Community grants

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

Open grants

• Community Group Essentials grants - up to $3,000
  • Round open
  • Apply for a Community Group Essentials grant
  • Can apply at any time, closes when funds are fully expended.
  • To enquire, email [email protected]

• Small grants - up to $3,000
  • Round open
  • Apply for a small grant
  • Can apply at any time, closes when funding fully expended
  • To enquire, email [email protected]

• Medium grants - up to $10,000
  • Round Open 
  • Apply for a medium grant
  • Closes July 31, 2019 (5pm)

Closed grants

• Great Ideas Grant up to $60,000

The City of Greater Bendigo and Fosterville Gold Mine have established the Great Ideas Grant to “kick start” great ideas. A total of $60,000 of funding is available to support social innovation projects within the Greater Bendigo Community. After all, it only takes one great idea to make a difference.

• Closed next round February 2020
  • The application and assessment process
    • Step 3 Project pitch (by invitation only)
      • Develop your ‘project pitch’ for the Assessment Panel
      • Present your ‘project pitch’ to the Assessment Panel
      • Attend the funding announcement ceremony
    • Step 2 Application (by invitation only)
      • Submit your detailed online application including a revised project partnership ‘test’ (if required) and an evaluation proposal
      • The Partnership Test can be found here: Great Ideas Grant Partnership Test
      • By invitation apply here
    • Step 1 Expression of interest
      • Submit your expression of interest outlining your great idea
• Large grants – up to $50,000 - with a maximum of $25,000 in any financial year
  • Closed
  • Next round opens July 2020
  • For further information please email [email protected]
• Waste reduction grants up to $15,000 
  • Closed
  • Next round to be advised
  • AIM: To reduce the amount of waste generated in Greater Bendigo. The $15,000 in available funding may be distributed to one or multiple projects

Preparing your application

We recommend that you discuss your proposed project with us to make sure your group is eligible and to understand the guidelines and application process.

Resources to assist with grant applications:

• Community Grants – Guidelines - 2018-2021
• 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.