Support for Grant Applicants

Support for Grant Applicants

The Merri-bek Community Grants Program gives financial support to community led initiatives and collaborative projects that demonstrates multiple benefits and focuses directly on the Merri-bek community.

This grants program is targeted at not-for-profit incorporated community groups or groups auspiced by another incorporated organisation.

Free training for volunteers is available to volunteer-led committees and community groups in Merri-bek, the training is completed online at a time convenient to you. Read more and register here to get started.

Community Grant Information Sessions

Key application dates

All year-round grants

Annual grants

  • To support projects that enhance the Merri-bek Community and aim to address areas such as social inclusion and community participation, environmental sustainability, healthy and active living and creating vibrant spaces.

    Funding amount: Up to $7,000

    Applications open 3 January 2023
    Applications close: 3 March 2023
    Notification: May 2023

    Find out more about this category.

    Read the guidelines here.

  • To support newly established organisations or groups over three years to grow and become independent.

    Funding amount: Up to $10,000 per annum for 3 years

    Applications open 3 January 2023
    Applications close: 3 March 2023
    Notification: May 2023

    Find out more about this category.

    Read the guidelines here.

  • This funding supports changes to community facilities or assets that will help community members participate more in community life.  Priority is support community-led projects that increase community access and participation, demonstrate collaboration between groups and result in greater use of facilities.

    Plans, permits or site audits may be required, depending on the project.

    Funding amount: Up to $10,000

    Applications open 3 January 2023
    Applications close: 3 March 2023
    Notification: May 2023

    Find out more about this category.

    Read the guidelines here.

  • To support larger improvements to facilities that will help local people participate more in community life. This is a two stage process.

    This category Typically requires planning and building permits to proceed. Applicant must contribute 25% of total value of project

    Expressions of Interest
    Open times: March - November
      - Interview with Council officers must be conducted: March - November.

    Applicants must submit an Expression of interest during open times to be considered eligible to submit a full application between January to March. 

    Notification of full application outcome is May 2023.

    Funded Amount: Up to $40,000

    Find out more about this category.

    Read the guidelines here.

Talk with a Council Officer  

  • Test your idea: Speak to one of our staff about your application. They can help to develop your ideas and provide guidance on Council’s priorities.

    • Contact us at communitygrants@moreland.vic.gov.au with a brief outline of your idea and the grants team will respond and connect you with the most appropriate Council officer to speak with about your funding idea.

     

  • Language Link is a telephone service that provides recorded information in nine common community languages:  Arabic, Cantonese, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Mandarin, Punjabi, Turkish and Vietnamese.

    It also provides trained interpreters to help residents and staff talk to each other in any language.

    The Victorian Interpreting and Translating Service (VITS) runs the Language Link service for Merri-bek Council.

    Contact us to use this service.

  • If you are deaf or have difficulty with hearing or speech, you can use the National Relay Service to contact Council.

    National Relay Service 1300 555 727. Ask for 9240 1111. Read more on their website here.

Guidelines and forms in other formats  

    • Other languages: We can offer the application form and guidelines in other languages, as well as translation services. Contact us to receive an application form in another language.
    • Other formats: We offer printed paper-based applications for those that need them.
    • Technical difficulties? If you have any technical challenges with your online application,

    Contact us for assistance.

Other people that can help and support

  • Council suggests speaking with your closest Neighbourhood House that can provide additional support to groups that work with migrant and refugee groups.

    View more information here.

  • Information sessions and workshops: We offer information sessions and workshops. Click here for session dates and bookings.

  • Auspice organisations: can provide support and help to unincorporated organisations applying to this program. Read  Frequently Asked Questions for more about auspicing for your group and other information that may help you.

 

For further information about the grants program or to ask a question email the Grants Officer or speak with the relevant contact officer outlined in the Community Grants Program Guidelines (PDF). You can also join the grants mailing list for updates.

How to apply

See our Applying for community grants page for further details about the application process including information on reporting and other requirements for grant recipients.

View and apply for all funding opportunities online through the grants website.

Other funding opportunities

Arts Grants - We also have a range of funding opportunities for the creative sector including the Flourish Arts Recovery Program. Read more at our Arts Grants page.

Business Support - Funding advise and support for businesses, please visit our Business support and programs page or email Economic Development for advice about small business funding opportunities.