Submit Applications for Annual Community Grants Program (Australia)

The Frankston City Council Annual Community Grants Program offers grants of up to $7,500 for eligible not-for-profit organisations delivering community projects in Frankston City. Funding supports initiatives that improve health, inclusion, safety, resilience, community participation, and cultural connections, while Sister & Friendship Cities projects may receive up to $5,000.

About the Frankston City Council Annual Community Grants Program

The Annual Community Grants Program provides one-off financial assistance to community organisations that deliver projects benefiting residents of Frankston City.

The programme supports community-led initiatives that improve wellbeing, strengthen social connections, encourage healthy lifestyles, promote inclusion, and build resilient communities. Funding also supports projects that strengthen relationships between Frankston City and its Sister and Friendship Cities through cultural exchange and international partnerships.

The programme is designed to encourage innovative community initiatives that respond to local needs while creating lasting community benefits.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

Support community-led projects.
Improve community health and wellbeing.
Strengthen social inclusion.
Build resilient communities.
Promote community participation.
Encourage volunteering.
Foster cultural diversity.
Strengthen community safety.
Promote equality and respect.
Support local partnerships.
Enhance cultural exchange.
Improve quality of life for Frankston City residents.

Funding Priorities

Funding is available under four priority areas.

Healthy, Active and Resilient Communities

This priority supports projects that:

Promote physical health.
Encourage active lifestyles.
Improve nutrition and healthy eating.
Build climate resilience.
Support community wellbeing.
Encourage healthy living initiatives.

Engaged, Connected and Inclusive Communities

Eligible activities include projects that promote:

Mental wellbeing.
Social connection.
Community inclusion.
Sense of belonging.
Volunteering.
Housing support.
Reducing social disadvantage.
Arts and cultural participation.
Nature-based community activities.

Safe, Respectful and Equal Communities

Projects may focus on:

Preventing violence.
Reducing discrimination.
Strengthening family relationships.
Gender equality.
Supporting children and young people.
Creating safe community spaces.
Reducing harm associated with alcohol.
Preventing tobacco use.
Addressing illicit drug-related harm.
Reducing gambling-related harm.

Sister & Friendship Cities

This category supports initiatives that:

Strengthen international partnerships.
Promote cultural exchange.
Encourage educational collaboration.
Support tourism initiatives.
Foster civic engagement.
Build sustainable relationships with Sister and Friendship Cities.

Funding Information

The programme offers:

Up to $7,500 for projects under:
- Healthy, Active and Resilient Communities.
- Engaged, Connected and Inclusive Communities.
- Safe, Respectful and Equal Communities.
Up to $5,000 for Sister & Friendship Cities initiatives.
Equipment funding of up to $2,000, included within the total grant request.

Eligible Applicants

Applications are invited from:

Incorporated not-for-profit organisations.
Incorporated community associations.
Charitable organisations established under legislation.
Unincorporated community groups applying through an auspice organisation.

Applicants must:

Have appropriate governance arrangements.
Provide recent financial and organisational documentation.
Hold current public liability insurance.
Deliver activities within Frankston City or primarily benefit Frankston City residents.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Funding may be used for:

Community programme delivery.
Project implementation costs.
Essential equipment.
Volunteer development.
Organisational capacity building.
Venue hire.
Facilitator and instructor fees.
Transport costs.
Accessibility measures.
Community engagement activities.
Materials directly related to project delivery.
Other eligible project expenses.

Ineligible Activities and Expenses

Funding cannot be used for:

Individuals.
For-profit businesses.
Ongoing operational expenses.
Capital works.
Debt repayments.
Fundraising events.
Activities already funded by Frankston City Council.
Projects without broader community benefit.

Why This Grant Matters

Strong community organisations play a vital role in improving local wellbeing, creating social connections, and supporting vulnerable groups.

The Annual Community Grants Program helps organisations:

Deliver locally relevant projects.
Increase community participation.
Build stronger neighbourhoods.
Improve public health.
Encourage inclusion and diversity.
Support volunteers.
Foster safer communities.
Promote long-term community resilience.

By investing in grassroots initiatives, the programme strengthens the social fabric of Frankston City.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Review the programme guidelines and eligibility criteria.
Identify the funding priority that best matches the proposed project.
Prepare a detailed project plan and budget.
Gather all required organisational and financial documents.
Ensure appropriate public liability insurance is in place.
Submit the completed application before the application deadline.
Participate in the merit-based assessment process.

If successful, applicants must:

Sign a funding agreement.
Acknowledge Frankston City Council’s support.
Maintain financial records.
Maintain required insurance.
Deliver the approved project within the agreed timeframe.
Submit any required reports.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve the likelihood of success:

Clearly demonstrate community need.
Show measurable community benefits.
Align the project with one funding priority.
Present a realistic budget.
Demonstrate organisational capacity.
Include strategies for community participation.
Explain how the project supports Frankston City residents.
Ensure all required documentation is complete.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying as an individual or business.
Requesting funding for ongoing operational costs.
Including ineligible capital works.
Submitting incomplete documentation.
Requesting excessive equipment funding.
Failing to demonstrate community benefit.
Not aligning the project with programme priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much funding is available?

Eligible projects may receive up to $7,500, while Sister & Friendship Cities initiatives may receive up to $5,000.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include incorporated not-for-profit organisations, charitable organisations, incorporated associations, and unincorporated groups applying through an auspice organisation.

Can equipment be purchased through the grant?

Yes. Equipment requests are permitted up to $2,000, provided they are included within the total grant request.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects promoting health, community wellbeing, inclusion, safety, volunteering, arts, culture, climate resilience, and international community partnerships are eligible.

Are businesses eligible to apply?

No. For-profit businesses and commercial organisations are not eligible.

How will applications be assessed?

Applications are assessed through a merit-based process against the programme’s eligibility requirements and assessment criteria.

What happens after receiving funding?

Successful applicants must sign a funding agreement, acknowledge Council support, maintain financial records and insurance, and complete the approved project according to the agreed budget and timeline.

Conclusion

The Frankston City Council Annual Community Grants Program provides valuable funding to not-for-profit organisations working to improve the wellbeing of Frankston City residents. With grants of up to $7,500, the programme supports projects that strengthen health, inclusion, community resilience, safety, cultural participation, and international community connections, helping create a more vibrant, connected, and sustainable community.