Supporting the moments that bring us together

WE often talk about the importance of staying connected, especially as we age, and with feelings of loneliness on the rise across the region, it’s important we do all we can to foster social connection.

The Geelong Preventative Health Survey gives us a useful snapshot of how people are experiencing life across the region, including levels of connection, wellbeing and participation in community life.

While the study found a quarter of the community as whole is experiencing loneliness, the number changes by demographic as well as geographical area.

In suburbs like Highton and Belmont, the number fell to around 18 per cent, placing it among the lowest rates in the region.

I think a big part of that is down to the strength of our community groups and the role they play in keeping our residents feeling connected with one another.

Council’s Community Grants are designed to support investment in grassroots ideas to strengthen those day-to-day connections.

There are currently two Community Grant categories open for application: the Positive Ageing Grants and the Community Events Quick Response Grants.

The 2026–27 Positive Ageing Grants provide funding for activities that bring people aged 55 and over together in ways that are practical and easy to take part in.

People aged over 55 now make up close to a third of our community and Geelong is not unique in the trend towards an ageing population.

Organisations and community groups can propose a diverse range of activities and events in their grant applications.

Examples of events that might spark interest and drive positive social and health outcomes include exercise classes, digital learning lessons, gardening workshops, swing dancing or a concert.

Last year, the Geelong Pickleball Club used a Positive Ageing Grant to run free sessions helping older residents try something new while improving fitness and social connection.

A total grant budget of $29,582 is available, including $24,000 from the City’s grants budget and $5,682 provided by the state government’s Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to support Seniors Week events in 2026.

Applicants can apply for up to $1,000 with a preference given to free or low-cost activities.

You don’t need to be a large or established organisation, we are keen to hear from new groups and first-time applicants.

Hurry, these grants close at 5pm on 25 May and late applications cannot be accepted, so if you have an idea for an event, please start your applications soon.

There is also support available for events that do not neatly fit within the usual funding timelines.

The Community Events Quick Response Grants are designed for situations where an opportunity comes up unexpectedly or a funding commitment is needed before the next round opens.

They can assist with practical costs such as venue hire, equipment, staging and security for public events expected to attract more than 300 people.

Applications for these grants close on 31 May. A total grant budget of $62,000 is available and grants will be allocated on a first-in, first-served basis to applicants assessed as eligible until the closing date or when available funding is fully allocated, whichever comes first.

If you are part of a local group or have been thinking about putting something together, it is well worth taking a closer look at what’s currently available.

To discuss your project or get help with the application process, contact Council’s Grants team at [email protected] or call 5272 5560.

For full details on all available community grants, visit geelong.link/Grants