Community and Events Grants program

For your application to be eligible for consideration, you must adhere to the following:

• Your application aligns with the details set out in the guidelines below
• All sections of the online application are completed, you have attached your project plan and included all the necessary financial and insurance information
• Your group or organisation has confirmed contributions to the project, either cash or in-kind contributions
• Projects must be inclusive for people of all abilities
• Event applications must demonstrate the event is at a suitably planned and accepted stage prior to submitting your application   

Applications seeking funding under Sport and Recreation, Cultural and Arts and Environment and Sustainability categories may apply for up to $3000

Events seeking seed or growth funding under the Festivals and Events category may apply for up to $5000

All funds will be allocated to successful applicant on a two-for-one basis, meaning that Council will provide two dollars for each dollar contributed by the successful applicant

Sports and Recreation, Health and Wellbeing
Innovative or new projects that increase opportunities for participation in recreation and physical activity
Projects that increase access to sport and recreation for all demographics (women, people with disabilities, juniors etc.) and that address inequity through free or low-cost programs are highly encouraged

Culture and Arts    
Community art projects that support the development of quality arts initiatives and or/increase involvement and access to arts and culture for the community

Environment and Sustainability
Projects or activities that protect or enhance the local environment or work towards improving sustainability

Festivals and Events
Seed funding: supports the development of new events that demonstrate a strong community focus
Growth funding: supports existing events that demonstrate sustainability (financially and socially), have operated for more than three years, that provide significant benefits to the municipality and are able to provide post-event report from previous events to illustrate achieved outcomes and continuous improvement

The following will not be funded under the Council’s Community Grants Program:

• Capital or major maintenance work on a building or facility;
• General administration, wages or contracts, insurance premiums or debt payments;
• Projects funded under other programs supported by Council;
• Projects that have already commenced or events and activities that have already occurred;
• Recurrent funding for ongoing projects or projects that have already been funded
• Trade shows, conferences, teaching program/lecturers and guest speakers;
• Events or activities that have a political or religious purpose, or that exclude or offend parts of the community;
• Fundraising activities, prize money, trophy/medal production, awards, travel, accommodation and/ or catering

Applicants seeking to undertake works on a building or property must ensure that:

• The land owners consent is obtained if the applicant is not the land owner;
• Confirmation of Council consent for properties that are owned or managed by Council;
• Relevant planning and/or building approvals have been obtained (it is the responsibility of applicant to check and apply for any permits required)
• Site plan, aerial map and structural designs must be provided for any proposed building projects)
• Accessible

Event approval, permits and licenses:
All applicants may need to apply for specific approvals, permits and licenses to run their event. Applicants should discuss their project with the responsible agency eg: Council or a Victorian Government Department, prior to submitting their application.
Successful applications will be made conditional upon obtaining regulatory approvals. Further conditions may be specified in your funding agreement documents, and failure to meet the conditions of funding will void the agreement.

If your organisation is successful in receiving funding, payment will be made into your organisation’s nominated bank account once a signed name and address registration form is completed and all relevant documentation is received.

Funded groups will need to complete a grant acquittal report. Council can provide the templates. The acquittal report must be completed within 12 months from receiving your grant. The group will be ineligible for any further grants if this report is incomplete.

The Community Support Grant Program will be open for applications three - four times each year. It will be advertised through all media channels and directly with community clubs and groups.

• All applications must be made via Council’s online grant application form. This will be live when each round is open
• It is a requirement that all applications are discussed with the relevant Council Officer prior to applying.

Please contact Council on 5355 0200 for further information. 

Ararat Council - Community Grants
Telephone: 5355 0200
Email: [email protected]