Deadline: 31-Aug-2026
The Community Infrastructure Grants program supports community-led infrastructure projects that improve access to public places, community spaces, and essential services. The program provides funding for both planning and capital works projects that promote community health, wellbeing, accessibility, and long-term infrastructure development.
What Are Community Infrastructure Grants?
The Community Infrastructure Grants program provides financial assistance for planning and delivering community infrastructure projects that benefit local communities. The program focuses on improving access to community facilities, public spaces, and services where they are needed most while creating environments that encourage positive health and wellbeing outcomes.
Funding is available for organizations that are planning future infrastructure projects or undertaking the renewal, upgrade, or construction of community assets.
Funding Information
The total funding pool available under the program is $1,500,000.
Planning Grants
Applicants may request:
- Up to $50,000
- Funding of up to two-thirds of the total project cost
Planning grants support the preparation and design of future community infrastructure projects.
Capital Works Grants
Applicants may request:
- Up to $300,000
- Funding of up to two-thirds of the total project cost
Capital Works grants support the construction, renewal, and improvement of community infrastructure.
Eligible Costs
Planning
Planning funding supports strategic planning and infrastructure design activities required before construction begins.
Eligible planning activities include:
- Strategic infrastructure planning
- Facility development plans
- Community infrastructure planning
- Concept designs
- Preliminary designs
- Detailed infrastructure designs
- Tender-ready construction documentation
Capital Works
Capital Works funding supports projects such as:
Renewal Projects
Projects that restore an existing community asset to its original condition.
Examples include:
- Repairing ageing facilities
- Restoring community buildings
- Rehabilitating infrastructure
Upgrade Projects
Projects that improve an existing asset beyond its original standard.
Examples include:
- Accessibility improvements
- Modernisation of facilities
- Expansion of existing infrastructure
- Functional improvements
New Infrastructure Projects
Funding is also available for projects that involve:
- Construction of new community facilities
- Development of new public infrastructure
- Creation of community buildings
- Development of shared community spaces
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
- Unincorporated groups with an auspice organization
- Registered charitable organizations
- Schools or learning institutions for non-curriculum activities that support wider community participation
Eligible Project Locations
Projects must involve community infrastructure located on:
- City-owned land
- City-managed land
- Crown land
- Land owned by the applicant organization
Who Is Not Eligible?
The following applicants are not eligible:
- Businesses
- Sole traders operating with an active ABN
- Individuals without an ABN
- Previous applicants with outstanding grant acquittals from the City
- Applicants who have not complied with the terms of a previous funding agreement
- Tenant clubs or organizations with unresolved breaches of the Victorian Code for Community Sport
- Organizations involved in insolvency, bankruptcy, or legal proceedings related to winding up operations
- Organizations with outstanding debt to the City of Greater Geelong
- Organizations involved in legal proceedings with the City of Greater Geelong
Why This Grant Matters
Community infrastructure plays an important role in creating healthy, inclusive, and connected communities. This funding program helps organizations develop facilities that improve quality of life and increase access to essential community services.
The program supports:
- Better access to community facilities
- Inclusive public spaces
- Improved health and wellbeing
- Stronger community participation
- Sustainable infrastructure development
- Long-term community resilience
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps before submitting an application:
- Confirm that your organization meets the eligibility requirements.
- Determine whether your project is a planning project or a capital works project.
- Ensure the project is located on eligible land.
- Prepare a detailed project plan and budget.
- Confirm that your funding request does not exceed two-thirds of the total project cost.
- Collect all required supporting documents.
- Submit the completed application before the closing date.
- If approved, deliver the project according to the funding agreement and reporting requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:
- Applying without meeting eligibility requirements.
- Requesting funding above the maximum limit.
- Forgetting that applicants must contribute at least one-third of project costs.
- Submitting incomplete budgets or supporting documents.
- Providing insufficient project planning information.
- Applying with outstanding grant acquittals.
- Failing to comply with previous funding agreements.
- Applying while involved in unresolved legal or financial proceedings.
Tips for a Strong Application
A competitive application should:
- Clearly explain the community need.
- Demonstrate measurable community benefits.
- Include a realistic project budget.
- Explain how the project improves community wellbeing.
- Include detailed planning or design documents where required.
- Demonstrate long-term sustainability.
- Ensure all eligibility requirements are fully met before applying.
Key Definitions
Community Infrastructure
Buildings, facilities, public spaces, and assets that support community services, recreation, education, and wellbeing.
Planning Grant
Funding that supports strategic planning, infrastructure design, and project preparation before construction begins.
Capital Works
Funding provided for constructing, renewing, upgrading, or expanding community infrastructure.
Renewal Project
A project that restores an existing asset to its original condition.
Upgrade Project
A project that improves an existing asset beyond its original standard by increasing functionality, accessibility, or quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of the Community Infrastructure Grants program?
The program provides funding for community-led infrastructure projects that improve access to public facilities, community spaces, and services while supporting health and wellbeing.
How much funding is available?
The total funding pool is $1,500,000.
- Planning Grants: Up to $50,000
- Capital Works Grants: Up to $300,000
Both grant categories can fund up to two-thirds of the total project cost.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include incorporated not-for-profit organizations, registered charitable organizations, unincorporated groups with an auspice, and eligible schools or learning institutions.
What types of projects are eligible?
Eligible projects include:
- Strategic infrastructure planning
- Facility development planning
- Infrastructure design
- Asset renewal
- Infrastructure upgrades
- Construction of new community facilities
Where can projects be located?
Projects must be located on:
- City-owned or managed land
- Crown land
- Land owned by the applicant organization
Who cannot apply?
Businesses, sole traders, individuals, organizations with outstanding grant acquittals, organizations that have breached previous funding agreements, and entities involved in insolvency or legal disputes with the City are not eligible.
Why is this grant important?
The grant helps communities build and improve infrastructure that increases accessibility, strengthens community participation, enhances wellbeing, and supports long-term community development.
Conclusion
The Community Infrastructure Grants program provides valuable financial support for organizations planning, upgrading, renewing, or constructing community infrastructure. With grants of up to $50,000 for planning activities and up to $300,000 for capital works, the program enables eligible organizations to deliver projects that improve public spaces, strengthen community services, and promote healthier, more connected communities. Careful planning, strong community outcomes, and compliance with the eligibility requirements can significantly improve the chances of securing funding.
For more information, visit City of Greater Geelong.