Deadline: 28 February 2025
Funding Amount: Up to AUD 7,000
Funding Period: 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026
The Merri-bek City Council is now accepting applications for the Community Strengthening Grant Program. This initiative aims to support one-off community projects that enhance the Merri-bek Community by addressing critical areas such as social inclusion, environmental sustainability, healthy living, and vibrant community spaces.
Program Objectives
The program aligns with the Council Plan 2021–2025, focusing on:
- Environmental Sustainability
- Leading responses to the climate emergency.
- Protecting natural habitats for people, plants, and animals.
- Health and Safety
- Promoting safe, accessible ways to navigate Merri-bek through walking, cycling, and public transport.
- Inclusivity and Care
- Strengthening connections through equitable access to community services and programs.
- Vibrant Community Spaces
- Creating welcoming areas that foster artistic, social, and economic activity.
- Empowerment and Collaboration
- Encouraging community trust and engagement through transparency and partnerships.
Focus Areas
The funding will support projects targeting:
- Social Inclusion and Community Participation
- Environmental Sustainability
- Healthy and Active Living
- Creating Vibrant Spaces
Funding Priorities
Projects that address one or more of the following groups will receive higher assessment scores:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Migrant and refugee communities
- People with disabilities
- LGBTIQA+ communities
- Women
- Youth, seniors, and children
Program Principles
- Inclusion: Ensuring meaningful community engagement.
- Equity: Addressing barriers faced by disadvantaged groups.
- Impact: Delivering meaningful social change.
- Capacity Building: Empowering individuals and groups to shape their future.
- Collaboration: Encouraging strategic partnerships.
- Transparency: Maintaining accountability in processes and decisions.
Eligibility Criteria
For Organisations, Groups, and Clubs:
- Must be a Not-for-Profit organisation, group, or club.
- Be incorporated or auspiced by another incorporated organisation.
- Hold adequate public liability insurance.
- Have cleared previous Council grants and have no outstanding debts.
- Provide financial statements and other supporting documents.
- Comply with Local, State, and Federal laws.
For Individuals:
- Must be a Merri-bek resident.
- Show an invitation to participate in an activity by an organisation or group.
- Demonstrate financial barriers to participating in the activity.
Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: 28 February 2025
- Funding Period: 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Merri-bek City Council website. For further details and to access the application portal, visit:
Merri-bek Community Grants Program
Start planning your impactful project today and contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive Merri-bek Community!
