Deadline: 03-May-2026
The Whitehorse Community Grants Program 2026 provides funding for community-driven projects that enhance health, wellbeing, and social connection in the City of Whitehorse. Grants range from $1,000 micro funds to $40,000 multi-year partnership funding, supporting initiatives from small projects to large-scale festivals and long-term collaborative programs.
Overview of the Program
The Whitehorse Community Grants Program 2026 supports projects that foster inclusion, participation, and social connection. The program encourages innovative ideas, pilot programs addressing emerging community needs, and collaboration between organisations to create sustained community impact. It also supports festivals, events, small-scale projects, equipment purchases, and partnerships that benefit vulnerable and socially disadvantaged groups.
Focus Areas
Eligible projects should aim to:
- Build social inclusion and participation
- Support innovative ideas and pilot programs
- Encourage collaboration between organisations for long-term impact
- Enable community festivals and large-scale events
- Deliver measurable health and wellbeing outcomes
- Support small-scale projects and equipment needs
- Foster partnerships that assist vulnerable or disadvantaged populations
Funding Types
The program offers multiple funding streams to meet different project scales and timelines:
- Tiered Grants:
- Tier 1: Up to $3,000 for connection and innovation projects
- Tier 2: Up to $7,000 for collaborative initiatives
- Tier 3: Up to $10,000 for festivals and projects with long-term impact
- Micro Funds: Up to $1,000 for smaller initiatives or equipment purchases, offered in three rounds annually
- Social and Wellbeing Partnership Grant: Up to $40,000 per year for a maximum of four years, supporting long-term partnerships addressing vulnerable community needs
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a not-for-profit organisation or incorporated association
- Apply through an auspice organisation if not incorporated
- Demonstrate that the project benefits the Whitehorse community
- Show active involvement in the local area
- Maintain valid public liability insurance throughout the project
How to Apply
- Identify a project aligned with the program’s focus areas
- Determine the appropriate funding type based on project scale and duration
- Prepare an application including project plan, expected outcomes, budget, and evidence of local engagement
- Submit the application by the council deadline
- Attend information sessions or request individual guidance from the council to ensure alignment with program expectations
- Ensure public liability insurance is valid prior to funding release
Why This Program Matters
The program strengthens community health, wellbeing, and social connection across Whitehorse. By supporting projects of all scales, from small initiatives to long-term partnerships, the grants empower organisations to address community needs, foster collaboration, and enhance inclusion for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to demonstrate community benefit or local involvement
- Applying without valid public liability insurance
- Submitting incomplete applications or missing budget details
- Misaligning projects with program priorities such as innovation, collaboration, or long-term impact
- Requesting funding for ineligible purposes such as personal expenses or for-profit activities
FAQs
1. Who can apply for funding? Not-for-profit organisations or incorporated associations, or projects applied through an auspice organisation.
2. What funding amounts are available? Micro funds up to $1,000, tiered grants from $3,000 to $10,000, and partnership grants up to $40,000 per year for four years.
3. Are multi-year projects supported? Yes, through the Social and Wellbeing Partnership Grant.
4. What types of projects are prioritized? Projects promoting health, wellbeing, social inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and support for vulnerable populations.
5. Is public liability insurance required? Yes, it must be valid throughout the project duration.
6. Can non-local organisations apply? Projects must clearly benefit the Whitehorse community, so applicants must demonstrate active local involvement.
7. What support is available to applicants? Information sessions and individual guidance are provided by the council to assist in preparing applications.
Conclusion
The Whitehorse Community Grants Program 2026 provides flexible funding for projects that enhance community health, wellbeing, and social connection. With grants ranging from $1,000 micro funds to $40,000 multi-year partnership funding, the program empowers local organisations to deliver innovative, collaborative, and impactful initiatives that strengthen the Whitehorse community and support vulnerable populations.
For more information, visit Whitehorse City Council.
