org.au/auspicing or contact the Community Grants and Projects Officer on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211 or email grantenquiry@basscoast.vic.gov.au.
Success!
Payment
Successful applicants will be advised via an email from SmartyGrants following the Council meeting in May / October, and a Tax Invoice / Payment Form will be uploaded to the application in SmartyGrants. This form will need to be completed and submitted for grant funds to be paid. The Payment Form includes all Council's funding conditions and will include any special conditions relevant to the application.
It is a funding condition that you acknowledge Council's contribution to your project.
It is also a funding condition that you complete an Acquittal Report detailing how the funds have been spent.
Acquittal
All successful applicants are required to complete an Acquittal Report in SmartyGrants detailing how the funds have been spent, what contribution you have made to the project and the success of the project. This acquittal should be completed as soon as the project is complete, or within six months of receiving funding. Grants not acquitted may mean your group is ineligible to apply for further grants.
Receipts, photos and media promotion are required acquittal attachments.
If your project is delayed for one reason or another, please contact Council's Community Grants Officer on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211 or email grantenquiry@basscoast.vic.gov.au.
Grant Finder
Grant Finder contains a summary of a raft of funding opportunities from local, state and federal governments, and other grant programs.