Apply Now: Community Impact Grant Program (Australia)

Deadline: 29-Sep-2026

The Community Impact Grant Program provides funding from the City of Ballarat to support local not-for-profit organisations, community groups, and clubs delivering projects that build community capacity, foster inclusion, strengthen social connections, and address local priorities. Grants range from $500 to $20,000 per organisation. Requests above $10,000 require a 2:1 matched cash contribution from the applicant organisation. Projects awarded more than $10,001 receive 50% of the approved funding upon signing the agreement, with the remaining amount released following a satisfactory acquittal report. Priority is given to projects that create a healthy, safe, connected, and welcoming community; increase participation and social connectedness; address health priorities; improve inclusion; build community skills and knowledge; encourage innovative collaboration; and advance environmental sustainability. Eligible projects can include equipment purchases, community development programs, workshops and training, knowledge-sharing activities, accessible community and cultural events, arts performances, and physical and mental wellbeing programs. Applicants must generally be local, not-for-profit incorporated organisations or groups, or non-incorporated groups with an incorporated auspice. Projects must benefit Ballarat residents. What Is the Community Impact Grant Program? The Community Impact Grant Program is a City of Ballarat initiative that supports local community organisations to deliver projects that create positive social, cultural, health, environmental, and community development outcomes. The program is designed to empower local organisations, community groups, and clubs to: - Build community capacity. - Foster social inclusion. - Strengthen connections between Ballarat residents. - Address local community priorities. - Increase community participation. - Improve wellbeing. - Support groups experiencing exclusion or disadvantage. - Promote environmental sustainability. The program encourages projects that create a more connected, inclusive, healthy, safe, and welcoming community. How Much Funding Is Available?

The program provides grants ranging from:

- Minimum funding: $500

- Maximum funding: $20,000 per organisation

Additional requirements apply to funding requests above $10,000. Matched Funding Requirement Funding requests of more than $10,000 require a 2:1 matched cash contribution from the applicant organisation. Applicants seeking higher levels of funding should therefore ensure they can demonstrate the required cash contribution in their project budget. Payment of Grants Above $10,001 Successful projects awarded more than $10,001 will receive: - 50% of the approved funding upon signing the agreement. - The remaining 50% after submission and acceptance of a satisfactory acquittal report. Applicants should consider this payment structure when planning project cash flow. What Are the Funding Priorities? The Community Impact Grant Program supports projects that address local priorities and create measurable benefits for Ballarat residents. Healthy, Safe, Connected and Welcoming Communities Projects should contribute to a community where people feel connected, included, safe, and welcome. Activities that encourage participation and strengthen relationships between residents are particularly relevant. Community Participation and Social Connectedness The program supports initiatives that encourage people to participate in community life and develop stronger social connections. Projects can help residents build relationships, participate in activities, and become more engaged with their local community. Health and Wellbeing Projects addressing health priorities are eligible for consideration. This can include wellbeing programs focused on both physical and mental health. Social Inclusion The program seeks to improve opportunities for people and groups who may experience exclusion because of: - Gender - Age - Cultural background - Sexual orientation - Financial vulnerability - Disability Applicants should clearly explain how their project improves participation and inclusion. Which Community Groups Are Encouraged to Apply? The program encourages applications that reflect the diversity of the Ballarat community.

Relevant groups include:

- People with disabilities - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - Culturally and linguistically diverse communities - Young people - Older people - Women - LGBTQIA+ community members Projects should demonstrate how the proposed activities respond to the needs of the relevant community. Community Capacity Building A major priority is building the capacity of local communities. The program supports innovative and collaborative projects that help people develop: - Skills - Knowledge - Confidence - Community capability Knowledge-sharing activities such as workshops and training can be supported when they contribute to broader community capacity building. Environmental Sustainability The program also supports initiatives that advance environmental sustainability.

Examples include:

- Recycling programs - Sustainable gardening - Energy efficiency programs - Water efficiency programs Applicants should demonstrate how their project contributes to sustainable practices and provides a meaningful local environmental benefit. What Projects Can Be Funded? Eligible projects can include a wide range of community-focused activities.

Examples include:

Equipment Purchases Funding may support the purchase of equipment required to deliver an eligible community project. Community Development Programs Projects designed to strengthen community participation, connection, capacity, and inclusion may be eligible. Workshops and Training Knowledge-sharing activities such as workshops and training can support community skills and knowledge development. Accessible Community and Cultural Events The program supports accessible events that encourage particip