Project grants
Funding is provided to community organisations for one-off project implementation and development that benefits and engages the Merri-bek community through community led initiatives.
Projects that increase participation, encourage volunteering, provide leadership opportunities and increase learning and skill development are encouraged. Submissions must provide evidence of a community need and a clear benefit to the wider Merri-bek community.
The grants program is targeted at not-for-profit incorporated community groups or groups auspiced by another incorporated organisation.
Community Grants Program guidelines (DOC 6Mb) provides further information about this grant category and other funding opportunities.
Application dates
- Next round of applications opens in August 2021
- Project to occur 1 January to 31 December 2022
Amounts available
Amounts up to $5,000 are available.
How to apply
Apply online at our grants website to complete and submit an application.
Duration
Funding is provided for a 12-month period. Project must occur within the time frame specified for the funding round.
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 or auspiced by another incorporated organisation
- 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
- 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 the Charter Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 and the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
What can be funded?
- Fees for temporary staff to implement a project/ activity i.e. project work, tutor. Artist, instructor, speaker or labourer.
- Advertising publicity and promotional costs.
- Venue or meeting room hire.
- Materials or other items essential to the project/activity.
- Equipment hire costs.
- Transport costs for activity participants.
- Volunteer support expenses.
- Costs to support participation or people with a disability with the project or activity.
- Communications, media and marketing.
- Projects that are auspiced by schools and kindergartens.
- More can be funded view the Community Grants Program Guidelines (DOC 6Mb)
What won’t be funded?
- Purchase of equipment, uniforms or capital expenditure.
- Payment of wages or salaries associated with project management or administration.
- Projects that are part of the organisation’s annual or regular program/activities or a duplication of an existing service or an on-going activity.
- Projects or events that are ticketed whereby generating an income from ticket sales.
- Activities where there is little or no community input demonstrated towards development of the project.
- More than one application by a group, organisation or individual in a financial year (with the exception where the organisation is the Auspicor)
- More won't be funded view the Community Grants Program Guidelines (DOC 6Mb).
Further information on the grants program, view the Community Grants Program Guidelines (DOC 6Mb).
How to apply
To apply online during opening times go to our grants website to complete and submit the application form.
See once you have received a grant for information about reporting and other requirements for grant recipients.
Complete a Project Variation form if you have been awarded a project grant and there are changes to your project email the Grants Officer to discuss the variations and request the form to be added to your online submission.