Deadline: 30-Sep-2026
The Small Grants Program supports not-for-profit organisations, community groups, and schools to deliver small-scale activities and purchase essential equipment that strengthen community wellbeing across Manningham. The program focuses on improving participation, inclusion, and local engagement by enabling practical, community-driven initiatives that respond to identified needs.
The funding is designed to support both innovative one-off activities and minor equipment purchases that enhance access to community life, strengthen local networks, and build organisational capacity. Projects are expected to contribute directly to the wellbeing of Manningham residents, particularly through inclusive and accessible community participation.
Program Overview
The Small Grants Program operates as a flexible community funding initiative aimed at strengthening social cohesion and supporting local needs-based projects. It is structured to ensure that grassroots organisations can access modest funding for high-impact, locally relevant activities.
The program prioritises initiatives that:
- Strengthen community connections and participation
- Improve access for diverse and underrepresented groups
- Support innovative, one-off community activities
- Enable minor equipment purchases for community benefit
- Respond directly to local needs and priorities
- Build community capacity and skills
- Encourage partnerships and collaboration between groups
Funding Streams
The program is divided into two funding streams, each designed for specific types of support.
- Community Strengthening Stream: provides up to $3,000 for small-scale community activities, events, workshops, or engagement programs that build participation and inclusion.
- Equipment Purchase Stream: provides up to $1,500, covering up to 50 percent of eligible equipment costs that support community programs or improve service delivery.
All funding is non-recurrent and is allocated for a single financial year, with a total program budget of $90,000 distributed across successful applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations
- Companies limited by guarantee operating for community benefit
- Community groups that are auspiced by eligible incorporated not-for-profits
- Schools delivering community-focused initiatives
Schools are encouraged to collaborate with community organisations to ensure broader community impact beyond the school environment.
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Clear identification of community need
- Alignment with program objectives
- Capacity to deliver the proposed activity or purchase
- Benefit to Manningham residents
Assessment and Funding Cycles
Applications are assessed in three funding rounds each year. Submissions are reviewed in:
- February (for applications submitted by January)
- June (for applications submitted by May)
- October (for applications submitted by September)
Each organisation is eligible for one Small Grant per financial year, ensuring equitable distribution of funding across the community.
Applications are assessed based on community impact, clarity of purpose, feasibility, inclusion outcomes, and value for money.
Key Objectives of the Program
The program supports initiatives that:
- Enhance community participation in local activities
- Improve inclusion for diverse and marginalised groups
- Strengthen local partnerships and networks
- Build skills and community capacity
- Respond to emerging or unmet community needs
- Support innovative grassroots solutions
The focus is on practical outcomes that improve everyday wellbeing and strengthen social connection across Manningham.
How to Apply
Applicants are expected to:
- Identify a clear community need or gap
- Select the appropriate funding stream
- Outline project activities or equipment requirements
- Demonstrate community benefit and participation
- Provide a realistic budget and timeline
- Show how the initiative supports inclusion and engagement
Applications must align with one of the two funding streams and clearly demonstrate expected outcomes for the local community.
Restrictions and Limitations
The program includes the following limitations:
- Only one grant per organisation per financial year is permitted
- Funding is non-recurring and must be used within the allocated year
- Equipment funding covers up to 50 percent of eligible costs
- Applications are assessed in fixed rounds rather than continuously funded
- Projects must directly benefit Manningham residents
Why the Program Matters
The Small Grants Program plays an important role in strengthening grassroots community development. By supporting small but meaningful initiatives, it enables organisations to respond quickly to local needs, improve participation, and strengthen inclusion across diverse community groups. The program helps build stronger social networks and encourages collaboration at the local level.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Small Grants Program?
Incorporated not-for-profits, auspiced community groups, schools, and companies limited by guarantee that operate for community benefit. - What is the maximum funding available?
Up to $3,000 for community strengthening activities and up to $1,500 for equipment purchases. - Can an organisation apply more than once per year?
No, only one grant per financial year is allowed per organisation. - Are applications accepted year-round?
Yes, but they are assessed in scheduled rounds in February, June, and October. - What types of activities are supported?
Community events, workshops, engagement programs, capacity-building activities, and minor equipment purchases. - Is full funding provided for equipment?
No, only up to 50 percent of eligible equipment costs is covered.
Conclusion
The Small Grants Program provides targeted, accessible funding to support community-led initiatives that strengthen wellbeing, inclusion, and participation across Manningham. By focusing on small-scale but impactful projects, it empowers local organisations and schools to respond directly to community needs while building stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.
For more information, visit Manningham Council.
