Council opens 23-24 Grants program

OVER $3.9 million is up for grabs for community organisations across a range of sectors after the City of Greater Geelong opened up its 2023-24 Community Grants applications on Saturday (June 3).

This year’s grants program features 13 different grant streams across the arts, events, cultural, sporting, recreation, heritage, and environmental sustainability sectors.

Community members can obtain small grants as little as $500 to assist grassroots activities, or up to $350,000 to begin shovel-ready community infrastructure projects.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said not-for-profit community organisations create more equitable and thriving communities across greater Geelong.

“The work they do is key to increasing community connection, capacity, access and participation,” Cr Sullivan said.

“Despite the current difficult economic climate, we’re committed to supporting not-for-profit community projects, events and activities that contribute to building healthy, vibrant and sustainable communities.”

Community infrastructure grants will total $2.7 million for improvements to community facilities and meeting places.

Grants of up to $10,000 will go towards supporting community projects, events, programs, activities, or equipment purchases across the areas of arts, environment, and community health, well-being, and connections.

The climate change partnership grant is running for a second straight year with $130,000 earmarked for groups to deliver larger-scale projects.

The city’s First Nations cultural heritage grants are also back this year with a funding pool of $90,000 for projects that recognise, restore, protect, and preserve Aboriginal culture.

Up to $40,000 is available per application to assist with conservation works for Geelong’s heritage buildings or streetscape projects contributing to the visual character of the city, featuring a total funding pool of $90,000.

Acting CEO Kaarina Phyland said community initiatives and event projects contribute to the community’s improved health and wellbeing.

“The projects we fund make our environment healthier, help people be more connected, support vulnerable community members and overall make our communities better places to live,” she said.

A specific grant information for the Community Infrastructure Grants is taking place on Wednesday, June 14 at 5.30pm for a 5.45pm start to 7pm, at Wurriki Nyal (137-149 Mercer St, Geelong). Those interested can register via https://geelong.link/GrantsSession2

On June 20, a grant writing workshop at Wurriki Nyal will inform the community of tips to make an application successful.

More information about this year’s community grants and when applications close, can be found at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/grants/