Deadline: 30-Oct-2025
The Growing Healthy Communities Grants are now open, providing up to $150,000 in funding to support organisations that help young Victorians and their families overcome structural barriers to good health and wellbeing.
The focus is on supporting young Victorians (0–25 years) and their families overcome structural barriers to achieve good health and wellbeing. VicHealth’s Strategy 2023–33 is committed to addressing health inequities and the Growing Healthy Communities grants will focus on investing in programs and innovations that promote health for these population groups. The initiatives in applications must respond to one of the following challenges: creating opportunities to participate in sport and active recreation across Victorian neighbourhoods, leading to benefits for active living, mental wellbeing and belonging; or strengthening local food systems by creating new or improved places for communities to access, procure, grow and share healthy, local and culturally appropriate fresh foods. Funded projects must align with and contribute to one or more of the larger outcome areas of VicHealth’s action plan: neighbourhoods are thriving and liveable, Victorians enjoy greater social connection, better mental wellbeing and reduced loneliness, all Victorians enjoy a fairer, more circular food system, and local food systems provide better access to healthy, fresh food for regional and outer metro Victorians.
Grants will be offered in two tiers: Tier 1 provides $10,000 to $50,000 for approximately 50 to 60 grants, and Tier 2 provides $50,001 to $150,000 for about 15 to 20 grants. Projects must be delivered between March 2026 and March 2028. Applications open on August 11, 2025, with expressions of interest for Tier 2 due by September 8, and final applications closing on October 30. Funding notifications will be issued in February 2026.
Eligible applicants include sporting, community, cultural, recreational and creative organisations, as well as other not-for-profits operating in Victoria. Organisations must have a valid ABN and be registered as an incorporated body, company limited by guarantee, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation, Victorian local government council, or organisation established by an Act of Parliament. Certain sporting organisations must also demonstrate a minimum of 40% female representation on their governing boards to be eligible.
Funding may be used for participant or volunteer support expenses, staffing, organisational capacity-building, minor capital works, infrastructure and IT, equipment, materials, and operational costs. Funding cannot be used for unrelated expenses, health service delivery, treatment or rehabilitation, past costs, fundraising, one-off events with no sustained benefit, tertiary qualifications, or harmful activities.
Applications will be assessed against eligibility, alignment with grant priorities, community need, feasibility, partnerships, value for money, and impact. Successful applicants must enter into a funding agreement with VicHealth, meet reporting requirements, and hold appropriate insurances.
For more information, visit VicHealth.
