Entries open for Connected Neighbourhood Small Grants (Australia)

The Connected Neighbourhoods Small Grants program by the City of Melbourne provides up to $2,000 to support community-led initiatives that strengthen connection, inclusion and participation at neighbourhood and suburb levels. The program empowers local communities to address their own priorities through small-scale, locally driven activities delivered within the City of Melbourne municipality. Funding is open to a wide range of community groups, organisations and individuals committed to building inclusive and connected neighbourhoods.

Overview

The Connected Neighbourhoods Small Grants program is an initiative of the City of Melbourne designed to support grassroots, community-led activities that build stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods.

The program focuses on empowering local people to identify and respond to community needs, improve access and participation, and foster meaningful connections among residents. It supports small, flexible initiatives that create tangible community development outcomes at the neighbourhood and suburb level.

Key Focus Areas and Themes

Funded projects must align with one or more of the following focus areas.

• Creating connected and inclusive communities

• Supporting community connection, social inclusion, access and participation

• Delivering community-led initiatives that address local priorities

• Increasing equity, diversity and inclusion within neighbourhoods

• Empowering communities to identify and respond to local issues

• Strengthening relationships among community members

The program places strong emphasis on activities that enable people to engage meaningfully in their local neighbourhoods.

Funding Available

• Grant amount: Any value up to $2,000

• Funding type: Small, flexible grants

• Application limit: One application per applicant per year

The funding is designed to be accessible and responsive, supporting small-scale actions that can make a meaningful local impact.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

The Connected Neighbourhoods Small Grants are open to a broad range of applicants, including:

• Not-for-profit constituted bodies

• Schools

• Community leaders

• Individual community members supported by their community

• Body Corporate or Owners Corporation representatives (meeting eligibility requirements)

Applicants must meet the program’s eligibility criteria and demonstrate a clear connection to the local community.

Eligible Projects and Activities

To be eligible, projects must:

• Be located within or delivered in the City of Melbourne municipality

• Provide clear benefits and outcomes for local communities

• Focus on improving connection, access and participation

• Be community-led and locally driven

Funded activities should create opportunities for residents to experience stronger connections and increased inclusion within their neighbourhoods.

Why This Grant Matters

Strong neighbourhoods are built through trust, participation and shared experiences. The Connected Neighbourhoods Small Grants program recognises that local communities are best placed to understand their own needs and priorities.

By supporting small-scale initiatives, the City of Melbourne enables grassroots action that strengthens social cohesion, promotes equity and inclusion, and enhances community wellbeing across the municipality.

How the Grant Works

1. Identify a Community Need
   Applicants identify a local issue, opportunity or priority within their neighbourhood.

2. Design a Community-Led Activity
   The proposed initiative should encourage participation, connection and inclusion.

3. Apply for Funding
   Applicants request funding of up to $2,000 to support delivery of the activity.

4. Deliver the Project Locally
   Funded projects are implemented within the City of Melbourne and focus on local outcomes.

Common Application Tips

• Clearly explain who the project is for and how they will benefit

• Demonstrate genuine community involvement or support

• Keep activities simple, practical and locally relevant

• Align the proposal clearly with connection, inclusion and participation goals

• Ensure the project is feasible within the available budget and timeframe

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding can I apply for?

Applicants can request any amount up to $2,000.

2. Who can apply for the Connected Neighbourhoods Small Grants?

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organisations, schools, community leaders, supported individual community members and eligible Body Corporate or Owners Corporation representatives.

3. Where must projects be delivered?

All funded projects must be located within or delivered in the City of Melbourne municipality.

4. Can individuals apply for this grant?

Yes. Individual community members may apply if they are supported by their community and meet the eligibility requirements.

5. How many applications can I submit?

Each applicant is limited to one application per year.

6. What types of activities are funded?

Activities that improve community connection, inclusion, access and participation, and that respond to neighbourhood priorities, are eligible.

7. Are large-scale projects eligible?

No. The program is designed to support small-scale, locally driven activities.

Conclusion

The City of Melbourne Connected Neighbourhoods Small Grants program offers a practical and accessible way for communities to bring local ideas to life. By funding small, community-led initiatives, the program strengthens neighbourhood connections, promotes inclusion and empowers residents to shape their local environments. For individuals and groups seeking to make a positive impact at the neighbourhood level, this grant provides an important opportunity to turn community ideas into action.