The City of Greater Bendigo's usual Community Grants Program has now re-opened, after the City suspended the program and temporarily re-directed funding to supporting the community groups and organisations that have provided vital services in the community during the pandemic.

While the Community Grants Program has returned to normal, the City is encouraging applicants to consider community needs related the pandemic recovery when applying for grants, as the City recognises the need to continue supporting community sector organisations and groups impacted by COVID-19.

The City of Greater Bendigo's Community Grants Program provides an opportunity for not-for-profit groups or registered businesses to develop projects that complement areas identified as priorities in the Community Plan 2017-2021.

Open grants

• Large grants – up to $25,000
  • Now open for invited groups only, those who have succesfully completed an Expression of Interest process.
  • Note - the City is offering one year of funding for the large grants program instead of the usual two years, while it reviews its current community granting policy
  • Invited applicants apply here

• Community Group Essentials grants - up to $3,000
  • Round open,
  • Apply for a Community Essentials Grant - click here
  • Can apply at any time
  • Inquiries [email protected]

• Small grants - up to $3,000
  • Round open
  • Apply for a Small Grant - click here
  • Can apply at any time
  • Inquiries [email protected]

• Town Hall Community Use Subsidy Program
  • Round open
  • Apply for community use
  • Can apply at any time, but has to be six months prior to event
  • Inquiries [email protected]

Closed grants

• Medium grants - up to $10,000
  • Opens November 1, 2020, closes November 30, 2020 at 5pm
  • Inquiries [email protected]

• Great Ideas grants -
  • Under Review
  • Inquiries [email protected]

Preparing your application

Online tutorial

The City of Greater Bendigo has prepared this short online tutorial to assist community groups and organisations who are considering applying for a City community grant. The tutorial contains information on: how to address grant criteria and clearly articulate your project (the what, why, how, and who), information on eligibility, and general grant writing tips and information. The City’s online grant writing tutorial can be found by clicking here.

Resources to assist with grant applications:

• Community Grants – Guidelines - 2018-2021
• Applying for a Community Grant Tutorial
• Successful Grant Application Tutorial
• Great Ideas Grant - Guide 
• Event Management Plan
• Community Grants Budget Template
• Greater Bendigo Community Plan
• Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Plan

Evaluating your project

If you are a recipient of a grant you are required to submit a project evaluation within 60 days of the completion of your project. Go to the Community Grants Project Evaluation Form.