Yarra Ranges Council’s Community Development Grants 2027 (Australia)

Applications are open for the Community Development Grant Program, supporting community organisations to deliver projects that build inclusive, healthy, connected, and resilient communities across the Yarra Ranges. The program funds initiatives that strengthen community participation, improve wellbeing, promote environmental sustainability, support reconciliation, and enhance outcomes for children, young people, families, and older residents.

The grant program aligns with Yarra Ranges Council’s strategic priorities and encourages community-led projects that respond to local needs, foster inclusion, and create lasting social, cultural, environmental, and economic benefits.

Overview

The Community Development Grant Program supports projects that strengthen community capacity, increase participation, and improve quality of life for Yarra Ranges residents.

Funding is available across several priority areas:

Community Development
Health and Wellbeing
Environment
Reconciliation
Early Years, Middle Years and Families
Young People
Healthy and Active Ageing

Projects should demonstrate clear community benefits and contribute to building stronger, more connected, and resilient communities.

Program Objectives

The grant program aims to:

Strengthen community participation and belonging
Improve health and wellbeing outcomes
Promote inclusion and diversity
Support environmental sustainability and climate resilience
Encourage reconciliation and cultural understanding
Strengthen support for children, young people, and families
Enhance opportunities for older residents
Build community resilience and social connection
Foster local leadership and collaboration
Support community-driven solutions to local challenges

Community Development Priority

Community Development funding supports initiatives that encourage people to actively participate in community life and strengthen local connections.

Projects may focus on:

Community participation
Social connection and belonging
Volunteer engagement
Community leadership development
Skills development
Capacity building
Local networking opportunities
Community events and activities
Inclusion and participation initiatives

Projects should build on local strengths and encourage meaningful community involvement.

Health and Wellbeing Priority

Health and Wellbeing projects should support stronger and healthier communities through community-led approaches.

Priority areas include:

Mental health and wellbeing
Physical health promotion
Social connection
Community resilience
Food security
Healthy eating initiatives
Emergency preparedness
Disaster resilience
Inclusive and supportive communities
Respect and social cohesion

Projects are encouraged to respond to identified local health and wellbeing needs.

Environment Priority

Environment projects should contribute to environmental sustainability and support the goals of the Liveable Climate Plan 2030 and Nature Plan 2024–34.

Eligible activities may include:

Biodiversity conservation
Habitat restoration
Environmental education
Climate adaptation initiatives
Sustainability projects
Water conservation and management
Community environmental programs
Waste reduction initiatives
Climate resilience projects
Nature-based solutions

Projects should demonstrate measurable environmental outcomes wherever possible.

Reconciliation Priority

Reconciliation grants support initiatives that increase awareness, understanding, and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and knowledge.

Eligible projects may include:

Cultural awareness initiatives
Community education activities
Cultural celebrations and events
Heritage preservation projects
Storytelling and knowledge-sharing activities
Anti-discrimination initiatives
Community-led reconciliation projects
Cultural strengthening activities

Projects should support meaningful engagement and contribute to stronger community understanding and inclusion.

Early Years, Middle Years and Families Priority

This category supports projects benefiting children, young people aged 0–14 years, and their families.

Priority outcomes include:

Improved wellbeing and resilience
Family support and connection
Community participation
Child development
Safe and inclusive environments
Access to services and supports
Culturally safe engagement
Early intervention initiatives

Projects must demonstrate compliance with Child Safe Standards where applicable.

Young People Priority

The Young People category supports initiatives designed for individuals aged 12–25 years.

Projects should be informed by the needs, experiences, and voices of young people.

Eligible focus areas include:

Youth participation
Leadership development
Social connection
Community engagement
Respectful relationships
Mental health and resilience
Gender equality
Employment pathways
Skills development
Inclusion of diverse youth communities

Projects should empower young people to actively participate in community life and decision-making.

Healthy and Active Ageing Priority

Healthy and Active Ageing grants support innovative projects benefiting people aged 50 years and over.

Priority areas include:

Active ageing
Community participation
Lifelong learning
Social connection
Reducing isolation and loneliness
Age-friendly communities
Wellbeing initiatives
Support for carers
Inclusion of people with disability
Dementia-inclusive activities

Projects should encourage older residents to remain active, connected, and engaged within their communities.

Inclusion and Diversity

The program places strong emphasis on inclusion and equitable participation.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how projects will support:

People with disability
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Culturally and linguistically diverse communities
Migrants and refugees
LGBTQIA+ community members
Women and girls
Children and young people
Older adults
Carers
People experiencing social isolation

Projects that actively reduce barriers to participation and promote accessibility are strongly encouraged.

Eligible Applicants

The program is open to a range of community-based and not-for-profit organisations.

Eligible applicants include:

Incorporated not-for-profit organisations
Incorporated community groups
Organisations with an Australian Business Number (ABN)
Unincorporated not-for-profit groups auspiced by an incorporated organisation
Community organisations operating within the Yarra Ranges
Heritage researchers auspiced by an incorporated organisation under the Arts and Heritage category
Artists auspiced by an incorporated organisation under the Arts and Heritage category

All applicants must demonstrate that their project will directly benefit residents of the Yarra Ranges.

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed against several key criteria.

Project Outcomes

Assessors will consider:

Community benefits
Expected outcomes
Alignment with funding priorities
Long-term impact

Partnerships and Collaboration

Applications should demonstrate:

Community partnerships
Stakeholder engagement
Collaborative approaches
Shared delivery models where appropriate

Organisational Capacity

Applicants should show:

Relevant experience
Project management capability
Appropriate governance structures
Ability to successfully deliver the project

Budget Feasibility

Applications should include:

Realistic project budgets
Clear expenditure plans
Evidence of value for money
Financial sustainability

Diversity and Inclusion

Projects should demonstrate:

Inclusive design
Accessibility considerations
Equitable participation opportunities
Support for diverse community groups

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should ensure they:

Meet organisational eligibility requirements
Have an ABN or eligible auspice arrangement
Operate on a not-for-profit basis

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Priority Area

Choose the category that best aligns with your project:

Community Development
Health and Wellbeing
Environment
Reconciliation
Early Years, Middle Years and Families
Young People
Healthy and Active Ageing

Step 3: Develop Your Project Plan

Clearly outline:

Project objectives
Target participants
Expected outcomes
Community benefits
Delivery methods

Step 4: Build Partnerships

Where appropriate, engage:

Community groups
Local organisations
Service providers
Cultural groups
Environmental organisations
Youth and community representatives

Step 5: Prepare Supporting Documentation

Gather:

Organisational information
Budget documentation
Auspice agreements if required
Supporting evidence of community need

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Complete all application requirements.
Submit all supporting documents.
Ensure information is accurate and complete.

Tips for Applicants

Clearly demonstrate community need.
Align your project with Council priorities.
Show strong community participation and engagement.
Build meaningful partnerships.
Incorporate diversity and inclusion throughout project design.
Provide realistic budgets and timelines.
Demonstrate measurable outcomes.
Highlight long-term community benefits.

Why This Grant Matters

Strong communities are built through participation, inclusion, collaboration, and shared opportunities. The Community Development Grant Program provides essential support for organisations delivering projects that improve wellbeing, strengthen social connections, promote environmental sustainability, and celebrate cultural diversity.

By investing in community-led initiatives, the program helps create healthier, more resilient communities where people of all ages and backgrounds can participate, contribute, and thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Community Development Grant Program?
- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations, community groups with an ABN, eligible auspiced groups, and certain heritage researchers or artists under the Arts and Heritage category.
What are the main funding categories?
- Community Development, Health and Wellbeing, Environment, Reconciliation, Early Years, Middle Years and Families, Young People, and Healthy and Active Ageing.
Who must benefit from funded projects?
- Projects must directly benefit residents of the Yarra Ranges.
Can youth-focused projects apply?
- Yes. The Young People category specifically supports initiatives for people aged 12–25 years.
Are environmental projects eligible?
- Yes. Projects supporting climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, sustainability, and environmental education are encouraged.
Can projects focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities?
- Yes. The Reconciliation category supports projects that celebrate culture, increase understanding, and strengthen community connections.
How are applications assessed?
- Applications are assessed on project outcomes, partnerships, organisational capacity, budget feasibility, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Conclusion

The Community Development Grant Program supports organisations working to create inclusive, healthy, resilient, and connected communities throughout the Yarra Ranges. By funding projects across community development, wellbeing, environmental sustainability, reconciliation, youth engagement, family support, and healthy ageing, the program helps strengthen local communities and improve quality of life for residents across all life stages.