Turning community ideas into reality

IDEAS for community events can start small.

Sometimes they begin as a conversation between friends about a great idea, and just need some financial backing to get off the ground.

That’s exactly where the City of Greater Geelong’s Community Grants program comes in – we’re helping turn your ideas into reality.

Our grants support programs, activities and events that respond to a community need and improve the health, wellbeing and capacity of our community.

As a council we allocated just over $4 million of Community Grants in 2024/25 shared among 155 community groups.

Right now, two grant programs are open – the Positive Ageing Grants and Children’s Week Grants. While they focus on two very different age groups, both share the same goal of bringing people together.

Positive Ageing Grants

The Positive Ageing Grants are designed to help local seniors stay active, connected and engaged. With $24,000 available, groups can apply for grants of up to $1,000.

The goal is to support activities that encourage physical activity, promote mental health and wellbeing, strengthen social connections, recognise achievements, support positive ageing and foster intergenerational engagement.

Previous grant recipients have hosted a range of activities including dances, workshops, sporting activities and cultural experiences.

With approximately a third of Greater Geelong’s population aged 55 and over, promoting positive ageing is essential for building an inclusive community.

Applications for the Positive Ageing Grants are open now and will close at 5pm on Monday, May 26.

Children’s Week Grants

Children’s Week is an international event, designated by the United Nations and celebrated during the fourth week of October every year.

This year, Children’s Week will run from October 18 to October 26 and the week aims to celebrate play and discovery through a wide variety of fun, free and inclusive activities.

The City of Greater Geelong is offering grants of up to $1,000, from a total pool of $20,000, for creative ideas for events and activities that celebrate the health, development and well-being of children.

You can apply for a variety of events and activities such as yoga, cooking classes, parenting sessions on emotional health, nature-based activities, dance and road safety – or you may have a completely new idea.

These grants are an opportunity for local schools, community groups and not-for-profit organisations to host inclusive, family-friendly events.

Applications for Children’s Week Grants are open now and will close at 5pm on Monday, June 23.

Both grants play a vital role in fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. Whether it’s helping seniors stay active or celebrating the wellbeing of children, the impact of these grants is far reaching.

For more information on either of these grants or to apply, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/grants

For assistance with the application process, email the Grants team at [email protected] or phone 5272 5560.

Cr Trent Sullivan

Leopold Ward,

City of Greater Geelong