Submit Applications for Community Development Grants Program (Australia)

The Community Development Grants Program provides grants of up to AUD 10,000 to support projects that strengthen community education, social inclusion, lifelong learning, and community cohesion across Greater Dandenong, Australia. The program funds not-for-profit organizations delivering inclusive initiatives that improve community wellbeing, build partnerships, and support vulnerable and diverse populations.

About the Community Development Grants Program

The Community Development Grants Program supports projects that create stronger, more inclusive, and connected communities across Greater Dandenong. The program encourages innovative community-led initiatives that improve access to services, strengthen local partnerships, promote lifelong learning, and respond to emerging community needs.

Funding is designed to help organizations deliver projects that foster participation, inclusion, health, wellbeing, and community resilience.

Focus Areas

The program supports projects in areas including:

Community education.
Lifelong learning.
Community inclusion.
Social cohesion.
Community capacity building.
Social inclusion initiatives.
Healthy partnerships.
Intercultural connections.
Family violence prevention.
Gender equity.
Community harmony.
Women and girls’ participation in sport.
Social support for newly arrived women.
Health and wellbeing of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women.
Healthy eating initiatives.
Collaboration and partnership development.
Intercultural understanding.
Improving safety, health, wellbeing, and access for individuals and communities at risk of exclusion.

Funding Available

The program provides grants of up to AUD 10,000 through a biannual funding round.

Funding conditions include:

Applications requesting up to AUD 5,000 do not require supplementary funding.
Applications requesting AUD 5,001 to AUD 10,000 must include at least AUD 2,000 in confirmed additional funding or income.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Incorporated not-for-profit organizations.
Registered charities.
Similar charitable entities.
Organizations applying through an eligible auspicing body.

Applicants must:

Operate within Greater Dandenong or directly benefit its residents.
Meet previous grant reporting and funding obligations.
Hold appropriate public liability insurance.
Deliver the project within the approved funding period.

For community arts projects:

Individual artists may apply for projects requesting up to AUD 5,000.
Projects requesting more than AUD 5,000 must be led by a local organization in partnership with artists.

Priority Communities

Applications that benefit the following groups are particularly encouraged:

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.
Refugees and asylum seekers.
Children, young people, and families.
People experiencing homelessness.
People with disabilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Seniors.
LGBTIQA+ communities.
Women and girls.

Eligible Projects

Examples of projects include:

Community education and lifelong learning programs.
Social inclusion initiatives.
Community capacity-building activities.
Intercultural and multicultural events.
Healthy eating and wellbeing programs.
Gender equality initiatives.
Family violence prevention activities.
Community partnership projects.
Programs supporting vulnerable or disadvantaged populations.
Activities that strengthen community participation and cohesion.

Why This Grant Matters

The Community Development Grants Program helps organizations:

Build stronger and more connected communities.
Improve social inclusion and community participation.
Address emerging local challenges.
Promote diversity, equity, and intercultural understanding.
Support vulnerable and underrepresented groups.
Strengthen collaboration between community organizations and local partners.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Confirm that your organization meets the eligibility requirements.
Develop a project that aligns with one or more program priorities.
Prepare a realistic project budget.
Secure additional funding if applying for more than AUD 5,000.
Ensure previous grant obligations have been completed.
Confirm appropriate public liability insurance.
Submit the completed application before the official deadline.

Application Tips

To improve your chances of success:

Clearly identify the community need your project addresses.
Demonstrate measurable outcomes and community benefits.
Highlight partnerships and community collaboration.
Include a realistic budget with justified expenses.
Explain how your project promotes inclusion, diversity, and wellbeing.
Show how the project aligns with Greater Dandenong’s community priorities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

Applying without meeting eligibility requirements.
Requesting more than AUD 5,000 without confirmed supplementary funding.
Submitting incomplete applications or budgets.
Failing to demonstrate benefits for Greater Dandenong residents.
Not completing previous grant reporting obligations.
Providing unclear project objectives or expected outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Community Development Grants Program?

Incorporated not-for-profit organizations, registered charities, eligible charitable entities, and organizations applying through an auspicing body can apply.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request up to AUD 10,000.

Is matching funding required?

Applications requesting up to AUD 5,000 do not require supplementary funding. Applications between AUD 5,001 and AUD 10,000 must include at least AUD 2,000 in confirmed additional funding or income.

Which communities are prioritized?

Priority is given to projects supporting CALD communities, refugees, asylum seekers, children, young people, women, seniors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ communities, and people experiencing homelessness.

Can individual artists apply?

Yes. Individual artists may apply for community arts projects requesting up to AUD 5,000. Larger arts projects must be led by a local organization.

What types of projects are funded?

Projects supporting education, lifelong learning, community inclusion, wellbeing, gender equity, healthy eating, intercultural understanding, partnership development, and community capacity building are eligible.

Do applicants need public liability insurance?

Yes. Eligible applicants must hold appropriate public liability insurance before funding can be awarded.

Conclusion

The Community Development Grants Program provides valuable funding for organizations working to strengthen education, inclusion, wellbeing, and community participation across Greater Dandenong. By supporting innovative, community-led initiatives that respond to local needs and foster collaboration, the program helps build resilient, connected, and inclusive communities that benefit residents from diverse backgrounds.