Shortstack: grants and opportunities

New grants for our tiniest towns

Towns across the state can apply for funding to deliver local projects that will make a huge impact in their town.

Tiny Towns Fund offers grants between $5000 and $50,000 to deliver community infrastructure, facilities, and capability-building projects – such as hiking trails, splash parks, playgrounds, community hall and library upgrades and public art.

Applications can come from community and non-profit groups and councils in towns with under 5000 people across regional Victoria and the 10 interface council areas. Round one closes in February 2024, with further rounds to open from next year.  For more information visit rdv.vic.gov.au/tiny-towns-fund.

Kids get active

The Kids Active Travel Program, which provides funding of up to $680,000 for eligible projects that support primary school children to walk or ride to school.

Local councils and organisations will team up with local primary schools to deliver activities that promote active travel.

Examples of activities include before and after school walking and riding groups, bike education and maintenance sessions, installing bike storage at school, increasing signage, and using technology to confirm students’ safe arrival at school.  For more information about the program, visit sport.vic.gov.au.

Council community grants

Community Grants 2024 Round 1 is open until Friday, March 8, 2024. Council encourages community groups across Bass Coast to take inspiration from the great projects funded in 2023 for an exciting 2024 of new projects. Find out more on the Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Nominate a young achiever

Nominations for the 2024 Young Achiever Awards are now open across nine different categories.

Category winners will each receive a prize package worth more than $2500, including six months of one-on-one mentoring package thanks to The Impact Collective, plus a beautiful trophy.
One of the category winners will be chosen as the 2024 Victorian Young Achiever of the Year.

To nominate, simply go online to www.youngachieverawards.com select ‘VIC’ and then click the gold ‘Nominate Now’. Alternatively, call 03 9720 1638.

Nominations close February 13, 2024.

Supporting LGBTIQA+ leaders

Expressions of interest for the 2024 Victorian LGBTIQA+ Leadership Program are now open.

As part of an eight-week course, up to 25 leaders from metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria will develop their skills and be supported to build a legacy of lasting leadership within their organisation, as well as learn how to create stronger connections across the LGBTIQA+ sector.

Applications for the EOI round will close on Friday, January 19 – to apply visit vic.gov.au/victorian-lgbtiqa-leadership-program.

Sports club infrastructure

Applications are now open for the new Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (RCSIF) – with funding of up to $60 million available.

Regional sporting clubs and community organisations are encouraged to work with their local council to bring their best ideas forward and make their club accessible and future-ready for generations to come.

Funding is available to develop or upgrade multi-sport courts and aquatic facilities, to build or upgrade sports pavilions, sports lighting, play space and recreation facilities. Grants of up to $1 million are available for female-friendly change rooms or sports courts.

A dedicated All Abilities stream provides grants to renovate existing facilities to provide equal access.

For more information or to apply, visit sport.vic.gov.au