Darebin City Council’s Community Grants Program in Australia

Deadline: 31-May-25

Applications are now open for the Darebin City Council’s Community Grants Program.

The Community Grants can assist not-for-profit (NFP) groups and organisations to address the needs and issues within their community and support Darebin residents to address discrimination and/or exclusion.

Strategic Directions and Objectives

• Strategic Direction
  • Vibrant, Respectful & Connected
    • Strategic Objective
      • Develop partnerships with organisations from across the city, to value and include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from multicultural and diverse backgrounds
      • Help to build an inclusive and empowered community, where social cohesion and community harmony are fostered
      • Embrace diversity and ensure everyone is included in the society, and no one is left behind – by combating discrimination, and championing equity, inclusivity and diversity
      • They will increase social connection to reduce isolation and loneliness, and support positive mental health
      • Prevention of violence against women, and support gender equity
      • Prioritise and respect the voices and aspirations of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities in Darebin
      • Ensure festivals, events and functions are inclusive and respond equitably to, and value the diverse needs and aspirations of the community
      • Work towards a Darebin that is free of discrimination, and systemic racism. Reduce the impact of poverty and disadvantage
• Strategic Direction
  • Prosperous, Livable and Flourishing
    • Strategic Objective
      • Foster urban streetscapes and activity centers that connect the community, support economic recovery, and encourage people to live, work and play locally
      • They will support the human rights, housing and wellbeing needs of the people experiencing homelessness
      • They will work in partnership to address place-based socio-economic disadvantage and health inequity in East Preston and East Reservoir
      • They will advocate to reduce the harm associated with electronic machine gambling, alcohol and tobacco
      • They will support, promote, and attract diverse local businesses and industries.
• Strategic Direction
  • Climate, Green and Sustainable
    • Strategic Objective
      • They will adapt to climate change and build the resilience of the community, infrastructure and the built environment, with a focus on the vulnerable communities at risk of fuel poverty, and flooding
      • Educate the community and businesses on Climate emergency and zero carbon emissions
      • Regeneration, enhancement and protection of the natural ecosystems and biodiversity
      • Integrate ecological solutions into the built environment
      • Promote sustainable development and retrofitting practices that protect the natural assets.

Aims

• Each category has specific aims
  • Environment and sustainability 
    • Addressing climate change and/or the circular economy
    • Regenerate, enhance and protect natural ecosystems, waterways and biodiversity
    • Build new and/or enhance inter-generational and intercultural partnerships and collaborations between diverse communities.
  • Equity, inclusion & wellbeing 
    • Building an age friendly Darebin
    • Preventing harm from gambling
    • Promote safety, equality and respect for women, trans, non-binary and gender diverse people.
    • Improving access and inclusion for people with disability
    • Improving the wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities
    • Addressing disadvantage and promoting inclusion of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities including migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum
    • Promoting health and wellbeing of Darebin’s vulnerable population groups
    • Supporting equitable access and opportunities for the LGBTIQA+ community
    • Reduce the harm of racism and discrimination
    • Support partner and local community organisations, groups, and clubs to deliver initiatives that discourage smoking and vaping
  • Creative Projects – Artist Led Initiatives 
    • Encourage participation and social connection through art
    • Support creative industries, making Darebin a significant art and creative center
    • Contribute to equity within the community and recognising and celebrating the diversity of the Darebin community

Focus Areas and Priorities

• Youth Project Grant Focus Areas & Priorities
  • Essentials for life
    • poverty and facing cost of living pressures Supporting all children, young people and families to have their basic needs met, particularly those experiencing
    • Supporting young people to access secure and rewarding employment and career pathways
  • Inclusion & belonging
    • Making Darebin a community where everyone feels included, valued and connected
    • Welcoming and inclusive places and services for all
    • Opportunities to participate and connect
  • Health & wellbeing
    • Supporting physical activity for health, wellbeing and connection
    • Improving mental health and wellbeing and strengthening mental health supports
    • Connection to nature and access to thriving natural environments that support wellbeing
    • Affordable and accessible health services and supports.
  • Safety and independence
    • Physical, cultural, emotional and psychological safety in all settings and services
    • Safe streets and public spaces for all children, young people and families
    • Preventing family violence and keeping children safe from abuse and harm
    • Respecting and supporting young people’s independence, self-determination and right to make choices and take risks in order to learn, grow and build resilience.
  • Learning
    • Ensuring access to inclusive, safe, supportive and high-quality learning opportunities for all
    • Increasing active participation and engagement in learning across the lifespan
    • Supporting children and young people through their education journeys including through critical transition points
    • Preparing children and young people for the future.

Types of Grants

• The following grants programs are available under the Community Grants Program:
  • Small Grants Program
  • Medium Grants Program
  • Venue Hire Support Grants Program
  • Youth Projects Grants Program

Funding Information

• Small Grants Program (Up to $3,000 per application)
• Medium Grants Program (Up to $15,000 per application)
• Venue Hire Support Grants Program (Up to $8,000 per application)
• Youth Projects Grants Program (Up to $5,000 per application)

What can be funded? 

• Projects that promote active participation of Darebin residents, especially those who have been identified as ‘at risk’ of exclusion such as people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, women, young people, older adults, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people who are Deaf or with a disability, LGBTIQA+ people, residents on low incomes or experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage & recently arrived migrants, refugees and /or people seeking asylum.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be located or deliver activities within the City of Darebin
• A formally recognised not-for-profit2 organisation/group (Groups must be incorporated if applying for more than $2,000)
• A profit for purpose (social enterprise) community group/ organisation
• Not incorporated organisations/groups can apply for a Small Grant (up to $2,000) but must have a bank account name as the name of the organisation/group and demonstrate that they operate as not-for profit organisation
• Alternatively, groups applying for $3,000 or more may choose to find an incorporated organisation to auspice them for their project. Auspice organisations receive and manage funds on behalf of non-incorporated groups.
• A school. (Schools are also encouraged to partner with community groups in activities that benefit the wider community)
• Individual artists who lead community-based arts/cultural projects
• A current Public Liability Insurance certificate
• Provide an Incorporation Number
• Provide an ABN or completed Statement by Supplier form

Ineligibility Criteria

• The following are not eligible to apply:
  • Individuals (except artists applying for the Creative Projects – Artist Led Initiatives)
  • Political organisations
  • Religious organisations, applying with the purpose of promoting religion or proselytizing
  • Businesses or for-profit organisations
  • Applicants who have current Darebin funding agreements/grant and/or sponsorship programs for activities and services
  • Applicants who have not fulfilled the conditions for previous Council grants (including submitting acquittal reports) and/or have outstanding debts with Council

For more information, visit Darebin City Council.