Deadline: 30-Jun-2027
The Merri-bek Community Participation Grant supports community groups and individuals to participate in activities that strengthen community engagement, build skills, improve knowledge, and create positive personal and community outcomes. Community groups can receive up to AUD 3,000, while eligible individuals can receive up to AUD 750 for approved non-ongoing participation and development activities.
About the Merri-bek Community Participation Grant
Merri-bek City Council provides the Community Participation Grant to help residents participate in community life through community projects and individual development opportunities.
The grant focuses on increasing community participation, strengthening skills and knowledge, and creating opportunities for residents to take part in meaningful activities.
Supported activities may include:
- Artist and cultural events
- Sporting competitions
- State-level events and forums
- National events and forums
- International events and forums
- Leadership development opportunities
- Professional development activities
- Other participation activities that build community capacity
Grant Funding
The Community Participation Grant provides funding through two categories:
- Community Groups: Up to AUD 3,000.
- Individuals: Up to AUD 750.
Funding is intended for non-ongoing activities that provide clear participation, development, or community benefits.
Community Group Grants
Not-for-profit community groups can apply for up to AUD 3,000 to support eligible community participation projects and activities.
Preference is given to projects that:
- Address the Community Grants Objectives and Funding Priorities.
- Respond to demonstrated community needs.
- Increase community participation.
- Build skills, knowledge, and community capacity.
- Are planned and delivered collaboratively by community groups and organisations.
- Create meaningful benefits for the wider Merri-bek community.
Community groups should clearly explain the purpose of the activity, who will participate, and how the proposed project will contribute to community outcomes.
Individual Grants
Eligible individuals can apply for up to AUD 750 to participate in an achievement or development activity in their chosen area of expertise.
Individual applicants must:
- Be residents of Merri-bek.
- Have been selected to participate in an eligible achievement or development activity.
- Demonstrate financial barriers that may prevent or limit participation.
- Show commitment to their chosen area of endeavour.
- Explain how participation will benefit the Merri-bek community.
- Provide information about the selection process for the activity.
The individual grant is intended to help residents access meaningful opportunities that may contribute to their personal development while also creating broader community benefits.
Who Is Eligible?
The grant has different eligibility requirements for community groups and individuals.
Community groups must:
- Be not-for-profit community groups.
- Propose eligible non-ongoing activities.
- Demonstrate alignment with the Community Grants Objectives and Funding Priorities.
- Show a clear community need or benefit.
Individual applicants must:
- Live in Merri-bek.
- Have been selected for an eligible activity or opportunity.
- Demonstrate a financial barrier to participation.
- Demonstrate commitment to their chosen field or area of expertise.
- Explain the expected benefit to the Merri-bek community.
What Does the Grant Support?
Funding can support non-ongoing activities that enable residents to participate, develop skills, build knowledge, or engage with the community.
Examples include:
- Participation in cultural and artistic events.
- Sporting competitions.
- State, national, and international forums.
- Leadership development programs.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Activities that strengthen community skills and capacity.
- Other eligible participation and development opportunities.
The funding is intended for participation and development activities rather than ongoing education or regular operational expenses.
What Is Not Eligible?
School, tertiary, and TAFE studies are not eligible for funding under this grant.
Coaches and support staff are also not considered participants for the purposes of the funding.
Applicants should ensure that the proposed activity is a non-ongoing participation or development opportunity and meets the grant’s eligibility requirements before applying.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted throughout the year while funding remains available.
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Identify an eligible activity: Confirm that the proposed activity supports community participation, skills development, knowledge building, or individual development.
- Check eligibility: Determine whether the application is being submitted as a community group or individual and confirm the relevant requirements.
- Prepare supporting information: Community groups should explain the community need and expected outcomes. Individuals should provide details of the selection process, financial barriers, commitment, and community benefit.
- Submit the application: Applications must be submitted to Merri-bek City Council at least four weeks before the activity or event.
- Wait for assessment: Applications are assessed against the relevant grant requirements and available funding.
- Deliver the activity: Successful applicants must use the funding for the approved purpose.
- Complete acquittal: An Evaluation and Acquittal Report must be submitted within one month after the funded project or activity ends.
Application Timing
Applications can be submitted throughout the year.
However, funding is limited and applications remain open only until available funds are exhausted.
Applicants must submit their application at least four weeks before the proposed activity or event. Applying early is therefore important to allow sufficient time for assessment and decision-making.
What Should Applicants Demonstrate?
A strong application should clearly explain:
- What the proposed activity is.
- Why participation is important.
- Who will benefit from the activity.
- How the activity addresses community needs.
- What skills, knowledge, or experience participants will gain.
- How the activity contributes to community participation.
- How the activity aligns with the Community Grants Objectives and Funding Priorities.
- What benefits the activity will create for Merri-bek residents.
Individual applicants should additionally explain their selection process, financial barriers, commitment to their field, and expected community contribution.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying for an ongoing activity rather than a non-ongoing opportunity.
- Submitting an application less than four weeks before the activity.
- Applying for school, tertiary, or TAFE study costs.
- Failing to demonstrate a clear community benefit.
- Providing insufficient evidence of financial barriers for individual applications.
- Failing to explain the selection process for an individual achievement or development activity.
- Submitting an application after available funding has been exhausted.
- Failing to submit the required Evaluation and Acquittal Report after completing the funded activity.
Why the Community Participation Grant Matters
The Merri-bek Community Participation Grant helps remove financial barriers that can prevent residents and community groups from accessing valuable participation and development opportunities.
By supporting cultural, sporting, leadership, professional, and community activities, the grant can help residents build skills, expand networks, increase participation, and contribute more actively to community life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding is available through the Merri-bek Community Participation Grant?
Community groups can apply for up to AUD 3,000, while eligible individuals can apply for up to AUD 750.
Who can apply for the community group category?
Not-for-profit community groups can apply for eligible non-ongoing community participation activities that meet the grant objectives and funding priorities.
Can individuals apply for funding?
Yes. Merri-bek residents can apply for up to AUD 750 if they have been selected to participate in an eligible achievement or development activity.
What activities can the grant support?
The grant can support participation in activities such as cultural and artistic events, sporting competitions, state, national and international forums, leadership development, and professional development opportunities.
Can the grant pay for school or university studies?
No. School, tertiary, and TAFE studies are not eligible for funding.
When should applications be submitted?
Applications are accepted throughout the year until available funds are exhausted. Applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the proposed activity or event.
What reporting is required after receiving funding?
Successful applicants must submit an Evaluation and Acquittal Report within one month after the funded project or activity has ended.
Conclusion
The Merri-bek Community Participation Grant provides financial assistance for community groups and individuals seeking to participate in meaningful development, cultural, sporting, leadership, and professional opportunities. With funding of up to AUD 3,000 for community groups and AUD 750 for individuals, the program helps strengthen participation, skills, community capacity, and positive outcomes for Merri-bek residents.
For more information, visit Merri-bek City Council.
