Deadline: 27-Jun-2025
The Hobsons Bay Community Fund (HBCF) is now inviting applications for its 2025 Community Support Grants. This funding opportunity aims to foster a fair, inclusive, and vibrant community by supporting initiatives that promote social inclusion and equitable access to community participation.
The grants will support a wide range of focus areas that reflect the diverse needs of the Hobsons Bay community. These include projects addressing access to food and housing security, equal opportunities for youth in education and employment, and emergency aid. The program also seeks to uplift culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups, refugees and asylum seekers, and individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities.
Support is also available for socially marginalised cohorts, initiatives enhancing physical and mental health and wellbeing, and programs promoting positive ageing. Projects focused on environmental sustainability and arts and culture-based activities are equally encouraged to apply.
For the 2025 grant cycle, HBCF has allocated a total funding pool of approximately $60,000. Applicants may request grants ranging from $500 to $10,000. However, those seeking amounts over $5,000 are advised to first consult with a member of the HBCF Grants Subcommittee.
Eligible applicants include non-profits, community groups, clubs, schools, neighbourhood houses, and other organisations delivering services or programs within Hobsons Bay. While for-profit entities are generally not eligible, exceptions may be made if the project is charitable in nature and implemented in partnership with a not-for-profit or community group. In such cases, a discussion with the HBCF Grants Subcommittee before applying is required.
To qualify, community initiatives must primarily benefit residents of Hobsons Bay. Applications from sporting clubs will only be considered if the sporting activity supports a charitable purpose or is incidental to one.
Some types of applications are ineligible. These include submissions from individuals, proposals for projects that will be delivered outside Hobsons Bay, and applications from sporting clubs that do not serve a charitable goal. Projects involving ongoing operational or recurring costs such as wages, utilities, or rent are not eligible. Similarly, capital projects, general fundraising appeals, and proposals that could be supported through more suitable alternative funding sources are not within the scope of this grant. Additionally, organisations that have previously received HBCF funding and failed to submit a satisfactory Acquittal Report will not be considered.
This grant program presents a meaningful opportunity for local organisations to bring positive change to the Hobsons Bay community, especially for those groups and individuals who are often underrepresented or face systemic barriers to inclusion.
For more information, visit HBCF.