Membership Activity grants

Membership Activity grants meet the specific needs of Merri-bek based incorporated community groups who meet on a regular basis to address issues of isolation and promote active community involvement.

This grant category funds expenses associated with membership activities such as transport costs, refreshments, insurance, dinners and general day-to-day expenses.

Community Grants Program guidelines (DOC 6Mb) provides further information about this grant category.

To apply online go to our grants website to complete and submit an application.

Application dates

Applications are open during the financial year for this grant category until funds are expended.

Amounts available

Funding up to $2000

$1000 for groups with up to 20 members
$1500 for groups with 21 to 60 members
$2000 for groups with over 60 members

Funding levels allocated will be based on: the membership numbers as above; the level of in-kind support from Council; the groups limited ability to fund expenses; and activities offered to members. e.g. free use of Council facility, exercise classes.

Duration

Throughout the year. Groups can make one application every 12 months.

General eligibility criteria

To apply for funds through any one of the categories of the Merri-bek Community Grants Program, organisations must:

be not-for-profit and managed by a volunteer board or committee of management
be incorporated
have adequate public liability insurance
have no outstanding grant acquittals or outstanding debts owing to Council
propose an initiative which will benefit the Merri-bek community and be located in Merri-bek
be able to supply financial statements and information as requested
be able to meet conditions associated with receiving the grant, and
demonstrate the proposed activity is consistent with Local, State and Federal laws including Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995.

General funding priorities

The Merri-bek Community Grants Program will prioritise support where:

The applicant's proposed activity focuses and directly benefits the Merri-bek community and occur within Council boundaries.
The applicant is providing a proposed activity that aligns with Council’s corporate objectives, priorities and strategies set out in the Council Plan.
The applicant has limited financial means to access other sources of funding.
The applicant has sought funding or in-kind support from other sources, where the applicant is deemed to be in a position to do so; with the exception of seniors groups.
The proposed activity maximises community benefit i.e. that can demonstrate multiple benefits, which may include cultural, environmental, heritage, health and wellbeing, social support and community participation outcomes.
The applicant is not already in receipt of substantial funding or in-kind support from Council. i.e. free venue hire, transport, with the exception of seniors groups.
The applicant can demonstrate the proposed activity is consistent with Local, State and Federal laws including Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995.
The applicant can demonstrate the proposed activity address the needs of residents with limited access to programs, services and activities.
The proposed activity incorporates collaboration or partnering with other groups.
The applicant clearly demonstrates their capacity to deliver the project.
Low priority will be given to large organisations that have significant sources of income or receive funding from other government or charitable organisations and have the financial capacity to fund projects.
The applicant must demonstrate that the organisation is sustainable and not dependent on continued Council financial support beyond the period of the grant.
Council may stipulate other priorities as part of the funding agreement.