Deadline: 20-Mar-2026
The Cardinia Community Foundation offers grants of up to $10,000 to not-for-profit organisations delivering community projects in Cardinia Shire, Victoria. Projects must align with the Cardinia Shire Council Liveability Plan and address priority areas such as health, social cohesion, education, environment, and harm reduction. Funded projects must commence within three months and meet reporting and acquittal requirements.
What is the Cardinia Community Foundation Grant Program?
The Cardinia Community Foundation provides funding to support well-defined community projects that benefit residents of Cardinia Shire and contribute to long-term community development.
The program aligns with the Cardinia Shire Council Liveability Plan and supports initiatives that enhance liveability, wellbeing, inclusion, and resilience across the region.
Maximum funding available: Up to $10,000 per project.
Projects must be based in Cardinia Shire and respond to demonstrated local needs.
Priority Funding Categories
Projects must fall under one or more of the following categories:
-
Physical and mental health and wellbeing
-
Social cohesion and community connection
-
Crisis support
-
Education and skills development
-
Environmental sustainability
-
The Arts
-
Reducing harm from tobacco, vaping, alcohol, drugs, and gambling
-
Men’s health and wellbeing
Program Objectives
The Foundation supports projects that:
-
Positively influence behaviours and lifestyles
-
Improve social and general welfare of residents
-
Strengthen community skills and capacity
-
Create opportunities for disadvantaged or low socioeconomic groups
-
Deliver innovative responses to evidenced community challenges
-
Address both current and future community needs
Projects must commence within three months of receiving grant funds.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
-
Not-for-profit organisations
-
Organisations delivering projects within Cardinia Shire
-
Groups aligned with the Cardinia Shire Council Liveability Plan
Auspice Arrangements
Groups without legal status may apply under an auspice organisation.
-
The auspicing organisation must be a not-for-profit entity
-
Funds must be received and administered by the auspice body
-
A signed letter of approval must accompany the application
Who is Not Eligible?
The program does not fund:
-
Projects considered the responsibility of government
-
Activities providing private benefit
-
Political activities
-
Projects that have already commenced
-
Applications benefiting individuals
-
Endowment funds
-
Fundraising initiatives
-
Wages, salaries, contractor costs, or marketing expenses
-
Retrospective or duplicated funding
-
Discriminatory programs
-
Projects outside Cardinia Shire
Why This Grant Matters
Cardinia Shire is experiencing growth and evolving community needs. The Cardinia Community Foundation plays a key role in:
-
Strengthening local service delivery
-
Supporting vulnerable populations
-
Encouraging grassroots innovation
-
Building community capacity and resilience
-
Enhancing liveability and social inclusion
The program ensures funding directly supports residents and contributes to measurable local impact.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organisation is a not-for-profit entity and your project is based in Cardinia Shire.
Step 2: Align with the Liveability Plan
Clearly demonstrate how your project aligns with the Cardinia Shire Council Liveability Plan and priority funding categories.
Step 3: Develop a Clear Proposal
Include:
-
Defined project objectives
-
Evidence of local need
-
Target beneficiaries (especially disadvantaged groups)
-
Project timeline
-
Detailed and compliant budget (excluding ineligible costs)
Step 4: Submit Application
Follow the Cardinia Community Foundation application process and attach any required auspice documentation if applicable.
Step 5: Begin Project
Approved projects must commence within three months of receiving funding.
Reporting and Compliance Requirements
Successful applicants must:
-
Participate in a project review within six months of funding (progress story may be published)
-
Submit a full acquittal report 12 months after receiving funds
-
Provide financial reporting and supporting evidence
-
Submit three photographs for marketing and communication purposes
Failure to meet reporting obligations may affect future funding eligibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Including wages or marketing expenses in the budget
-
Applying for projects outside Cardinia Shire
-
Submitting projects that have already started
-
Failing to demonstrate alignment with the Liveability Plan
-
Not providing required auspice documentation
-
Applying for individual benefit rather than community-wide impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much funding is available?
Up to $10,000 per eligible community project.
2. Who can apply?
Not-for-profit organisations delivering projects within Cardinia Shire.
3. Can we apply under an auspice organisation?
Yes. The auspicing body must be a not-for-profit and provide a letter of approval.
4. Are staff wages or contractor fees eligible?
No. Funding does not cover wages, salaries, contractor costs, or marketing expenses.
5. When must projects begin?
Within three months of receiving grant funds.
6. Are individuals eligible to apply?
No. The grant supports organisations, not individuals.
7. What reporting is required?
A six-month project review and a 12-month financial acquittal report, including supporting evidence and three photographs.
Conclusion
The Cardinia Community Foundation Grants 2026 provide up to $10,000 to strengthen not-for-profit initiatives that improve liveability, wellbeing, and resilience in Cardinia Shire. By funding projects aligned with the Liveability Plan and focused on measurable community benefit, the Foundation ensures long-term positive impact for local residents. Eligible organisations are encouraged to develop compliant, community-driven proposals and apply promptly.
For more information, visit Cardinia Community Foundation.
