Our community grants program supports community groups and individuals to undertake activities that benefit our community.
Community grants
The focus of our community grants is activities that will contribute to the goals of:
- Greater Bendigo Council Plan (Mir Wimbul) 2021-2025
- Healthy Greater Bendigo Plan 2021-2025
- Local community plans
Before you apply
Before giving your time and energy to an application, consider:
- Is there a clear need for your activity?
- Is there community support for your activity?
- Do you have the resources needed to deliver your activity?
Who can apply
To be considered for a community grant, the applicant must be a registered legal entity, such as an incorporated association.
If you are an informal group or individual, your application can be submitted by an auspice organisation.
Our Community Strengthening team delivers the community grants program. We are here for you. Our job is to support you to make great things happen in our community.
We recommend you give yourself the best chance of success by booking a pre-application discussion with a Community Strengthening Officer:
How to apply
Complete an online application form through SmartyGrants.
This requires access to a computer, the internet, and an email address. If you don't have access to these, please contact us
STEP 1: Go online to SmartyGrants website
STEP 2: Select the application form
STEP 3: Preview the form (optional). Choose Preview the form
STEP 4: Start an application. Choose Start a submission
About SmartyGrants
We use the SmartyGrants system to provide an easy way for applicants to submit applications online.
SmartyGrants allows you to:
- Create your own login to access any grants you’re working on
- Create and save your draft application and continue at any time
- Upload documents
- Submit an acquittal (end-of-activity reporting)
- Be certain that we’ve received your application when you submit it
If you are representing an organisation, SmartyGrants allows you to create an organisational login so other staff members can access grant information as required.
Bendigo Funding Finder
The City has collaborated with GrantGuru to establish a customised search tool for locating potential funding opportunities:
GEE (Grants, Events, Etc)
GEE (Grants, Events, Etc) is an eNewsletter for community groups and organisations. It details the latest grant opportunities, as well as upcoming events and community resources. Subscribe now by emailing: