Call for Proposals: Community Strengthening Grants (Australia)

The City of Greater Geelong Community Strengthening Grants provide funding of up to $10,000 to support community-led projects, activities, and events that promote inclusion, health, wellbeing, and community participation across Greater Geelong. The program has a total funding pool of $203,000 and is open to eligible not-for-profit organizations and community groups working to address local community needs.

Community Strengthening Grants Overview

The Community Strengthening Grants are offered by the City of Greater Geelong to support projects that strengthen local communities, improve health and wellbeing, encourage social inclusion, and create opportunities for residents to connect and participate in community life.

The program funds initiatives that respond to local priorities, build stronger communities, promote healthy lifestyles, improve food security, encourage gender equality, and raise awareness about public health issues such as alcohol, tobacco, vaping, and gambling harms.

Purpose

The Community Strengthening Grants aim to:

• Create opportunities for community participation.
• Encourage people to connect through community activities and events.
• Improve community health and wellbeing.
• Promote gender equity and gender equality.
• Strengthen local food systems and food security.
• Support healthy and active lifestyles.
• Increase awareness of the harms associated with alcohol, tobacco, vaping, and gambling.
• Build stronger, more resilient communities across Greater Geelong.

Funding Information

• Maximum grant per application: Up to $10,000
• Total funding pool: $203,000
• Only one application may be submitted per funding round.
• Funding decisions are competitive.
• Partial funding may be offered for modified or smaller projects where appropriate.
• Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.

Eligible Projects

The program supports a wide variety of community-based initiatives, including:

• Community celebrations and festivals.
• Community activities and events.
• Art therapy programs.
• Volunteer development programs.
• Playgroup programs.
• New community group start-ups.
• Strategic planning projects.
• “Come and Try” community activities.
• Community awareness campaigns.
• Community forums.
• Food swaps.
• Cooking classes.
• Health education campaigns.
• Guest speaker events.
• Specialist community support programs.

Eligible Expenses

Funding may be used for eligible project-related expenses, including:

• Advertising and marketing costs.
• Costs directly related to approved community projects.
• Activities that support project delivery.
• Community engagement and promotional activities.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated not-for-profit organizations.
• Unincorporated community groups with an auspice organization.
• Registered charitable organizations.

Projects must:

• Benefit communities within Greater Geelong.
• Address identified community needs.
• Align with the objectives of the grant program.
• Deliver positive community outcomes.

Funding Priorities

Priority may be given to:

• Organizations that did not receive Community Strengthening Grant funding during the previous year.
• Organizations that do not receive revenue from electronic gaming machines (EGMs) or gambling activities.
• Projects with strong community impact and demonstrated local need.

Application Process

Applicants should:

• Review the grant guidelines and eligibility requirements.
• Develop a community-focused project.
• Prepare a realistic project budget.
• Gather supporting documentation.
• Submit one application during the funding round.
• Await assessment and funding decisions by the City of Greater Geelong.

How the Grant Program Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization and proposed project meet all eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Develop Your Project

Design a project, activity, or event that addresses community needs and aligns with the grant objectives.

Step 3: Prepare Your Budget

Develop a clear budget outlining eligible project expenses and requested funding.

Step 4: Complete the Application

Provide detailed information about:

• Project objectives.
• Community benefits.
• Activities.
• Budget.
• Expected outcomes.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Submit one complete application during the funding round with all required supporting documents.

Step 6: Assessment

Applications are competitively assessed based on eligibility, community benefit, project quality, and available funding.

Step 7: Funding Outcome

Successful applicants receive grant funding to implement approved community projects. In some cases, partial funding may be awarded.

Why It Matters

The Community Strengthening Grants help to:

• Strengthen community connections.
• Improve public health and wellbeing.
• Encourage volunteer participation.
• Promote social inclusion.
• Support healthy food systems.
• Advance gender equity.
• Increase community resilience.
• Foster vibrant and active local communities across Greater Geelong.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting more than one application in a funding round.
• Proposing projects that do not align with grant objectives.
• Providing incomplete application information.
• Submitting unrealistic budgets.
• Failing to demonstrate community benefits.
• Omitting required supporting documentation.
• Assuming eligibility guarantees funding.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

• Clearly explain the community need your project addresses.
• Demonstrate measurable community outcomes.
• Align your project with the grant objectives.
• Prepare a realistic and detailed budget.
• Highlight community participation and inclusion.
• Include strong supporting documentation.
• Carefully review your application before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

Applicants may request up to $10,000 per project.

2. What is the total funding pool?

The Community Strengthening Grants have a total funding pool of $203,000.

3. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include incorporated not-for-profit organizations, registered charities, and unincorporated community groups with an auspice organization.

4. What types of projects are supported?

The grants support community activities, events, volunteer programs, food initiatives, education campaigns, playgroups, strategic planning, art therapy, awareness programs, and other projects that strengthen local communities.

5. Can an organization submit multiple applications?

No. Only one application may be submitted per funding round.

6. Does meeting the eligibility requirements guarantee funding?

No. Funding is competitive, and eligible applications are assessed against the program objectives and available budget.

7. How are funding priorities determined?

Priority may be given to organizations that did not receive funding in the previous year and organizations that do not receive revenue from electronic gaming machines or gambling activities.

Conclusion

The City of Greater Geelong Community Strengthening Grants provide valuable financial support for community groups and not-for-profit organizations working to improve health, wellbeing, inclusion, and community participation. By funding projects that respond to local needs and strengthen social connections, the program helps create healthier, more resilient, and more connected communities throughout Greater Geelong.