The South Gippsland Shire Council Community Grants Program provides financial assistance to community, volunteer, and not-for-profit organisations for projects, equipment, planning, festivals, and events that deliver lasting benefits to communities across the South Gippsland region.
The program supports the objectives of leading with integrity, developing a sustainable future, and empowering communities. It aims to support initiatives that contribute to the Council Plan, improve quality of life, heritage, recreation, and cultural opportunities, respond to community needs, reduce administrative burden on volunteers while promoting good governance and asset management, increase opportunities for volunteer organisations with limited access to funding, encourage community self-reliance, and support projects that align with the Council Plan and other Council strategies such as the Youth Strategy, Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Strategy, and Community Strengthening Strategy.
The Community Grants Program offers funding through four categories: Minor Projects & Equipment, Major Projects & Equipment, Planning & Development Reports, and Festivals & Events. Minor Projects & Equipment grants provide between $1,000 and $5,000, with Council contributing up to 50 percent of project costs. These grants support minor capital works, equipment purchases, and new or improved services but do not fund ongoing operational expenses.
Festivals & Events grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and require applicants to contribute at least 50 percent of project costs. Funding may support a series of events or activities conducted over a defined period.
Major Projects & Equipment grants provide between $5,000 and $10,000 with Council funding up to 50 percent of eligible project costs. These grants support significant capital works, equipment purchases, or the establishment of new or improved services. Applicants must discuss their proposal with the Grants Team before submitting an application and obtain approval to proceed. Detailed budgets and, where applicable, project designs are also required.
Planning & Development Reports grants provide between $5,000 and $10,000, with Council contributing up to 75 percent of project costs while applicants contribute at least 25 percent. These grants support research, business plans, master plans, feasibility studies, and other planning documents that strengthen future community-based projects or funding applications. Applicants are also required to consult with the Grants Team before submission.
The program is open to volunteer-managed community organisations, incorporated associations, Community Asset Committees, companies limited by guarantee, eligible social enterprises, and organisations that are auspiced by an incorporated body. Eligible applicants must be based within the South Gippsland Shire or demonstrate that they provide significant services to residents and deliver projects within the municipality.
Government-funded agencies such as schools, hospitals, and TAFE institutions are generally not eligible, although certain projects delivering broad community benefit may be considered. Community Houses, kindergartens, and preschools managed by volunteer committees may also apply for suitable community-focused projects after consultation with the Grants Team.
Eligible funding may be used for essential project materials and equipment, printing and promotional activities, venue hire, participation costs, community training, defibrillator start-up costs with evidence of ongoing maintenance, joint community projects, and catering excluding alcohol.
Applications are assessed based on the quality of responses provided, previous Council support, demonstrated financial or in-kind contributions, and overall alignment with Council priorities. Projects achieving a strong assessment ranking are considered for funding, although final funding allocations depend on available program resources and Council approval.
For more information, visit South Gippsland Shire Council.
