Community Funding Program gets a refresh for 2025/2026

Published on Tuesday, 5 August 2025 at 10:50:00 AM

The Town has streamlined and strengthened its Community Funding Program for the 2025/2026 financial year — making it easier than ever for locals to access support for meaningful projects.

With a refreshed structure, the program now features new funding streams, updates to existing offerings, and a clearer, more accessible approach to applying for support.

Designed to empower individuals, not-for-profits, businesses and community groups, the program offers a wide range of grants, donations and rebates across the following categories:

Grants

  • Art Grants
  • Arts Season Grants
  • Business Grants
  • Community Grants
  • Community and Sport Equipment Grants (formerly Community Grants)
  • Community Group Insurance Grants (new)
  • KidSport
  • Operating Subsidies
  • Place Grants
  • Sport Grants (formerly Sport and Sport Equipment Grants)
  • Urban Forest Grants

Donations

  • School Welfare Donations
  • Youth Donations (Individual and Sport)

Rebates

  • CCTV Partnership Program
  • Security Incentive Scheme
  • Adopt-a-Verge
  • Cloth Nappy Rebate
  • Reusable Sanitary Products Rebate
  • Street Meet and Greet

Key changes include:

  • The introduction of a new funding stream:
    - Community Group Insurance Grants
  • Updated financial contributions:
    - Community and Sports Equipment Grants now offers a 50% contribution (e.g. spend $4,000 and receive $2,000)
    - Youth and School Welfare Donations increased from 50% to 75% of the total cost (up to $300 for individuals, $500 for groups)
    - KidSport now offers $300 per financial year

Want help with your application? Drop-in sessions are available for one-on-one support, and the Town’s website is packed with helpful resources, success stories, and access to the SmartyGrants portal.

If you're a resident or ratepayer in the Town, this could be your opportunity to bring your project to life.

Learn more and apply now at vicpark.info/funding.

Funding and Grant Opportunities

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