Deadline: 25-Oct-24
The Regional Development Victoria (RDV) is accepting submissions for the Tiny Towns Fund to increase liveability, opportunity and prosperity by delivering better public places and spaces in these communities, providing facilities for local families, building community capacity and increasing visitation that benefits local businesses.
The Fund will support the delivery of community infrastructure and facilities projects in Victoria’s smallest towns.
Objectives
- The Tiny Towns Fund responds to the needs of local people and aims to increase liveability, opportunity and prosperity in small towns in Victoria.
- The fund will:
- support economic development within small towns as places where local businesses can thrive
- address gaps in community infrastructure and facilities in Victoria’s smallest communities
- build community pride and enhance living, working, socialising and recreation in small towns
- strengthen social cohesion and support the increased participation in community life and community inclusion of all residents, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians, people living with disability, LGBTQIA+ communities and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and isolated communities
- increase the capacity of community groups and local organisations to provide leadership and connect, service and engage residents in small towns.
Funding Information
- Applicants may seek a minimum of $5,000 and up to a maximum of $50,000 in grant funding per project (exclusive of GST).
Outcomes
- The desired outcomes for the Tiny Towns Fund for the short and long term are:
- small towns have better public places and spaces for increasing social and economic interaction from improved local infrastructure and facilities
- small towns have increased potential to attract more visitation and gain economic benefit
- community groups in small towns have increased capacity to engage residents and visitors in social and economic activity
- residents of small towns have a more positive perception of place and enhanced liveability
- small towns have enhanced economic, social, environmental, sport and wellbeing outcomes in regional Victoria
- small towns have increased participation in community life and higher community inclusion for all residents.
Geographic Focus
- The project must be located in one of the eligible 48 rural and regional Victorian council areas, or Alpine Resorts, or within one of the 10 interface councils of Casey City Council, Cardinia Shire Council, Hume City Council, Melton City Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Nillumbik Shire Council, Whittlesea City Council, Wyndham City Council and the Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
Eligible Activities
- Eligible infrastructure and facilities activities include:
- refurbishment and upgrades to community facilities and buildings including halls, libraries, community centres and sporting infrastructure and facilities, and hubs that will support local people and groups to connect better
- improvements of public spaces, activity centres and street beautification that encourage use including public art, street furniture, drinking fountains and greenery, the creation of community gardens, park upgrades and dog parks
- updates to local tourism attractions such as splash parks, hiking trails, paths and playgrounds to encourage visitation
- the improvement or creation of space to support community art, creativity and cultural spaces
- development or improvement of community gathering spaces, such as community gardens, amphitheatres or BBQ facilities
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant organisations must:
- hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Eligible applicants include:
- an Incorporated not-for-profit association
- a Victorian local government
- a Crown land Committee of Management
- a Victorian Alpine Resort
- Australian public companies limited by guarantee whose governing rules demonstrate a not-for-profit purpose
- an indigenous organisation incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006
- an industry association or business chambers; or
- a co-operative, registered in Victoria under the Co-operatives National Law.
Ineligibility Criteria
- The following types of applicants are not eligible to apply:
- Australian Government or Victorian or other state government agency or body
- a for-profit company
- an individual
- a sole trader
- an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust
- an individual partner on behalf of a partnership
- pre-school, primary and secondary schools
- an incorporated joint venture; or
- a consortia application with a lead organisation.
For more information, visit RDV.