South Gippsland Community Grants 2026/2027 (Australia)

Deadline: 31-Aug-2026

The South Gippsland Shire Council Community Grants Program provides financial assistance to community groups, volunteer organisations, and not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that create lasting benefits across the South Gippsland region. The program supports community initiatives including equipment purchases, infrastructure improvements, planning activities, festivals, and events that strengthen local communities.

The grants program helps organisations improve community wellbeing, encourage volunteering, support cultural and recreational opportunities, and deliver projects aligned with South Gippsland Shire Council priorities and strategies.

Overview of the South Gippsland Shire Council Community Grants Program

The South Gippsland Shire Council Community Grants Program is designed to support community-led projects that improve quality of life and create positive outcomes for residents across the region.

The program provides funding assistance for:

• Community projects.
• Equipment purchases.
• Capital works.
• Community planning activities.
• Festivals and events.
• Services and initiatives that respond to local needs.

The program aims to strengthen community capacity by supporting organisations that contribute to a more connected, sustainable, and resilient South Gippsland.

Purpose of the Community Grants Program

The program supports the objectives of the South Gippsland Shire Council Plan by helping communities develop and deliver meaningful local initiatives.

The program aims to:

• Improve community wellbeing and quality of life.
• Support heritage, recreation, and cultural opportunities.
• Respond to identified community needs.
• Encourage community participation and self-reliance.
• Reduce administrative pressure on volunteer organisations while supporting good governance.
• Improve community asset management.
• Increase funding opportunities for organisations with limited access to financial support.
• Support projects aligned with Council strategies.

Relevant strategies may include:

• Youth Strategy.
• Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Strategy.
• Community Strengthening Strategy.

Community Grants Funding Categories

The program provides funding through four grant categories:

• Minor Projects & Equipment.
• Major Projects & Equipment.
• Planning & Development Reports.
• Festivals & Events.

Each category has different funding limits, contribution requirements, and eligible activities.

Minor Projects & Equipment Grants

Minor Projects & Equipment grants support smaller community projects, equipment purchases, and improvements to local services.

Funding available:

• Minimum grant: $1,000.
• Maximum grant: $5,000.
• Council contribution: Up to 50% of total project costs.

Eligible projects may include:

• Minor capital works.
• Equipment purchases.
• Improvements to community services.
• Small-scale community facility upgrades.

These grants do not support ongoing operational expenses.

Major Projects & Equipment Grants

Major Projects & Equipment grants support larger community projects that require significant investment.

Funding available:

• Minimum grant: $5,000.
• Maximum grant: $10,000.
• Council contribution: Up to 50% of eligible project costs.

Supported activities may include:

• Significant capital works.
• Major equipment purchases.
• Establishment of new community services.
• Improvements to existing community facilities.

Applicants must:

• Discuss their proposal with the Grants Team before applying.
• Receive approval to proceed.
• Provide detailed budgets.
• Provide project designs where required.

Planning & Development Reports Grants

Planning & Development Reports grants support organisations preparing important documents that strengthen future projects and funding opportunities.

Funding available:

• Minimum grant: $5,000.
• Maximum grant: $10,000.
• Council contribution: Up to 75% of project costs.
• Applicant contribution: Minimum 25% of project costs.

Eligible activities may include:

• Feasibility studies.
• Business plans.
• Master plans.
• Research projects.
• Planning documents.
• Development reports.

Applicants must consult with the Grants Team before submitting an application.

Festivals & Events Grants

Festivals & Events grants support community celebrations, activities, and events that provide social and cultural benefits.

Funding available:

• Minimum grant: $1,000.
• Maximum grant: $10,000.
• Applicant contribution: Minimum 50% of project costs.

Funding may support:

• Community festivals.
• Local events.
• Event series conducted over a defined period.
• Activities that encourage participation and community connection.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The program is open to a range of community-focused organisations.

Eligible applicants include:

• Volunteer-managed community organisations.
• Incorporated associations.
• Community Asset Committees.
• Companies limited by guarantee.
• Eligible social enterprises.
• Organisations applying through an auspicing arrangement with an incorporated organisation.

Applicants must either:

• Be based within South Gippsland Shire.
• Provide significant services to South Gippsland residents.
• Deliver the funded project within the municipality.

Auspiced Applications

Organisations that are not incorporated may apply through an eligible incorporated organisation acting as an auspice.

The auspicing organisation is responsible for:

• Receiving grant funding.
• Managing financial responsibilities.
• Ensuring project requirements are met.

Organisations Generally Not Eligible

Government-funded agencies are generally not eligible to apply.

Examples include:

• Schools.
• Hospitals.
• TAFE institutions.
• Government departments.

However, some projects may be considered if they demonstrate broad community benefit.

Additional organisations that may apply in specific circumstances include:

• Community Houses.
• Kindergartens.
• Preschools managed by volunteer committees.

These organisations should consult with the Grants Team before applying.

Eligible Project Expenses

Funding can support costs directly connected to approved projects.

Eligible expenses may include:

• Essential project materials.
• Equipment purchases.
• Printing and promotional materials.
• Venue hire.
• Participation costs.
• Community training activities.
• Defibrillator start-up costs with evidence of ongoing maintenance.
• Joint community projects.
• Catering expenses excluding alcohol.

Ineligible Expenses

The program does not generally support ongoing organisational costs.

Examples of ineligible expenses may include:

• General operating expenses.
• Routine administrative costs.
• Activities unrelated to community benefit.
• Alcohol expenses.
• Costs outside the approved project scope.

How the South Gippsland Community Grants Process Works

Applicants should follow these steps when applying:

Step 1: Identify the Appropriate Grant Category

Applicants should determine whether their project fits:

• Minor Projects & Equipment.
• Major Projects & Equipment.
• Planning & Development Reports.
• Festivals & Events.

Choosing the correct category ensures the application meets funding requirements.

Step 2: Review Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should confirm:

• Organisation eligibility.
• Project location requirements.
• Funding contribution requirements.
• Eligible expense requirements.

Step 3: Discuss Major Projects With Council

Applicants seeking Major Projects & Equipment or Planning & Development Reports funding must consult with the Grants Team before submitting an application.

Step 4: Prepare the Application

Applications should explain:

• The community need being addressed.
• Project goals and expected outcomes.
• Community benefits.
• Budget details.
• Applicant contribution.
• Alignment with Council priorities.

Step 5: Submit and Await Assessment

Applications are reviewed based on:

• Quality of application responses.
• Community impact.
• Alignment with Council strategies.
• Financial and in-kind contributions.
• Previous Council funding support.

Step 6: Project Delivery and Reporting

Successful applicants must:

• Deliver the approved project.
• Use funds only for approved purposes.
• Meet grant conditions.
• Provide required reporting information.

Why the Community Grants Program Matters

The South Gippsland Community Grants Program helps communities develop projects that improve local services, strengthen participation, and create long-term benefits.

The program supports:

• Stronger volunteer organisations.
• Increased community involvement.
• Improved facilities and services.
• Greater access to cultural and recreational opportunities.
• Local solutions to community challenges.

By investing in community-led projects, the program helps build a more connected and sustainable South Gippsland.

Benefits for Community Organisations

Successful applicants can use funding to:

• Purchase essential equipment.
• Improve community facilities.
• Develop stronger project plans.
• Deliver community events.
• Increase participation opportunities.
• Build organisational capability.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their applications by:

• Clearly explaining community benefits.
• Demonstrating alignment with Council priorities.
• Providing accurate project budgets.
• Showing financial or in-kind contributions.
• Explaining long-term project outcomes.
• Providing evidence of community need.
• Consulting with Council early for larger projects.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying under the wrong funding category.
• Requesting funding for ongoing operational costs.
• Submitting incomplete budgets.
• Failing to demonstrate community benefit.
• Not consulting Council for required project categories.
• Providing unclear project outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the South Gippsland Shire Council Community Grants Program?

The program provides financial support to community, volunteer, and not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that benefit communities across South Gippsland.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Funding varies by category, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the type of project.

Who can apply for Community Grants?

Eligible applicants include community organisations, incorporated associations, volunteer groups, social enterprises, and eligible organisations supported through an auspice arrangement.

Can funding be used for ongoing operating costs?

No. The program does not fund ongoing operational expenses such as regular administration or general running costs.

Are schools and government agencies eligible?

Government-funded organisations such as schools, hospitals, and TAFE institutions are generally not eligible, although some community-benefit projects may be considered.

Do applicants need to contribute financially?

Yes. Most funding categories require applicant contributions, either financially or through in-kind support.

What projects receive priority?

Projects that align with Council priorities, demonstrate strong community benefit, respond to local needs, and show sustainable outcomes are more likely to receive support.

Conclusion

The South Gippsland Shire Council Community Grants Program provides important financial support for community organisations creating positive change across the region. Through funding for projects, equipment, planning activities, festivals, and events, the program helps strengthen local communities and improve opportunities for residents.

Organisations seeking funding should develop clear project plans, demonstrate community value, meet eligibility requirements, and show how their initiative contributes to a stronger, more sustainable South Gippsland.

For more information, visit South Gippsland Shire Council.