Do you have an idea to make the Melbourne community stronger?
Expressions of interest are now open for the Stronger Communities Grants program for the Federal Electorate of Melbourne.
Round 9 of the Melbourne Stronger Communities Programme places particular emphasis on supporting interstate and international tourism, veterans, First Nations people, individuals with disabilities, newly arrived immigrants, medical services or facilities, students, greenhouse gas emission mitigation measures, children, measures to address gender inequality, and to foster the use of electronic communications.
Melbourne Stronger Communities grants can provide funding for small infrastructure projects that deliver social benefits to the Melbourne community by encouraging and supporting participation in local projects, improving local community participation and contributing to vibrant and viable communities.
How does it work?
Grant amounts between $2,500 and $20,000 are available for local community projects.
The grant amount for small capital projects is up to 100% of eligible project costs except for local governing bodies where grant funding will be up to 50% of eligible projects costs.
Applications take place in two steps:
- First, expressions of interest are made to Adam Bandt MP.
- Second, following community consultation, selected applicants are invited to complete their application process with the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development.
Who can apply?
- not-for-profit incorporated organisations
- non-distributing co-operatives
- companies limited by guarantee
- Australian Indigenous corporations
- religious organisations incorporated under legislation
- an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust with responsibility for a community asset or property
- a local governing body.
Note: your project must be located within the federal electorate of Melbourne. (You can find your local electorate at the AEC website.)
What can the grants be used for?
Grants can be used for capital purchases and projects. Spending that is not associated with a capital project (e.g. staff or volunteer education, salaries, ongoing operational expenditure) is not eligible for a Stronger Communities Programme.
For a complete list of eligible expenditure, please see Section 5.1 of the Guidelines.
How to apply
Submit your Expression of Interest by 5pm Sunday 9 February 2025.
Read more: Further details and full program guidelines
Important dates:
- Expressions of interest are now open and will close at 5pm Sunday 9 February 2025.
- If your organisation is successful in getting through to the second stage of the application process, you will need to complete your online application by 5pm 28 March 2025.
You can contact Adam’s office on 03 9417 0772 if you would like to discuss the program or your idea with us.