Call for Social Support Community Grants (Australia)

The Moonee Valley Social Support Community Grants provide financial support of up to AUD 1,500 for small volunteer-run community groups that strengthen social connection, community participation, and local wellbeing. The grant supports operational expenses, community activities, workshops, social events, and resources for eligible not-for-profit groups operating in or supporting the Moonee Valley community.

About Moonee Valley Social Support Community Grants

The Social Support Community Grants are offered by Moonee Valley City Council to help small community groups deliver activities that improve social connection and inclusion.

The programme is designed for volunteer-led organisations with limited fundraising capacity that create opportunities for residents to:

Build community relationships
Access social support
Participate in local activities
Share information and resources
Improve community wellbeing

The grants support community-led initiatives that align with the Council’s MV2040 Vision priorities.

Purpose of the Grant Programme

The Social Support Community Grants aim to strengthen local communities by supporting projects that:

Increase social participation
Reduce isolation
Encourage community involvement
Address local community needs
Support volunteer-led activities
Improve wellbeing outcomes

The programme contributes to the MV2040 themes:

Fair
Thriving
Connected
Green
Beautiful
Trusted

Grant Amount and Funding Support

Eligible applicants can apply for:

Maximum Grant Amount: AUD 1,500

The funding is intended to support small-scale operational and community activity costs.

What Can Grant Funding Support?

Funding may be used for activities and expenses such as:

Community Activities

Social events
Community gatherings
Social outings
Workshops
Educational activities
Wellbeing programmes

Operational Support

Consumables and supplies
Educational resources
Wellbeing materials
Venue hire costs
Small repairs and maintenance

The funding should directly support activities that create community benefits.

What Costs Are Not Eligible?

The grant does not support:

Alcohol expenses
Political activities
Religious activities
Retrospective expenses (costs incurred before approval)
Unrelated expenses
Activities that do not support Council priorities
Projects without clear community outcomes

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The grant is open to:

Incorporated not-for-profit community groups
Community organisations
Non-incorporated groups supported by an auspice organisation

Applicants must:

Be located in Moonee Valley, or
Deliver services benefiting the Moonee Valley community

Auspice Organisation Requirement

Non-incorporated community groups may apply through an eligible auspice organisation.

An auspice organisation provides:

Legal support
Financial management assistance
Administrative oversight

Applicants using an auspice arrangement must provide an auspice support letter.

Project Location Requirements

Supported projects must:

Take place within Moonee Valley, or
Support a local Moonee Valley community group

Projects must not begin before funding approval is received.

Required Application Documents

Applicants may need to provide:

Organisation incorporation details
Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency
Auspice support letter (if applicable)
Quotes for budget items
Additional supporting documents related to the project

Providing complete documentation helps demonstrate project readiness and accountability.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed by Moonee Valley City Council officers using the following criteria:

1. Community Need – 50%

Assessment considers:

Importance of the identified community need
How well the project responds to local challenges
Benefits for community members

2. Community Benefit – 30%

Assessment considers:

Expected community outcomes
Social connection opportunities
Participation and inclusion benefits

3. Delivery Capability – 20%

Assessment considers:

Organisation’s ability to deliver the project
Planning and financial management
Capacity of volunteers and organisers

Council may also consider:

Previous Council funding history
Outstanding acquittals or reporting requirements

How to Apply for Social Support Community Grants

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Applicants should confirm that:

They meet organisation requirements
The project benefits Moonee Valley residents
The activity aligns with Council priorities

Step 2: Prepare Project Details

Applicants should explain:

Community need
Project activities
Expected outcomes
Budget requirements
Community benefits

Step 3: Collect Supporting Documents

Prepare:

Quotes
Insurance documents
Organisation details
Auspice documentation if required

Step 4: Submit Application

Applications must be submitted through the Council’s grant application process before the deadline.

Step 5: Complete Reporting Requirements

Successful applicants must:

Sign a Funding Agreement
Deliver the approved project
Submit an acquittal report

Reporting and Acquittal Requirements

Successful grant recipients must provide evidence of project completion.

The acquittal report should include:

Project outcomes
Community impact
Participant information
Expenditure details
Receipts
Supporting evidence

Why These Grants Matter

Small volunteer-run groups often play an important role in building connected communities but may have limited access to funding.

The Social Support Community Grants help these groups:

Continue valuable local activities
Support vulnerable community members
Encourage volunteering
Improve social inclusion
Strengthen neighbourhood connections

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying for activities outside Moonee Valley
Starting projects before approval
Requesting funding for ineligible costs
Missing required documents
Failing to explain community benefits clearly
Submitting incomplete budgets

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their applications by:

Clearly explaining the community need
Showing how residents will benefit
Providing a realistic budget
Demonstrating volunteer capacity
Connecting activities with MV2040 priorities
Including measurable outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Moonee Valley Social Support Community Grants?

These grants provide financial assistance to small volunteer-run community groups that support social connection, participation, and wellbeing in the Moonee Valley community.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Eligible applicants can receive up to AUD 1,500 per grant.

Who can apply for the grant?

Incorporated not-for-profit groups and eligible community organisations can apply. Non-incorporated groups may apply through an auspice organisation.

What activities can the grant support?

Funding can support social events, workshops, community activities, resources, venue hire, supplies, and small maintenance costs.

Can funding be used for costs already paid?

No. Retrospective costs incurred before funding approval are not eligible.

Do projects need to happen in Moonee Valley?

Yes. Projects must take place in Moonee Valley or directly support a local Moonee Valley community group.

What happens after receiving funding?

Successful applicants must complete the project, meet funding conditions, and submit an acquittal report showing outcomes and expenditure.

Conclusion

The Moonee Valley Social Support Community Grants provide important financial support for small community groups working to create stronger social connections and improve local wellbeing. By supporting volunteer-led activities, the programme helps build inclusive, connected, and resilient communities across Moonee Valley.