Flexi Grants Program for Urgent Community Needs (Australia)

The Mornington Peninsula Shire Flexi Grants Program offers quick funding of up to $2,000 for urgent, essential, one-off community initiatives. The program supports projects that address immediate health, safety, or community needs and strengthens local resilience, with applications open until 4 June 2026 or until funds are fully allocated.

The Flexi Grants Program provides responsive, short-term funding to community organisations for urgent or essential initiatives. It focuses on projects that strengthen community safety, health, and resilience, ensuring critical local needs are met efficiently.

Key Objectives

• Support urgent community needs or unforeseen events
• Fund lifesaving and safety equipment, such as AEDs or defibrillators
• Strengthen vulnerable community services and groups
• Enhance volunteer and civic participation
• Contribute to building a cohesive and resilient community

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be based within the Mornington Peninsula Shire
• Deliver projects, programs, or services within the Shire boundaries
• Be an incorporated association, registered not-for-profit, charity, Public Benevolent Institution, or an unincorporated group auspiced by an eligible organisation

Additional requirements:

• Applicants may need to provide governing documents (constitution or model rules) to demonstrate alignment with grant priorities
• For AEDs or defibrillators, equipment must be publicly accessible and registered with Ambulance Victoria

Grant Details

• Maximum funding: $2,000 per project
• Application window: Open until 4 June 2026 or until funds are fully allocated
• Purpose: Respond to urgent, one-off, or essential community needs

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility of your organisation and project

2. Prepare a brief project proposal outlining:

   • Purpose and urgency of the initiative

   • Alignment with Flexi Grants priorities

   • Community engagement and collaboration with partners

   • Project budget and evidence of volunteer or in-kind contributions

3. Submit your application through the Shire’s online portal or designated submission process

4. Await assessment and funding notification

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Alignment with Flexi Grants program priorities
• Demonstrated community benefit and engagement
• Realistic project planning and budgeting
• Volunteer, in-kind, or co-contributions where applicable
• Capacity of the organisation to respond to urgent needs

Important Considerations

• Funding is one-off and responsive, not intended for ongoing operational costs
• Projects must deliver tangible, immediate benefits to the local community
• Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate collaboration with local partners
• AEDs or defibrillators must meet regulatory and public access standards

Why It Matters

The Flexi Grants Program ensures that urgent community needs are addressed quickly, supporting organisations that play a critical role in health, safety, and community resilience. It enables small, rapid interventions that can have a significant impact on local residents.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Clearly explain urgency and community benefit
• Provide a concise and realistic budget
• Highlight any volunteer or in-kind contributions
• Ensure any equipment meets regulatory and safety requirements
• Collaborate with community partners where possible

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply?

Incorporated associations, registered not-for-profits, charities, Public Benevolent Institutions, or unincorporated groups auspiced by eligible organisations within Mornington Peninsula Shire.

What types of projects are funded?

Urgent, one-off initiatives addressing community safety, health, or essential services, including lifesaving equipment.

How much funding can I request?

Up to $2,000 per project.

When is the application deadline?

4 June 2026 or until the available funding is fully allocated.

Can I apply for ongoing operational costs?

No. The program supports one-off urgent or essential projects, not ongoing operations.

Do AEDs need special approval?

Yes, they must be publicly accessible and registered with Ambulance Victoria.

What factors are considered in assessment?

Alignment with priorities, community impact, collaboration, project feasibility, and volunteer or in-kind contributions.

Conclusion

The Flexi Grants Program offers a rapid-response funding solution for organisations addressing immediate community needs in the Mornington Peninsula Shire. By providing up to $2,000 for essential initiatives, it strengthens local safety, health, and resilience while enabling impactful, community-focused action.