Grassroots group grants up for grabs

APPLICATIONS for grants of up to ten thousand dollars are now open as part of the latest round of the City’s 2025/2026 Community Medium Grants category.

City of Greater Bendigo manager community partnerships Andie West said each year council allocates approximately $850,000 through the program and its various categories.

“It’s an important program and we want to see as many groups as possible accessing funding through (it),” she said.

“The medium grants category help(s) community groups afford things that are essential for them to function and that support activities that will align with the aims of the Greater Bendigo’s Council Plan 2025-2029 or a local community plan.

“The program is fantastic for local groups as they would often not be able to undertake important activities without this funding.”

To be considered, applicants must be a registered legal entity such as an incorporated association.

However, informal groups or individuals can submit an application via an auspice (umbrella) organisation.

Before applying, groups should consider if there’s a clear need for their activity, if there’s community support for their activity and if they have the resources needed to deliver the activity.

The City recommends that groups schedule an appointment with a community strengthening officer to discuss their project.

Fifteen local groups shared a total of $116,656 in funding from the last round of the Program’s Medium Grants category, including Bendigo Foodshare ($9774), the Discovery Science and Technology Museum ($8730), the Bendigo Agricultural Show Society ($6156) and the Star Cinema Community Association ($5320).

Applications for this round close at 3pm on Wednesday 27 August and can be submitted via the COGB website.