Grants to help your community thrive
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Our Community Grants Program is here to support the people and groups who make our neighbourhoods such vibrant places to live. Whether you're running a community project, organising activities that bring people together, or simply keeping a local group going, there may be funding available to help.
Our Community Grants Program
Andrew Stark manages The Bike Shed at CERES in Brunswick, where volunteers repair and redistribute donated bikes, and secondhand bikes find new homes through weekend sales. A Community Strengthening Grant from Merri-bek Council in 2025 gave the shed a real boost.
“Last year we got 100 bikes out for charity,” Andrew says. “The grant meant we could make sure every single one had a helmet, light set and lock to go with it. We also used some of the grant money to buy repair tools. It’s been really helpful.”
The grant gave the shed the financial security to explore what it could do.
“This year,” Andrew adds, “even without the grant, we’re pretty much getting the same amount of bikes ready. It just gave us the push and the confidence to really get there.”
Grants currently open
Community Participation Grant
Got a community idea that can’t wait? This grant provides quick-response funding for programs and activities that build participation and connection, including projects that fall outside the usual annual grants cycle. Community groups and organisations can apply for up to $3,000 per project.
Membership Activity Grant
If you’re part of a local incorporated group that meets regularly to tackle isolation and keep community life active, this grant is for you. Eligible Merri-bek-based groups can receive up to $3,000 per year for 3 years — helping cover the everyday costs that keep a group running, from transport and refreshments to insurance and shared meals.
To find out more or apply, visit our Community Grants Program page