Deadline: 16-Feb-2026
The Small Grants Program provides up to $25,000 in single-year funding to Victorian-based charities delivering community-led solutions that strengthen resilience and wellbeing. It prioritizes initiatives supporting diverse and vulnerable communities, social connection, education, and climate-related action. The program emphasizes local leadership, inclusion, and practical impact across key regions and population groups.
The Small Grants Program is designed to strengthen community resilience by ensuring local support networks are accessible, effective, and responsive to social, economic, and environmental change across Victoria.
The program supports charities delivering practical, community-driven initiatives that improve wellbeing, empowerment, and skills development, particularly for communities facing systemic barriers or emerging challenges.
Program Overview
The Small Grants Program provides single-year funding of up to $25,000 for new or ongoing initiatives that align with its core focus areas.
The program is structured to support small to medium charities that are deeply connected to local communities and capable of delivering meaningful, measurable outcomes.
Key Focus Areas
Community Support and Empowerment
This focus area prioritizes initiatives that are:
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Designed and led by the community
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Supporting trusted local leaders and networks
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Improving access to essential resources and services
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Actively including community voices in planning and delivery
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Reaching people who face barriers to mainstream support systems
Wellbeing
The Wellbeing stream supports programs that strengthen:
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Social wellbeing through connection and inclusion
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Cultural wellbeing by valuing identity and belonging
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Economic wellbeing by supporting stability and participation
Social connectedness is recognized as a critical driver of long-term community resilience and positive change.
Education and Skill Development
This area supports initiatives that build knowledge, skills, and capabilities, particularly for groups that are underrepresented or at risk of exclusion.
Priority Communities and Themes
While applications from all eligible charities are welcome, particular interest is given to initiatives supporting:
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Diverse and multicultural communities
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Older Australians and ageing communities
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Children and young people
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Women and girls
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Communities experiencing social isolation and loneliness
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Climate-related community action
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Domestic animal welfare initiatives
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Palliative care for young people
Geographic priority areas include:
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Bendigo region
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Hume region
Grant Amount and Duration
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Maximum funding: Up to $25,000
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Funding period: Single-year support
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Eligible projects: New or existing programs aligned with program goals
Each organization may submit only one application, making project selection critical.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for funding, organizations must meet all of the following criteria:
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Be based in Victoria, Australia
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Hold charitable status
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Be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
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Fall within the small to medium charity revenue thresholds as defined by the ACNC
Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be considered.
Why This Program Matters
Local communities are often the first to feel the impact of social, economic, and environmental change.
The Small Grants Program matters because it:
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Invests directly in community-led solutions
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Strengthens local capacity and leadership
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Supports inclusion and equity in service access
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Addresses social isolation and vulnerability
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Builds long-term resilience rather than short-term fixes
By prioritizing trust, local knowledge, and lived experience, the program enables more sustainable and effective outcomes.
How It Works: Step-by-Step
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Identify the strongest project
Select one initiative that most closely aligns with the program’s focus areas and priorities. -
Confirm eligibility
Ensure your organization meets all ACNC and location requirements. -
Align outcomes with priorities
Clearly demonstrate how your project supports community empowerment, wellbeing, or education. -
Show community involvement
Highlight how the community is involved in design, leadership, or delivery. -
Apply for single-year funding
Submit one application per organization for up to $25,000.
Tips for a Strong Application
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Clearly define the community need and who benefits
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Demonstrate local leadership and trust
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Use clear, measurable outcomes
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Show alignment with priority groups or regions
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Avoid trying to cover too many objectives in one project
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting more than one application per organization
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Proposing projects that are not community-led
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Weak alignment with stated focus areas
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Vague outcomes or unclear impact
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Overly broad projects without clear beneficiaries
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum grant amount available?
The maximum funding available is $25,000 for a single year.
2. Can the grant fund existing programs?
Yes. Both new and ongoing programs are eligible if they align with the program’s goals.
3. Are only Victorian organizations eligible?
Yes. Applicants must be Victorian-based charities registered with the ACNC.
4. Can large charities apply?
No. Only small to medium charities, as defined by ACNC revenue thresholds, are eligible.
5. How many applications can one organization submit?
Each organization may submit only one application.
6. Are specific regions prioritized?
Yes. Projects in the Bendigo and Hume regions are of particular interest.
7. Does the program support climate-related initiatives?
Yes. Community-led climate-related action is a priority theme.
Conclusion
The Small Grants Program offers targeted, flexible funding to empower Victorian communities through locally driven solutions. By prioritizing inclusion, wellbeing, and resilience, the program supports charities that are closest to community needs and best placed to create lasting impact.
Organizations with strong community connections and clearly defined outcomes are encouraged to apply and contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities across Victoria.
For more information, visit Equity Trustees.