City of Greater Geelong Children’s Week Grants Program (Australia)

The City of Greater Geelong Children’s Week Grants Program provides funding for community-based activities that support children aged 0–12 years and their families during the annual Children’s Week celebration held in October. Grants of up to AUD 1,000 per project are available to support free, inclusive, and educational activities that promote child development, wellbeing, and family engagement.

About the Children’s Week Grants Program

The City of Greater Geelong has introduced the Children’s Week Grants Program to encourage community organizations to create engaging activities that bring children and families together through learning, play, and participation.

The initiative aligns with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and supports activities that strengthen child wellbeing, family relationships, and community connections.

The program focuses on creating accessible and inclusive opportunities where children can develop socially, emotionally, physically, and creatively.

Program Focus Areas

The grant supports projects across a wide range of child and family development themes.

Priority areas include:

Children’s health and wellbeing
Early childhood development
Family participation
Community engagement
Child rights awareness
Inclusive programming
Active play initiatives
Outdoor and physical activities
Emotional wellbeing programs
Mental health awareness
Creative and cultural activities
Environmental education
Nature-based learning
Healthy eating and nutrition education
Parenting support
Child safety awareness

Program Objectives

The initiative aims to:

Promote healthy child development
Strengthen family and community connections
Support learning through play
Increase access to inclusive activities
Encourage participation across diverse communities
Improve children’s emotional and social wellbeing
Support positive developmental outcomes

Examples of Eligible Activities

Funded projects may include a variety of community-based programs and events.

Examples include:

Creative arts workshops
Music activities
Storytelling sessions
Yoga classes
Mindfulness activities
Cooking and nutrition workshops
Gardening programs
Cultural celebrations
Outdoor learning experiences
Nature exploration activities
Child safety education sessions
Parenting support workshops
Family engagement events

Activities should be:

Community focused
Free for participants
Accessible to families
Inclusive for diverse communities

Funding Information

Funding details include:

Maximum grant amount: AUD 1,000 per project
Total program funding pool: AUD 20,000

Funding may support:

Contractor fees
Event materials
Promotional activities
Equipment costs
Activity-specific insurance
Staffing costs directly linked to delivery
Venue hire
Use of City of Greater Geelong facilities

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
Registered charitable organizations
Unincorporated groups with an auspice arrangement

Who is Not Eligible?

The following are generally not eligible:

Individual applicants
Businesses
Schools
Restricted entities under program guidelines

Program Requirements

Applicants should ensure proposed activities:

Occur within the City of Greater Geelong municipal boundaries
Target children aged 0–12 years
Support families and caregivers
Are free to attend
Promote inclusion and accessibility
Align with Children’s Week objectives
Reflect child wellbeing and development outcomes

Why This Program Matters

Early childhood experiences significantly influence learning, health, and wellbeing outcomes.

This program helps:

Build stronger communities
Increase access to learning opportunities
Support child development
Improve family engagement
Encourage social inclusion
Promote healthy lifestyles
Strengthen awareness of children’s rights

Community-led activities can create positive environments where children and families connect, learn, and grow together.

How to Apply

Applicants can follow these steps:

Step 1: Review Program Objectives

Identify how the proposed activity supports children’s development, wellbeing, and family participation.

Step 2: Design an Activity

Develop a clear plan including:

Activity description
Target participants
Expected outcomes
Timeline
Delivery approach

Step 3: Prepare the Budget

Outline project expenses and ensure they align with eligible funding categories.

Step 4: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure:

The organization meets eligibility requirements
The activity location falls within Greater Geelong
The event will be free for participants

Step 5: Submit the Application

Complete and submit the required application documents before the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Charging attendance fees
Proposing activities outside Greater Geelong
Submitting incomplete budgets
Weak links to child wellbeing outcomes
Limited inclusion planning
Activities not aligned with Children’s Week goals
Missing required documentation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Children’s Week Grants Program?

Incorporated nonprofit organizations, registered charities, and unincorporated groups with an auspice arrangement may apply.

2. How much funding can an organization receive?

Projects can receive up to AUD 1,000.

3. Must activities be free?

Yes. Funded activities must be free for children and families to attend.

4. Where must activities take place?

Activities must be delivered within the City of Greater Geelong municipal area.

5. What age group does the program support?

The program supports children aged 0–12 years and their families.

6. Can funding be used for staffing costs?

Yes. Staffing costs directly related to activity delivery may be eligible.

7. Can schools apply?

Schools and certain restricted entities are generally not eligible.

Conclusion

The City of Greater Geelong Children’s Week Grants Program provides valuable support for community organizations working to create inclusive and engaging experiences for children and families. Through funding for educational, recreational, cultural, and wellbeing-focused activities, the initiative promotes stronger communities and positive outcomes for children during the annual Children’s Week celebration.