Community Grants Program

The Community Grants Program 2026/27 is now open

Community grants aim to support eligible community groups and organisations with funding for projects and programs that:

  • identify and meet existing and emerging community needs
  • strengthen capacity of local community groups, organisations, and networks
  • promote and encourage social connection, and participation in community life
  • address health and well-being inequities
  • create initiatives that enable access and inclusion for diverse communities
  • support sustainability initiatives and facilitate innovation.

Grant Categories

Category 1: Program Support

Maximum funding per project: $1,000
Purpose: Supports small groups in initiating and running activities.

Category 2. Diversity and Ageing Support

Maximum funding per project: $1,000
Purpose: Supports culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) seniors' groups in initiating and running activities.

Category 3. Social Inclusion Partnerships

Maximum funding per project: $5,000
Purpose: Supports projects and activities that involve 2 or more organisations working in partnership to increase social inclusion.

Category 4. Community Strengthening

Maximum funding per project: $10,000
Purpose: Supports projects and activities that build community and organisational capacity

Category 5. Toyota Equipment Fund

Maximum funding per project: $2,000
Purpose: Supports the purchase of equipment that is essential to the success of a project or service.

Key dates

StageTimeline
Grants Open1 July 2026
Grants Close11 August 2026
AssessmentAugust - September 2026
Notification and paymentFrom late November 2026
Project Delivery1 December 2026 - 30 November 2027

Eligibility

To be eligible for Community Grants Program funding applicants must:

  • be a not-for-profit
  • be located within, or offer projects within, the City of Port Phillip municipality
  • be an incorporated organisation or community group, or apply through an auspice arrangement, or apply through an auspice arrangement
  • provide an ABN or an auspice organisation ABN
  • have Public Liability Insurance with a minimum of $20 million or an auspice organisation Public Liability Insurance with a minimum of $20 million
  • have complied with all terms and conditions including the submission of a satisfactory project status and acquittal reports for all previous City of Port Phillip Grants
  • Diversity and Ageing Support Grants applicants must represent older residents from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.

How to Apply

All applications are made online through SmartyGrants.

Help guide for applicants
Applicant frequently asked questions

If you require assistance to complete your online application, please contact grants@portphillip.vic.gov.au or call 03 9209 6777.

Apply Now

Information Session and Grant Writing Workshops

Further information regarding upcoming community training can be found here Community sector resources

Guidelines

We suggest all applicants read the Community Grants Guidelines before applying.