Community Support Grants Program (Australia)

The Community Support Grants Program by Mornington Peninsula Shire provides up to $5,000 to eligible community groups and organisations delivering initiatives that strengthen community resilience, inclusion, sustainability, and wellbeing within the Shire. Funding is available year-round until 4 June 2026 or until funds are fully allocated.

The Community Support Grants Program is a local government funding initiative designed to help community groups and not-for-profit organisations deliver projects, programs, and activities that benefit residents of the Mornington Peninsula Shire.

The program supports initiatives that strengthen social connection, build organisational capacity, enhance safety, and contribute to a cohesive, inclusive, and resilient local community.

What Is the Community Support Grants Program?

The Community Support Grants Program provides small-scale funding to support community-led initiatives that respond to local needs and priorities.

The program focuses on:

• Practical community benefit
• Long-term community resilience
• Strengthening the capacity of local organisations
• Supporting inclusive and sustainable communities

Funding is flexible and can support both ongoing activities and new, emerging initiatives.

Key Funding Priorities

Applications must align with one or more of the program’s priority areas, including:

• Lifesaving and safety equipment
• Volunteer training and skills development
• Capacity-building for community groups
• Social inclusion, participation, and community cohesion
• Programs and activities with broad community benefit
• Environmental sustainability and local environmental priorities
• Seed funding for new or pilot community projects

Projects that address multiple priorities are encouraged.

Grant Amount and Funding Period

• Maximum funding available: $5,000 per application
• Applications are accepted year-round
• Funding is available for the financial year ending 4 June 2026
• Applications may close earlier if program funds are exhausted

There is no minimum grant amount specified.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible Organisations

Applicants must be based within the Mornington Peninsula Shire Local Government Area and must deliver funded activities within the Shire.

Eligible applicant types include:

• Incorporated associations
• Registered not-for-profit organisations
• Registered charities
• Public Benevolent Institutions (PBIs)
• Unincorporated community groups with an eligible auspicing organisation

Auspicing organisations must be incorporated or registered and meet eligibility requirements.

Organisational Requirements

Applicants may be required to provide:

• Governing documents
• Evidence of not-for-profit status
• Confirmation that organisational objectives align with the grant priorities

All applicants must demonstrate a clear community purpose.

Why This Grant Program Matters

The Community Support Grants Program plays a critical role in:

• Strengthening local community networks
• Supporting volunteer-led organisations
• Increasing social inclusion and participation
• Enhancing community safety and wellbeing
• Supporting environmental and sustainability initiatives
• Building long-term community resilience

The program prioritises outcomes that benefit the wider community rather than individual organisations alone.

How the Assessment Process Works

Applications are assessed against defined criteria to determine how well they align with the program’s objectives and priorities.

Assessment focuses on:

• Alignment with one or more funding priorities
• Demonstrated community need
• Clear and measurable community benefit
• Contribution to long-term community cohesion and resilience
• Capacity to deliver the proposed initiative

Funding decisions aim to support initiatives that deliver sustainable and inclusive outcomes for the Shire.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organisation is eligible and that the proposed activity will be delivered within the Mornington Peninsula Shire.

Step 2: Design a Priority-Aligned Project

Develop an initiative that clearly addresses one or more of the program’s priority areas and demonstrates community benefit.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documentation

Be ready to provide:

• Organisational details
• Evidence of incorporation or auspice arrangements
• Project description and objectives
• Budget and funding request
• Information demonstrating community impact

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Applications can be submitted at any time during the funding period, subject to fund availability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for activities outside the Mornington Peninsula Shire
• Submitting projects that do not align with program priorities
• Failing to demonstrate clear community benefit
• Applying without appropriate auspice arrangements if unincorporated
• Waiting too late in the funding year when funds may be exhausted

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much funding can we apply for?

You can apply for up to $5,000 per application.

Are applications open all year?

Yes. Applications are open year-round until 4 June 2026, or until available funds are fully allocated.

Can unincorporated groups apply?

Yes, if they are auspiced by an eligible incorporated or registered organisation.

Where must funded activities take place?

All funded projects, programs, or activities must be delivered within the Mornington Peninsula Shire.

Do projects need to meet all priority areas?

No. Projects must align with at least one priority area, though addressing multiple priorities can strengthen an application.

What is the main goal of the program?

The primary goal is to support initiatives that contribute to a cohesive, inclusive, and resilient community within the Shire.

Conclusion

The Community Support Grants Program offers accessible, flexible funding to help community organisations deliver meaningful initiatives that strengthen local communities across the Mornington Peninsula Shire.

With year-round applications, a clear focus on community benefit, and funding of up to $5,000, the program is a valuable opportunity for local groups to turn community-driven ideas into impactful action.