Deadline: 04-Jun-2026
The Men’s Shed Funding Program in Victoria provides grants of up to $100,000 to support the development, expansion, and improvement of men’s sheds. The program aims to reduce social isolation, improve men’s mental and physical wellbeing, and strengthen community participation through inclusive, volunteer-led spaces. Funding supports construction, refurbishment, equipment purchase, and accessibility upgrades, with a strong focus on community partnerships and inclusive design.
The Men’s Shed Funding Program is an initiative by the Victorian Government designed to improve men’s health, wellbeing, and social connection through community-based men’s sheds.
These sheds are shared spaces where men can connect socially, learn and share skills, participate in meaningful activities, and reduce loneliness and isolation.
Core Purpose
The program strengthens:
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Social inclusion and community participation
- Local volunteer-led organisations
- Skill-sharing and peer support networks
Funding Details
Grant Amount
- Minimum: $0 (project-based support)
- Maximum: $100,000 per project
- Total funding pool (current round): $860,000
What Funding Can Be Used For
Eligible project costs include:
- Construction of new men’s sheds
- Conversion of existing buildings
- Renovation or extension of facilities
- Purchase of major equipment (remains with shed)
- Accessibility and safety upgrades
- Inclusive design improvements
Program Objectives
Projects must align with at least one of the following:
Social and Community Outcomes
- Reduce social isolation among men
- Increase participation in community life
- Strengthen local engagement and volunteering
Health and Wellbeing
- Improve mental health outcomes
- Support physical activity and wellbeing
- Encourage peer support networks
Capacity Building
- Expand range of shed activities
- Improve organisational sustainability
- Strengthen partnerships with community stakeholders
Inclusion and Diversity
- Increase participation of diverse men
- Improve disability accessibility
- Promote welcoming and inclusive environments
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Eligible applicants must:
- Be based in Victoria, Australia
- Represent a recognised men’s shed organisation
- Be a registered or incorporated entity
- Demonstrate community need
Additional Requirements
Applicants must:
- Provide a 20% co-contribution
- Ensure universal design and disability access
- Have no outstanding reports from previous grants
- Demonstrate compliance with funding guidelines
Project Requirements (High-Value Applications)
For Grants Under $10,000
- Must meet basic eligibility criteria
- Must demonstrate community need
- Must align with program objectives
For Grants of $10,000 or More
Applicants must also provide:
- Secure land tenure (ownership or lease of at least 5 years)
- Strategic plan for facility development
- Detailed architectural or design plans
- Compliance with planning and building requirements
Why This Program Matters
Men’s sheds play a critical role in community health systems by:
- Reducing loneliness among men, especially older adults
- Supporting mental health through informal peer support
- Providing safe spaces for skill-sharing and collaboration
- Strengthening volunteering and civic participation
- Improving overall community cohesion
This program helps ensure these spaces remain sustainable, accessible, and inclusive.
Key Design and Partnership Principles
Inclusive Design
- Disability access compliance
- Universal design principles
- Safe and welcoming environments
Community Partnerships
Encouraged collaborations with:
- Local councils
- Community groups
- Aboriginal community-controlled organisations
- Local businesses
- Government agencies
- Sporting or service clubs
How the Application Process Works
Step 1: Define Project Scope
- Type of shed development (new, upgrade, expansion)
- Community need being addressed
- Expected outcomes
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
- Budget and co-contribution details
- Design or concept plans
- Evidence of community demand
- Strategic development plan (if required)
Step 3: Confirm Eligibility
- Victorian location
- Valid organisational status
- Compliance with co-funding and accessibility rules
Step 4: Submit Application
Applications must:
- Align with program objectives
- Demonstrate feasibility
- Show measurable community benefit
Step 5: Assessment and Approval
Applications are assessed on:
- Community impact
- Design quality and inclusivity
- Financial viability
- Organisational capacity
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing 20% co-contribution requirement
- Weak evidence of community need
- No accessibility planning
- Lack of long-term tenure or ownership
- Incomplete budgets or designs
- Ignoring partnership opportunities
Tips for a Strong Application
- Link project clearly to men’s health outcomes
- Provide strong evidence of demand
- Include accessibility improvements
- Show sustainability planning
- Highlight partnerships
- Demonstrate diversity and inclusion impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a Men’s Shed?
A community space where men connect, share skills, and support wellbeing through social engagement.
2. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to $100,000 per project.
3. Is co-funding required?
Yes, a minimum 20% contribution is required.
4. Can new sheds be built?
Yes, funding supports new builds, upgrades, and renovations.
5. Are accessibility features required?
Yes, universal design and disability access are mandatory.
6. Where must projects be located?
Only in Victoria, Australia.
7. What is the main goal of the program?
To improve men’s wellbeing and reduce social isolation through community connection.
Conclusion
The Men’s Shed Funding Program strengthens community wellbeing in Victoria by supporting inclusive, volunteer-led spaces that improve men’s mental health and social connection. It enables the development of safe, accessible, and sustainable environments that reduce isolation and build stronger communities.
For more information, visit Victorian Government.
