Apply for Community Strengthening Grants Program 2026 (Australia)

The Community Strengthening Grants Program provides grants of up to $7,000 to support community-led projects, programs, and activities that improve the wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainability of communities across Golden Plains Shire, Victoria, Australia. The program funds initiatives under three key streams: Healthy Connected Community, Community Inclusion, and Environment and Sustainability.

Eligible not-for-profit organisations, community groups, schools, and certain community committees can apply for funding to deliver projects that strengthen local communities, encourage participation, improve environmental outcomes, and build community resilience.

About the Community Strengthening Grants Program

The Community Strengthening Grants Program has supported community development across the Golden Plains Shire for more than 26 years. The program provides financial assistance to local organisations delivering projects that create stronger, healthier, more inclusive, and environmentally sustainable communities.

Funding is available for projects that address local priorities, encourage community participation, strengthen partnerships, and improve the quality of life for residents throughout the Shire.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

Promote movement and active living.
Support healthy eating initiatives.
Strengthen community connections.
Encourage volunteer participation.
Improve community safety.
Build community resilience and disaster preparedness.
Support disaster recovery initiatives.
Improve mental health and wellbeing.
Promote inclusion and equal participation.
Encourage climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Protect biodiversity.
Deliver environmental education.
Promote responsible stewardship of natural resources.

Grant Streams

Projects must align with one of the following funding streams.

Healthy Connected Community

Projects may focus on:

Physical activity and active lifestyles.
Community health.
Healthy eating.
Volunteer development.
Community safety.
Mental health and wellbeing.
Social connection.
Community resilience.
Disaster preparedness and recovery.

Community Inclusion

This stream supports initiatives that:

Promote social inclusion.
Increase community participation.
Support diverse community groups.
Encourage accessibility.
Build stronger community networks.
Reduce barriers to participation.

Environment and Sustainability

Projects may include:

Climate change adaptation.
Climate change mitigation.
Biodiversity conservation.
Environmental education.
Sustainable community practices.
Natural resource protection.
Community environmental stewardship.

Funding Available

Successful applicants may receive:

Up to $7,000 per project.

Applicants may submit multiple applications during the same funding round provided:

Each application is for a different project.
The same project is not submitted under multiple grant streams.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Incorporated not-for-profit organisations.
Community groups.
Community organisations with an auspice arrangement.
Primary schools.
Secondary schools.
Kindergartens.
Committees of Management.
Community committees.
Local branches of larger organisations such as:
- CFA
- SES

Applicants must also:

Have more than two active members, or
Demonstrate active partnerships or involvement with local community organisations.

Projects must:

Be delivered within the Golden Plains Shire, or
Clearly benefit Golden Plains Shire communities and residents.

Schools must demonstrate:

A strong partnership with another organisation.
That the project is not solely curriculum-based.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following are generally not eligible:

Government organisations.
Government agencies.

Eligible Projects

Examples of eligible projects include:

Community health initiatives.
Volunteer development activities.
Mental health programs.
Community events.
Social inclusion projects.
Environmental conservation activities.
Biodiversity projects.
Sustainability education.
Disaster preparedness initiatives.
Community resilience projects.
Climate action programs.
Active living initiatives.

Why This Grant Matters

The Community Strengthening Grants Program helps local organisations deliver projects that:

Improve community wellbeing.
Build stronger local partnerships.
Encourage volunteering.
Support healthier lifestyles.
Increase environmental awareness.
Enhance disaster preparedness.
Promote inclusive communities.
Strengthen long-term community resilience.

By investing in local initiatives, the program contributes to sustainable community development across the Golden Plains Shire.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organisation:

Is a not-for-profit organisation or eligible community group.
Meets the incorporation or auspice requirements.
Has active community participation.

2. Select the Appropriate Grant Stream

Choose the stream that best matches your proposed project:

Healthy Connected Community
Community Inclusion
Environment and Sustainability

3. Develop Your Project

Prepare a project that:

Addresses community needs.
Delivers measurable community benefits.
Aligns with one of the funding priorities.

4. Prepare Supporting Information

Include:

Organisation details.
Project description.
Budget.
Timeline.
Partnership information (where applicable).

5. Submit Your Application

Complete and submit the application before the closing date.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

Community benefit.
Alignment with grant objectives.
Project feasibility.
Value for money.
Community participation.
Organisational capacity.
Long-term impact.
Strength of partnerships.

Tips for Applicants

To improve your application:

Clearly explain the community need.
Demonstrate strong local partnerships.
Present a realistic budget.
Show measurable outcomes.
Align your project with the selected grant stream.
Explain how your project will create lasting community benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

Applying under multiple streams with the same project.
Submitting projects outside the Golden Plains Shire without demonstrating community benefit.
Providing incomplete budgets.
Proposing curriculum-only school projects.
Failing to demonstrate community involvement or partnerships.
Requesting funding for ineligible applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much funding is available?

Eligible projects may receive grants of up to $7,000.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include incorporated not-for-profit organisations, community groups, schools, kindergartens, community committees, and eligible local branches of organisations such as CFA and SES.

Can schools apply?

Yes. Primary and secondary schools may apply if the project is not solely curriculum-based and includes a strong partnership with another organisation.

Can organisations submit multiple applications?

Yes. Multiple applications are allowed provided each application is for a different project.

Can government agencies apply?

No. Government organisations and agencies are generally not eligible.

Where must projects be delivered?

Projects must take place within the Golden Plains Shire or clearly demonstrate benefits for its residents and communities.

What types of projects receive funding?

Projects related to community wellbeing, inclusion, volunteering, mental health, environmental sustainability, biodiversity, climate action, disaster preparedness, and healthy lifestyles are encouraged.

Conclusion

The Community Strengthening Grants Program is an excellent funding opportunity for not-for-profit organisations and community groups working to improve the wellbeing, inclusion, resilience, and environmental sustainability of communities across Golden Plains Shire. With grants of up to $7,000, the program empowers local organisations to deliver meaningful projects that create lasting social, environmental, and community benefits while strengthening connections among residents.