Open Call for Darebin Multi-Year Funding Program (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Darebin Multi-Year Funding Program provides up to three years of project-based grant funding to support community organisations delivering sustainable and high-impact initiatives for residents of Darebin. The programme is designed for projects that contribute to equity, wellbeing, arts, youth, and environmental sustainability while aligning with the Darebin 2041 Community Vision and the Our Darebin Plan 2025–2029. Funding is available across four grant categories, with awards of up to $25,000 for Equity and Wellbeing projects, $15,000 for Arts projects, and $14,000 each for Youth and Environment and Sustainability projects.

About the Darebin Multi-Year Funding Program

The Multi-Year Funding Program gives eligible community organisations in Darebin the opportunity to secure project funding for up to three years. The programme recognises that meaningful social, cultural, environmental, and wellbeing outcomes often take longer than a single funding year to develop. By providing multi-year support, the programme allows organisations to plan and deliver projects over a longer period and embed their outcomes more deeply within the community. Purpose of the Program The programme aims to support sustainable and high-impact projects that benefit Darebin residents.

It seeks to:

- Support longer-term community outcomes. - Provide funding for discrete, standalone projects. - Strengthen community benefit and impact. - Support equity and wellbeing. - Encourage arts and cultural initiatives. - Support youth-focused projects. - Promote environmental sustainability. - Encourage projects to develop sustainability mechanisms beyond the funding period. Alignment With Darebin’s Community Priorities Funded projects should align with the Darebin 2041 Community Vision and the Our Darebin Plan 2025–2029. The programme supports initiatives that contribute to the community’s longer-term social, cultural, environmental, and wellbeing priorities. Grant Categories and Funding Funding is available across four areas. Equity and Wellbeing Grants Equity and Wellbeing grants provide up to $25,000 per application. These grants support projects focused on equity and wellbeing outcomes for Darebin residents. Arts Grants Arts grants provide up to $15,000 per application. The funding supports project-based arts initiatives that contribute to the cultural life and community benefit of Darebin. Youth Grants Youth grants provide up to $14,000 per application. These grants support projects that provide benefits for young people in the Darebin community. Environment and Sustainability Grants Environment and Sustainability grants provide up to $14,000 per application. The funding supports projects focused on environmental and sustainability outcomes for Darebin residents and the wider community. Three-Year Project Funding Funding is awarded for a three-year period. The multi-year approach allows organisations to plan projects with longer-term objectives rather than being limited to a single year of delivery. New funding rounds are announced annually. Project-Based Funding The Multi-Year Funding Program provides funding for specific projects rather than organisational or operational costs. Projects should therefore be discrete and standalone initiatives with clearly defined activities and community outcomes. The programme also encourages organisations to consider how projects can remain sustainable after the grant funding period ends. Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations with a proven track record in Darebin. - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations operating in Darebin. - Social enterprises with demonstrated community benefit in Darebin. Applicants should demonstrate their connection to Darebin and their capacity to deliver projects that provide meaningful community benefit. Who Cannot Apply? The programme does not accept applications from certain organisations and applicants.

Ineligible applicants include:

- Individuals. - Government departments or agencies. - For-profit entities. - Organisations with a political purpose. - Applicants with outstanding grant acquittals. - Applicants involved in disputes with the City of Darebin. Sustainability and Long-Term Impact A key feature of the programme is its focus on sustainable community outcomes. Organisations are encouraged to develop mechanisms that can help projects continue beyond the funding period. The three-year funding model provides organisations with additional time to establish and embed project outcomes while planning for longer-term sustainability. Community Benefits The programme is intended to support initiatives that create meaningful benefits for Darebin residents.

Projects may contribute to:

- Greater equity and inclusion. - Improved community wellbeing. - Arts and cultural participation. - Positive outcomes for young people. - Environmental sustainability. - Longer-term community capacity and impact. How the Multi-Year Model Works Unlike single-year project funding, the programme provides support across a three-year period. This approach gives organisations more time to: - Plan their projects. - Deliver activities. - Develop community outcomes. - Embed successful approaches. - Build longer-term sustainability mechanisms. The programme therefore recognises that complex community outcomes can require sustained effort and longer-term delivery. Key Facts About the Darebin Multi-Year Funding Program

- Programme: Darebin Multi-Year Funding Program

- Funding period: Up to three years

- Funding type: Project-based

- New rounds: Announced annually

- Equity and Wellbeing: Up to $25,000

- Arts: Up to $15,000

- Youth: Up to $14,000

- Environment and Sustainability: Up to $14,000

- Main focus: Sustainable, high-impact projects benefiting Darebin residents

- Strategic alignment: Darebin 2041 Community Vision and Our Darebin Plan 2025–2029

- Eligible applicants: Incorporated