Deadline: 20-May-2026
The Look Over the Farm Gate Community Grants program is a Victorian Government initiative providing small grants of $1,500–$5,000 to support rural and farming communities experiencing stress. Delivered by the National Centre for Farmer Health, it funds local events and activities that strengthen mental wellbeing, social connection, and resilience in farming communities, particularly those affected by drought and bushfires.
Look Over the Farm Gate Community Grants Program
The Look Over the Farm Gate program is a community-focused funding initiative designed to support farming families and rural communities across Victoria, Australia. It helps local groups organise events and activities that bring people together, reduce isolation, and improve mental wellbeing in agricultural regions.
The program is part of the 2025 Drought Support Package and includes additional focus on bushfire-affected communities.
Program Objectives and Focus Areas
The program supports initiatives that strengthen rural community wellbeing and resilience, including:
- Improving mental health and wellbeing in farming communities
- Supporting farming families experiencing stress or hardship
- Building stronger social connections in rural areas
- Encouraging community-led events and activities
- Strengthening resilience to drought and bushfire impacts
- Supporting locally designed wellbeing and engagement initiatives
- Promoting capacity-building mental health activities
- Encouraging inclusive and community-driven support networks
The program prioritises grassroots, locally relevant solutions that address real community needs.
Funding Overview
- Grant size: $1,500 to $5,000 per project
- Funding type: Small community grants
- Location: Victoria, Australia
- Delivery deadline: All activities must be completed by 30 June 2026
- Administered by: National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government
The funding is intended for short-term, high-impact community initiatives.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must:
- Be part of the agriculture industry or farming community
OR - Demonstrate strong connections to a local farming community
Eligible connections may include:
- Farmers and farming families
- Agricultural supply and service providers
- Rural healthcare workers
- Community support organisations
- Local service providers and community leaders
Importantly, applicants do not need to be large organisations or registered not-for-profits.
Eligible Activities and Uses of Funding
Funding can be used for community-based events and wellbeing initiatives such as:
- Rural community gatherings and social events
- Mental health and wellbeing workshops
- Farmer support and resilience-building activities
- Local engagement events addressing drought or bushfire recovery
- Community education and capacity-building sessions
- Creative initiatives that bring farming communities together
The program encourages flexible, locally designed solutions tailored to community needs.
Funding Restrictions and Guidelines
The program clearly outlines limits on how funding can be used. Key restrictions include:
- Funding must be used only for approved community activities
- Alcohol-related costs must follow wellbeing guidelines (non-alcoholic options encouraged)
- Events must be completed by 30 June 2026
- Each event must be submitted as a separate application
- Events may only be rescheduled once after approval
- Funds cannot be used for unrelated commercial or private purposes
Clear compliance with guidelines is required for all applicants.
Application Updates (Round 2 – 2025)
Recent updates to the program include:
- Reopening under Round 2 of the 2025 Drought Support Package
- Expanded focus on bushfire-affected communities
- Ability to submit multiple applications (one per event)
- Updated rules on event rescheduling (only once allowed)
- Strengthened guidance on planning inclusive and safe community events
These updates aim to improve accessibility and community participation.
Why This Program Matters
The Look Over the Farm Gate grants are important because they:
- Support mental health in rural and farming communities
- Reduce isolation among farming families
- Strengthen community resilience during drought and disaster recovery
- Encourage local, community-led wellbeing initiatives
- Improve social connection in remote areas
- Provide flexible funding for grassroots solutions
- Support recovery in bushfire and drought-affected regions
The program directly addresses social and emotional wellbeing in Australia’s agricultural sector.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applications may be unsuccessful due to:
- Weak connection to farming or rural communities
- Proposing non-community-focused or commercial activities
- Missing eligibility for agricultural or rural relevance
- Ignoring funding guidelines or deadlines
- Submitting multiple applications for the same event
- Lack of clear mental wellbeing or community benefit outcomes
- Poor planning for inclusive or accessible participation
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate strong links to a farming community
- Focus on mental wellbeing and social connection outcomes
- Design events that are inclusive and locally relevant
- Align your proposal with drought or bushfire recovery needs
- Provide a clear plan for community participation and engagement
- Ensure each event has a distinct application
- Highlight collaboration with local leaders or service providers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for this grant?
Members of farming communities or organisations with strong links to rural agriculture in Victoria.
What is the funding amount?
Between $1,500 and $5,000 per grant.
What is the deadline for activities?
All funded activities must be completed by 30 June 2026.
Who administers the program?
The National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government.
Can organisations submit multiple applications?
Yes, but each event must have a separate application.
What is the main purpose of the funding?
To support mental wellbeing, social connection, and resilience in farming communities.
Are non-profit organisations required to apply?
No, applicants do not need to be large organisations or registered not-for-profits.
Conclusion
The Look Over the Farm Gate Community Grants program is a targeted Victorian Government initiative supporting rural mental health, social connection, and community resilience. By funding small, locally led events, it helps farming communities manage stress, recover from environmental challenges, and strengthen wellbeing through meaningful community engagement.
For more information, visit National Centre for Farmer Health.