Grants back big ideas, local changemakers

THE City of Greater Geelong’s community grants program will launch for another year this weekend, with funding available to local groups across ten different funding streams, including infrastructure, the creative industries and wellbeing.

The program, set to launch tomorrow (Saturday, July 26), supports projects, programs, activities and events that respond to community need, and this year $2.85 million in funding is available to local groups, not-for-profit organisations, individuals, schools and businesses eager to deliver projects that will improve the health, wellbeing and capacity of the Geelong community.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the grants program is a vital source of support for local initiatives and ideas.

“The community grants program is one of the most powerful ways we can invest in our people,” he said.

“It supports local creativity, innovation and connection, helping grassroots ideas grow into real outcomes that benefit the whole region.

“Whether it’s a new piece of equipment, an arts project, a climate change solution or a community event, these grants make a lasting difference across Greater Geelong.”

To help applicants understand the process and develop strong submissions, the city will host a series of free information sessions and grant writing workshops through next month.

The information sessions will be held in-person at the Wurriki Nyal civic precinct in Mercer Street, and will outline key eligibility criteria and guideline updates, and help applicants determine which grant is right for their project.

The session covering the community infrastructure grant stream will be held on Wednesday, August 6 from 6pm, while a session on Thursday, August 7 will tackle all other grant categories.

Grant writing workshops will follow, each offering guidance on how to write a strong submission, covering common pitfalls to avoid and the elements that make an application successful.

The session for the community infrastructure grant steam will be held on August 20 from 6pm. It will be a hybrid event, held both online and in-person at Wurriki Nyal.

Grant writing sessions for the remaining funding streams will all be held online, on either August 11, August 13 or August 14.

Councillor Eddy Kontelj encouraged the community to take advantage of the sessions.

“Whether you are applying for the first time or looking to refine your approach, these workshops are a great way to build confidence and clarity,” he said.

“The grants program is an important way for council to partner with the community and help bring grassroots ideas to life.”

For more information about the grants available through the program, or to register for a free information session, head to geelong.link/Grants