Call for Submissions: City Medium Community Grants (Australia)

The City of Greater Bendigo Medium Community Grants Program provides funding of up to $10,000 for community groups and individuals delivering activities that create positive community outcomes across Greater Bendigo. The programme supports events, training, safety initiatives, and other community projects that align with local priorities and the City of Greater Bendigo Council Plan Mir wimbul 2025–2029.

Overview of the City of Greater Bendigo Medium Community Grants Program

The City of Greater Bendigo Medium Community Grants Program supports community-led activities that strengthen local connections, improve community wellbeing, and address priorities identified by the Greater Bendigo community.

The programme provides financial assistance to eligible community groups and individuals to deliver projects that create measurable benefits for residents across the Greater Bendigo region.

Supported activities may include:

• Community events.
• Safety equipment purchases.
• Training activities.
• Community development initiatives.
• Other local activities that deliver community benefits.

Purpose of the Medium Community Grants Program

The main purpose of the grant programme is to support projects that:

• Respond to community needs.
• Encourage participation and inclusion.
• Strengthen local connections.
• Improve community wellbeing.
• Support Council priorities.
• Create lasting community benefits.

Projects should demonstrate how they contribute to the City of Greater Bendigo Council Plan Mir wimbul 2025–2029 or relevant local community plans.

Funding Details

The Medium Community Grant provides:

Maximum Grant Amount:
Up to $10,000

Funding must only be used for the approved purpose described in the application.

Successful applicants must:

• Follow the funding agreement conditions.
• Use funds responsibly.
• Complete required reporting and acquittal processes.
• Provide evidence of project completion.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to eligible community groups and individuals delivering activities that benefit the Greater Bendigo community.

Eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated community organisations.
• Registered legal entities.
• Community groups applying through an auspice organisation.
• Individuals applying through an eligible auspice organisation.

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A clear community need.
• Support from the local community.
• Ability to successfully deliver the proposed activity.
• Appropriate financial and administrative management.

Auspice Arrangements for Informal Groups

Informal community groups and individuals who are not registered legal entities may apply through an auspice organisation.

An auspice organisation:

• Accepts responsibility for receiving and managing grant funds.
• Supports the applicant’s project delivery.
• Ensures compliance with grant requirements.

Applicants using an auspice arrangement must provide an appropriate auspicing agreement.

Types of Activities Supported

The grant can support activities that provide community value, including:

Community Events

Funding may support events that:

• Bring residents together.
• Celebrate community identity.
• Encourage participation.
• Strengthen social connections.

Training and Skills Development

Supported activities may include:

• Community training programmes.
• Skills development activities.
• Capacity-building initiatives.

Safety and Community Improvement Activities

Funding may support:

• Safety equipment.
• Resources that improve community participation.
• Activities that enhance community spaces.

Why This Grant Matters

Community-led initiatives play an important role in creating stronger and more connected communities.

The Medium Community Grants Program helps local groups:

• Turn community ideas into action.
• Improve access to local activities.
• Support volunteer-led initiatives.
• Strengthen community resilience.
• Address local priorities.

By investing in community projects, the City of Greater Bendigo supports activities that improve quality of life for residents.

Application Requirements

Applicants may need to provide:

• Activity description.
• Project budget.
• Supplier quotes where required.
• Organisation details.
• Incorporation number.
• Australian Business Number (ABN).
• GST registration status.
• Financial reports where applicable.
• Public liability insurance documentation where relevant.
• Land or asset owner approval if required.
• Auspicing agreement if applicable.

How to Apply for the Medium Community Grant

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the Community Need

Applicants should explain:

• What issue the activity addresses.
• Who will benefit.
• Why the project is important for the community.

Step 2: Develop the Activity Plan

The proposal should include:

• Activity objectives.
• Implementation timeline.
• Expected community outcomes.
• Required resources.

Step 3: Prepare a Budget

Applicants should provide:

• Expected costs.
• Supplier quotes if required.
• Details of other financial contributions.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applications must include all required information and supporting documents before submission.

Assessment Process

Applications are assessed by the Community Grants Advisory Panel.

Applications are reviewed based on:

Community Need

Assessors consider:

• Importance of the activity.
• Identified community needs.
• Expected benefits.

Community Support

Applications should demonstrate:

• Local participation.
• Community interest.
• Support from relevant stakeholders.

Alignment With Council Priorities

Projects should show alignment with:

• City of Greater Bendigo Council Plan Mir wimbul 2025–2029.
• Local community priorities.

Delivery Capability

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Ability to complete the project.
• Appropriate planning.
• Effective financial management.

Activities Not Eligible for Funding

The grant does not support activities involving:

• Gambling activities.
• Tobacco or vaping promotion.
• Alcohol purchases.
• Works on private property.
• Retrospective activities already completed.
• Third-party fundraising activities.
• Profit-making activities without community benefit.
• Activities mainly supporting an organisation’s core business.
• Activities that primarily benefit individuals or private organisations.

Responsibilities of Successful Applicants

Successful grant recipients must:

• Sign a funding agreement.
• Use funds only for approved purposes.
• Acknowledge the City of Greater Bendigo in project materials.
• Complete acquittal requirements through SmartyGrants.
• Provide required documentation.
• Meet all reporting obligations.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their applications by:

• Clearly explaining community benefits.
• Providing realistic budgets.
• Demonstrating local support.
• Showing alignment with Council priorities.
• Including measurable outcomes.
• Providing complete supporting documents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Providing unclear project descriptions.
• Requesting funding without demonstrating community benefit.
• Failing to provide required documentation.
• Applying for activities that are not eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the City of Greater Bendigo Medium Community Grants Program?

The Medium Community Grants Program provides financial support for community activities that create benefits for residents and support local priorities across Greater Bendigo.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Eligible applicants can receive up to $10,000 for approved community activities.

Who can apply for the Medium Community Grant?

Registered community organisations, incorporated associations, and individuals or informal groups applying through an auspice organisation may be eligible.

What types of projects can receive funding?

The programme supports community events, training activities, safety equipment, and other initiatives that create positive community outcomes.

Can individuals apply directly for the grant?

Individuals who are not registered organisations may apply through an eligible auspice organisation.

What activities are not funded through the programme?

Activities involving gambling, tobacco promotion, alcohol purchases, private works, retrospective projects, and profit-focused activities without community benefit are generally not eligible.

How are grant applications assessed?

Applications are assessed based on community need, community support, alignment with Council priorities, and the applicant’s ability to successfully deliver the activity.

Conclusion

The City of Greater Bendigo Medium Community Grants Program provides valuable support for community-led activities that strengthen local connections and improve community wellbeing. With grants of up to $10,000, the programme enables eligible groups and individuals to deliver meaningful projects that align with Greater Bendigo’s community priorities and create lasting local benefits.