Backing the people who make a difference

COMMUNITY Grants, big and small, are making a huge difference for residents in Geelong’s northern suburbs.

Whether it’s a festival, a game-changing upgrade for your club, or just tools, sporting equipment or even a new fridge, these grants are helping local organisations and residents continue the incredible work they do every day.

One of the biggest winners in Corio ward for 2025–26 was Geelong Pool Club, which received a $250,000 Community Infrastructure Grant to expand its clubrooms.

The project will create a larger, more accessible and functional space for members and visitors, ensuring the club can continue to grow for years to come.

But it’s not only larger grants making a difference. Some of the most meaningful outcomes come from relatively modest investments.

Hand and craft tools for the Northern Geelong Community Women’s Shed, barbecue equipment for the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative and a replacement fridge for the Serbian Parish Youth Club are all practical purchases that will benefit hundreds of locals.

Throughout 2025–26, our Community Events and Christmas grants helped bring people together to celebrate the diversity that makes our northern suburbs such vibrant places to live.

I had an absolute blast joining thousands of residents enjoying events like Gateways Easter Family Fun Festival, Winter Solstice in the North, Cultura’s Refugee Week Festival and Northern Carols, just to name a few.

I’m proud of the council’s support of these and so many other events that strengthen community connection while showcasing the rich mix of cultures and traditions that make Geelong’s north such a welcoming place.

We’re also investing in opportunities for children and young people to learn, play and thrive through our 2025–26 Children’s Week grants.

Nature play, Filipino dance workshops, children’s discos, karaoke and wellbeing programs are all creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can build friendships, confidence and lifelong memories.

Our Arts Grants are helping local artists tell the unique stories that shape our community, supporting everything from interactive exhibitions and short films to a play inspired by the stories of Geelong’s early Chinese migrants.

Sport and recreation are other big winners, with grants supporting inclusive swimming programs, hockey participation and other initiatives encouraging people of all ages and abilities to get active and stay connected.

These projects all have one thing in common – they began with local people noticing something missing in their community and putting in the work to make it happen.

Now that you’ve heard about their incredible work across our northern suburbs, it’s over to you!

Do you have the next big idea for a community event or initiative? Or some equipment or an upgrade to take your club to the next level?

If so, the 2026–27 Community Grants are now open!

While preparing a grant application can feel daunting, the City of Greater Geelong’s Community Grants team is here to help.

To discuss your project or get help with the application process, you can contact the team at [email protected] or on 5272 5560, or access a range of useful resources at geelong.link/community-grants

Community Grants are driven by the people and organisations that know the needs of our communities best.

The next great community success story could start with a simple idea and a grant application. So dream big, get involved and let’s keep building an even Greater Geelong together.