Residents, community groups, organisations and businesses are encouraged to apply for funding support after the City of Greater Geelong’s $4.5 million Community Grants program opened on June 4.
There are 13 different grant streams, ranging in value from a maximum of $500 to assist grassroots activities, through to $350,000 to help shovel-ready community infrastructure projects.
Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said the 2022-23 Community Grants had a strong focus on supporting volunteer-led and not-for-profit groups.
“Our volunteer groups are essential to our social fabric and often have a big impact with limited budgets,” Cr Sullivan said.
“We continue to invest strongly in our grants to help sustain and grow those groups, and to spread investment into all areas of the community.”
Among the opportunities is the new $100,000 Climate Change Partnership fund.
Following the development of the Sustainability Framework, the grants support the council’s aim to become a zero emission, climate-ready region.
The First Nations Cultural Heritage Grant stream returns with a funding pool of $100,000, while those pursuing heritage building conservation projects will be able to access up to $50,000 to assist with their upgrades.
There is also an array of grants up to $10,000 to support capital works, projects, events, programs, activities, or equipment.
Councillor Anthony Aitken, Chair, Finance portfolio, said that all categories are open for applications from Saturday 4 June as part of the council’s annual program.
“Council is very proud of its Community Grants program for Geelong,” he said.
“There is approximately $4.46 million in grants available, and I encourage all members of the Geelong community to go to the website, review the 13 different grant streams available and apply.
“The very popular Community Infrastructure Grant has $3 million available, and we have a new grant stream – the $100,000 Climate Change Partnership fund.
“Good luck to all applicants, and we anticipate this year will be no different to previous years where there will be more applications than funds available.”
The upcoming grant opportunities include:
Open 4 June to 25 August
Community Infrastructure – up to $350,000
To assist with cost of ready to go community infrastructure projects, or planning for future projects
First Nations Cultural Heritage – up to $100,000
For projects that recognise, restore, protect and preserve, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
Geelong Heritage – up to $50,000
For building projects – including feasibility or planning studies – that have an identified historic value
Open from 4 June to 8 August
Climate Change Partnership – up to $50,000
Open from 4 June to 25 July
Arts Projects – up to $10,000
To help deliver creative projects for those working in all art forms
Community Events – up to $10,000
To support moderate-sized public events that provide economic and community benefits
Environmental Sustainability – up to $10,000
To help with small capital works, projects, programs, activities or equipment
Healthy & Connected Communities – up to $10,000
To help with projects, programs, activities, events or equipment
Open 4 June (closing within eight weeks)
Positive Ageing – up to $1000
Cleantech & Circular Economy – up to $50,000
Geelong Children’s Week – up to $500
Neighbourhood Houses – up to $12,500
Christmas in the Community (Neighbourhood Houses) – up to $5000
Further information about the grants, the application criteria and how to apply is available at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/grants
You can also call the team on 5272 5560 or email communitygrants@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
