Apply for Monthly Grants to Strengthen Local Communities (Australia)

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Yarra Ranges Monthly Grants provide financial and in-kind support to not-for-profit groups and eligible individuals for projects that strengthen, connect, and engage communities across the region. Grants range from $250 to $1,500 per year, support multiple categories including youth pathways, sports participation, and community activities, and require projects to deliver local outcomes within Yarra Ranges.

About the Grants

The Monthly Grants program is designed to support community-driven projects that enhance social connection, health, and participation across Yarra Ranges. Funding is provided both as financial assistance and in-kind Council support for venues or waste management.

Key Objectives

• Strengthen and connect local communities

• Support youth participation and pathways

• Encourage sports, arts, and cultural activities

• Promote social inclusion and volunteer engagement

• Enable sustainable community-led initiatives

Grant Categories

1. Connected and Vibrant Communities – Initiatives that promote community cohesion, cultural engagement, or social activities.

2. Not-for-Profit Business and Trader Group Grants – Support for collaborative projects led by local not-for-profit business or trader groups.

3. Pathways for Young People – Programs that foster youth development, leadership, and learning opportunities.

4. Sports Participation for Young People

   • Individual Support – Assists young athletes with fees, equipment, or training

   • Teams and Incorporated Clubs – Supports organized youth sports activities

5. In-Kind Council Support

   • Waste Management Assistance – Provision of bins and waste services for community events

   • Venue Hire Assistance – Access to Council-managed venues for eligible projects

Funding Details

• Grant amounts: $250–$1,500 per financial year

• Multiple applications: Allowed, provided total funding requested does not exceed $1,500

• In-kind support: Can be combined with grant funding within the annual cap

• Application rounds: Open 10 months per year, excluding June and December

• Notification timeframe: Outcomes communicated ~4 weeks after closing

Who is Eligible?

• Not-for-profit community groups, registered charities, and incorporated organizations

• Community groups and arts practitioners without incorporation may apply through an auspice arrangement with an eligible organization

• Projects must:

  • Take place within Yarra Ranges

  • Deliver local outcomes

  • Have public liability insurance (with certain exemptions for youth and sports categories)

Schools

• Eligible for projects providing community benefit beyond the core curriculum

• May request in-kind venue or waste support and capped fundraising assistance

How to Apply – Step by Step

1. Check eligibility: Confirm your organization type and project aligns with funding categories

2. Prepare application: Complete the Monthly Grant application form

3. Include supporting documents: Evidence of incorporation (if applicable), public liability insurance, and project details

4. Submit by the last day of the month (excluding June and December)

5. Obtain necessary permits: Required for public events or festivals

6. Reporting: Complete all reporting obligations for previous Council grants before applying

Eligible Project Examples

• Community festivals, workshops, or cultural events

• Youth leadership programs or sports initiatives

• Volunteer-driven social inclusion activities

• Fundraising events (capped at $500)

Ineligible Activities

• Projects outside Yarra Ranges (except specific youth/sports cases)

• Capital works or major facility maintenance

• Ongoing staff salaries

• Core school curriculum projects or overnight camps

• Political, religious, or gambling-related projects

• Purchase of alcohol, trophies, or rides

• Retrospective funding requests

Tips for Applicants

• Focus on projects with tangible community impact

• Include detailed budgets and outcomes for all requested funding or in-kind support

• Avoid duplicating previously funded activities unless stand-alone or value-adding

• Ensure all permits and insurance are in place before submitting

FAQs – Yarra Ranges Monthly Grants

1. Who can apply?
Not-for-profit groups, registered charities, incorporated organizations, and eligible individuals with auspicing arrangements.

2. How much funding can I request?
Grants range from $250 to $1,500 per year, including multiple projects.

3. Are in-kind supports included?
Yes, applicants may receive Council venue hire or waste management support, combined with grant funding within the annual cap.

4. When can I apply?
Applications are open every month except June and December, closing on the last day of the month.

5. What projects are ineligible?
Projects outside Yarra Ranges, capital works, ongoing staff salaries, political or religious initiatives, and retrospective expenses are not eligible.

6. Do I need insurance?
Yes, public liability insurance is required, except for certain youth or sports categories covered by relevant organizations.

7. Can schools apply?
Yes, for projects that provide wider community benefit beyond core curriculum activities.

Conclusion

The Yarra Ranges Monthly Grants empower local not-for-profit groups and individuals to deliver meaningful, engaging, and impactful projects that strengthen communities. By supporting initiatives across youth development, sports, community engagement, and arts, the program encourages collaboration, inclusion, and local participation throughout Yarra Ranges.

For more information, visit Yarra Ranges Council.