Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Membership Activity Grant supports community groups in the Merri-bek Municipality with funding to sustain regular activities that promote health, wellbeing, and social connection. Eligible not-for-profit groups can receive up to $3,000 per year for three years to strengthen participation and deliver ongoing social or active programs for their members.
The Membership Activity Grant is a local funding opportunity designed to help community groups maintain and strengthen regular activities that support the health, wellbeing, and social connection of their members within the Merri-bek Municipality.
The grant focuses on long-term sustainability, helping groups cover ongoing operational and activity-related costs rather than one-off events.
Purpose of the Membership Activity Grant
This grant aims to:
-
Support community health and wellbeing
-
Sustain regular and ongoing group activities
-
Strengthen community participation and social inclusion
-
Align with Merri-bek Community Grants Objectives and Funding Priorities
By providing multi-year funding, the program helps community groups plan with confidence and deliver consistent benefits to their members.
Funding Amount and Duration
Eligible groups can receive:
-
Up to $3,000 per year
-
Funding for up to three consecutive years
-
A maximum total of $9,000 per group
The exact annual amount depends on:
-
The size of the group’s membership
-
Whether the group receives other forms of Council support
Funding is paid annually, subject to compliance with reporting requirements.
Eligible Activities and Focus Areas
Funded activities must:
-
Take place regularly within the Merri-bek Municipality
-
Support the social and/or physical wellbeing of members
-
Contribute to ongoing participation rather than one-off events
Examples include:
-
Social connection programs
-
Physical or active group activities
-
Regular meetings or engagement programs that improve wellbeing
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
-
Not-for-profit community groups
-
Incorporated organisations and clubs
-
Unincorporated groups that are auspiced by an incorporated organisation
All applicants must:
-
Meet regularly within the Merri-bek Municipality
-
Demonstrate an active membership base
-
Hold adequate public liability insurance
-
Have acquitted any previous Council grants
-
Have no outstanding debts to Council
Key Eligibility and Compliance Requirements
Applicants must also:
-
Provide financial statements and supporting documentation
-
Confirm compliance with local, state, and federal laws
-
Commit to completing annual acquittal and evaluation reports
-
Demonstrate how funded activities support member wellbeing
Failure to meet these requirements may affect eligibility for future funding.
How the Grant Works
The Membership Activity Grant operates on an annual funding cycle within a multi-year agreement.
Funding Process
-
Approved groups receive funding for the first year
-
Funding for years two and three is conditional
-
Annual acquittal and evaluation reports must be submitted
-
Council reviews reports before releasing the next year’s payment
Reporting Requirements
-
Acquittal and evaluation reports are required each year
-
Reports must be submitted within one month of the approved funding date
-
Reports must show how funds were used and how activities supported members
Why This Grant Matters
Regular community activities play a critical role in:
-
Reducing social isolation
-
Improving physical and mental wellbeing
-
Strengthening local networks and participation
This grant ensures that community groups in Merri-bek have the stability and resources needed to continue delivering these benefits over the long term.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
-
Applying for one-off events instead of ongoing activities
-
Failing to clearly demonstrate a membership base
-
Submitting incomplete financial or insurance documentation
-
Missing acquittal and evaluation deadlines
-
Applying with outstanding Council debts or unacquitted grants
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much funding can a group receive?
Groups can receive up to $3,000 per year for three years, with a maximum total of $9,000.
Is the funding guaranteed for all three years?
No. Funding is approved annually and continued funding depends on the submission of satisfactory acquittal and evaluation reports each year.
What types of groups are eligible?
Not-for-profit community groups, clubs, and organisations that are incorporated or auspiced and meet regularly in Merri-bek are eligible.
Can unincorporated groups apply?
Yes, provided they are auspiced by an incorporated organisation that meets all eligibility requirements.
What reporting is required?
An annual acquittal and evaluation report must be submitted within one month of the approved funding date each year.
Do activities need to take place in Merri-bek?
Yes. All funded activities and regular meetings must take place within the Merri-bek Municipality.
Can groups receiving other Council support apply?
Yes, but the amount awarded may be adjusted depending on the level of other Council support received.
Conclusion
The Membership Activity Grant provides essential, long-term support for community groups that deliver regular activities improving health, wellbeing, and social connection in Merri-bek. By offering stable, multi-year funding tied to accountability and impact, the program strengthens community participation and ensures local groups can continue serving their members effectively and sustainably.
For more information, visit Merri-bek City Council.