Grants to grow your group

OUR Community Grants deliver deserved funding to groups across Greater Geelong, and I’m pleased to announce that applications for this year’s program are now open.

The City has unlocked $2.85 million in funding for local community groups, not-for-profits, schools, businesses and individuals to support projects that benefit our region.

Our grants program spans Community Infrastructure, Arts Projects, Clean Economy, Climate Change Partnerships, Community Events, Environmental Sustainability, Community Strengthening, Community Equipment and Creative Seed categories.

In the Bellarine, many of our community groups were successful in the last round of funding.

Ocean Grove Film Society was able to get off the ground with a grant to purchase top-notch projection and sound equipment and a large roof-mounted screen for movie nights.

Our environmental groups received funding to support their work protecting our beautiful ecosystem here in the Bellarine.

Clifton Springs Curlewis Coastcare Group was successful in securing funding for its Community Habitat Restoration project. This project seeks to bring the community together to understand, improve and protect the biodiversity of the Clifton Springs Curlewis foreshore and waterways for future generations.

The Bellarine Catchment Network also received funding for its Nature Mentors program, with $8,700 supporting the connectivity of environmental volunteer groups across the region.

Our sports clubs received funding for vital infrastructure upgrades.

Ocean Grove Sporting Club secured $363,000 for upgrades to its football and cricket change rooms, catering to senior men and women and junior girls and boys.

Additionally, funding supported upgrades to the umpires’ facilities, expanding existing infrastructure to support female umpires.

Ocean Grove Tennis Club was also successful in its grant application, funding the upgrade of its pavilion.

This project championed inclusion in sport by adding a new accessible toilet and facilities to support a wheelchair tennis program.

It’s fantastic to see our grant recipients advocating for accessibility and female participation in sports across our region!

As a past recipient of Community Grants funding, I cannot understate the value of the program.

As an artist, prior to serving on Council, I was successful in my application in the 2021-22 round of funding, which enabled me to develop creative work that I could share with the community.

I know firsthand that grant writing can be a daunting task. So, if you are considering applying for a grant, I encourage you to attend one of our grant application workshops.

The City is hosting free information sessions and grant writing workshops at our Wurriki Nyal civic precinct, designed to help people understand the process and develop strong submissions.

The sessions will outline key eligibility criteria, explain any updates to the guidelines and help applicants determine which grant is right for their project.

A Community Infrastructure Grants session will take place at 6pm on Wednesday, August 6, followed by a hybrid session on Wednesday, August 20 where attendees can opt to dial in virtually.

All other categories will be covered in a session at 6pm on Thursday, August 7 with additional hybrid sessions scheduled for Wednesday, August 13 and Thursday, August 14.

Our team are incredibly supportive throughout the application process, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

I look forward to seeing the outcomes of this year’s Community Grants program.

To register for a session, head to geelong.link/Grants

Cr Elise Wilkinson

Connewarre Ward,

City of Greater Geelong