Deadline: 14-Sep-2025
The City Partnerships Program provides funding for organisations or businesses to deliver Council-identified priorities through well-planned projects and programs, which may span multiple financial years. It is aimed at well-established organisations with a proven record of delivering relevant activities that align with Council’s strategic objectives and community needs.
The program seeks to build partnerships that advance priorities outlined in the Council Plan, Health and Wellbeing Plan, and other strategies. These priorities include conserving heritage, enhancing natural, cultural, and built assets, fostering sustainable growth, creating a healthy and connected community, supporting a strong local economy, providing community leadership, and promoting environmental and financial sustainability.
Funding is offered through two streams. The Community Stream is available to not-for-profit organisations based in Ballarat, focusing on community benefits such as participation, inclusion, and value for money. Applicants can receive up to $100,000 per financial year for a maximum of three years, ending in June 2029. The Commercial Stream is open to both businesses and not-for-profits, focusing on economic return for Ballarat. Funding starts from $20,000 with no upper limit, also available for up to three years.
Eligible activities must align with the City of Ballarat’s objectives and benefit the municipality. Ineligible activities include those that conflict with Council policies, duplicate existing services, take place outside the municipality without significant local benefit, or serve primarily as fundraising. Activities linked to unhealthy food, alcohol, gambling, tobacco, vaping, or those seeking retrospective funding are also excluded. Ongoing salaries are not funded, though contractor staffing for time-limited projects may be supported.
Not-for-profits can apply for both funding streams, while only businesses can access the commercial stream. Applicants for the community stream must be based in Ballarat. Ineligible applicants include unregistered entities, organisations with outstanding debts or previous non-compliance, politically purposed groups, government agencies, for-profit entities owned by City employees or their families, and individuals.
For more information, visit City of Ballarat.
