CFPs: Connected Neighbourhood Small Grants (Australia)

The Connected Neighbourhoods Small Grants Program, offered by the City of Melbourne, supports community organisations and individuals to deliver activities that improve social connection, participation, access, and inclusion. Eligible applicants can receive up to $2,000 to support local initiatives that reduce isolation, strengthen neighbourhood relationships, and create more inclusive Melbourne communities.

About Connected Neighbourhoods Small Grants Program

The Connected Neighbourhoods Small Grants Program provides financial support for community-led activities that help people build relationships, participate in local life, and feel connected to their neighbourhoods.

The programme focuses on creating stronger communities by supporting initiatives that:

• Encourage community participation.
• Reduce loneliness and social isolation.
• Improve access and inclusion.
• Support diverse communities.
• Help residents respond to local needs and priorities.

The programme is designed to empower communities to develop solutions based on their own neighbourhood challenges.

Purpose of the Grant Programme

The main purpose of the Connected Neighbourhoods Small Grants Program is to strengthen community connection across Melbourne.

The programme supports activities that:

• Build relationships between neighbours.
• Increase community involvement.
• Improve equity and accessibility.
• Encourage diversity and inclusion.
• Create opportunities for people to participate in community life.

Priority is given to projects that address loneliness and social isolation, including initiatives that connect people living in apartment communities.

Priority Areas Supported

The programme particularly supports activities focused on:

Social Connection and Belonging

Projects may help:

• Bring neighbours together.
• Create community networks.
• Reduce loneliness.
• Encourage friendships and shared experiences.

Apartment Community Engagement

Priority may be given to activities that support people living in apartments by:

• Creating shared community experiences.
• Improving neighbour relationships.
• Increasing participation in local activities.

Community Participation and Inclusion

Projects should help residents:

• Access community opportunities.
• Participate in local activities.
• Feel included and valued.

Funding Information

The Connected Neighbourhoods Small Grants Program provides:

• Maximum grant amount: $2,000

Grant funds must:

• Be used only for approved purposes.
• Be spent within 12 months of receiving funding.

Eligible Activities

Funding may support activities that:

• Increase community participation.
• Strengthen neighbourhood connections.
• Promote inclusion and diversity.
• Address local community issues.
• Create opportunities for community engagement.

Examples may include:

• Community gatherings.
• Neighbourhood activities.
• Inclusion programmes.
• Social connection events.
• Local engagement initiatives.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit constituted organisations.
• Schools.
• Community leaders.
• Individual community members supported by their community.
• Body Corporate applicants.
• Owners Corporation applicants meeting programme conditions.

Applicants must:

• Be located within the City of Melbourne.
• Currently provide services or benefits within the City of Melbourne.
• Deliver activities that create outcomes for local communities.

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must:

• Meet programme eligibility requirements.
• Demonstrate community benefit.
• Focus on improving access and participation.
• Have no outstanding City of Melbourne debts.
• Have no incomplete grant acquittals.

Only one application per applicant is accepted each year.

Activities Not Funded

The programme does not support:

• Core operational costs.
• Capital works.
• Major purchases.
• Fundraising activities.
• Commercial or for-profit activities.
• Political lobbying.
• Religious activities.
• Other excluded activities listed in programme guidelines.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify a Community Need

Applicants should explain:

• The local issue being addressed.
• Who will benefit from the activity.
• Why the project is important for the neighbourhood.

Step 2: Design the Activity

The proposed activity should clearly demonstrate:

• Community participation.
• Social connection outcomes.
• Inclusion and accessibility.
• Local impact.

Step 3: Prepare a Budget

Applicants should provide:

• Activity costs.
• Funding requirements.
• Explanation of how grant money will be used.

The budget should match the size and scope of the proposed activity.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applicants must provide:

• Organisation or applicant details.
• Project information.
• Community benefit explanation.
• Budget details.
• Required supporting documents.

Application Assessment Process

Applications are assessed based on:

• Eligibility requirements.
• Alignment with programme objectives.
• Community need.
• Budget suitability.
• Expected community outcomes.

The assessment considers:

• How the activity improves participation and belonging.
• Connection with neighbourhood priorities.
• Level of community involvement.
• Whether the budget is realistic.

Requirements for Successful Applicants

Successful applicants must:

• Sign a funding agreement.
• Use funds only for approved activities.
• Complete reporting and acquittal requirements.
• Provide required documentation.
• Maintain evidence of project delivery.
• Acknowledge City of Melbourne support in promotional materials.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Strong neighbourhood connections improve community wellbeing and resilience.

Many people experience:

• Social isolation.
• Loneliness.
• Barriers to participation.
• Difficulty accessing community activities.

Community-led initiatives help create welcoming environments where people can:

• Meet others.
• Share experiences.
• Build support networks.
• Participate in local decision-making.

The Connected Neighbourhoods Small Grants Program helps communities develop practical solutions that strengthen belonging.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly describe the community need.
• Explain who will benefit.
• Highlight inclusion and accessibility.
• Show strong community involvement.
• Provide a clear and realistic budget.
• Demonstrate long-term community value.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Requesting funding for excluded activities.
• Providing unclear budgets.
• Failing to explain community benefits.
• Submitting incomplete information.
• Applying multiple times in the same year.
• Forgetting reporting requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Connected Neighbourhoods Small Grants Program?

It is a City of Melbourne grant programme that supports community activities promoting connection, participation, access, and inclusion.

How much funding is available?

Eligible applicants can receive up to $2,000.

Who can apply for this grant?

Not-for-profit organisations, schools, community leaders, supported individual community members, and eligible Body Corporate or Owners Corporation applicants can apply.

Where must projects take place?

Projects must be located within or provide benefits to communities in the City of Melbourne area.

Can individuals apply?

Yes. Individual community members may apply if they are supported by their community.

Can funding be used for operational costs?

No. The grant does not support core operational funding.

How long must grant funds be used within?

Approved funds must be spent within 12 months of receiving the grant.

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