Apply for Monthly Grants

Applications that promote a healthy and connected community will be considered in the following categories: 

• Connected and Vibrant Communities (up to $1500) 
• Not for Profit Business and Trader Group Grants (up to $1500) 
• Youth Pathways (up to $250) 
  
  
• Youth Sports Participation:
  - Individual (up to $250)
  - Teams and Incorporated Sports Clubs (up to $500)
  
  
• In-kind – Council Waste Management (up to 30 bins)  
• In-kind – Council Venue Hire (up to $300)

Funding is awarded on a competitive basis.

The following important requirements demonstrate the foundations for projects to be successful.  

The following eligibility requirements must be met: 

• Recipient organisations must be a not-for-profit community group/organisation, a registered charity or incorporated not for profit organisation. Groups are not required to have an ABN to apply, however it is strongly encouraged that they do (Applying for an ABN | ABR).
• Community groups that are not incorporated must have their application auspiced by an eligible incorporated organisation through an Auspice Agreement*.
• Arts groups and individual artists that are not incorporated must have their application auspiced by an eligible incorporated organisation (as above).
• Projects must occur in Yarra Ranges and deliver all outcomes in Yarra Ranges.
• Projects must have suitable public liability insurance that covers the duration of the project. If the organisation/individual does not have public liability insurance at the time of application, a funding condition will be added that they must provide evidence of insurance cover before the grant is paid.
• Public liability insurance requirements do not apply to Sports Participation or Youth Pathway categories where the sports and auspice organisations already have this insurance. Applicants must confirm this.
• Dedicated fundraising events can receive apply for up to $500 and need to demonstrate how the fundraising effort will meet the criteria of building social inclusion in the community.
• Minor equipment, maintenance and materials. Applications that are for the sole purpose of purchasing equipment or materials will be capped at $750.
• Applicants must commit to obtaining all necessary permits related to the funded activity, particularly for festivals.
• Applicants must have successfully completed all reporting requirements i.e., Acquittals for previous Yarra Ranges Council grants and have no outstanding debts with Council. If unsure, please contact the Grants Team.

Monthly grant applications related to other existing Yarra Ranges Council Grants (such as Annual or Partnership projects) will be assessed against the following criteria. Additional funding may be approved if it is: 

• A stand-alone activity or project with a specific budget which is not funded as part of the Annual Grant or Partnerships project.
• A project that will add value to the original project or event.
• Does not duplicate elements of the original project or event.
• The assessment panel for Annual Grants recommended an application as the project did not receive full funding and the Monthly Grants program was a fair way to support unfunded components of the project. 

Schools can apply for: 

• Project/activities that have wider community benefit (promotes social inclusion outcomes beyond the school community). 
• Projects that are NOT core business of schools.
• In-Kind waste and/or venue hire for events. 
• School fundraising events or activities (will be capped at $500). 

Ineligible  

• A program that is the responsibility of State or Federal Governments.
• Activities that take place outside Yarra Ranges, excluding Sports Participation and Youth Pathways categories.
• New building, capital works or facility maintenance works. Minor works can be considered for up to 50% of a project budget - if the project clearly aligns with program objectives. 
• Ongoing staff salaries or administration costs. 
• Projects that are for core school curriculum activities and school-based projects that do not engage the wider community. 
• Camps or overnight activities involving children or young persons under 18 years old.  
• Projects with the singular purpose of promoting religion.  
• Applications from political parties or political organisations. 
• Training, study, or academic research here or overseas. 
• Applications that are solely for attending forums, workshops, and conferences, except for Youth Pathways.
• Retrospective funding of projects. Applicants need to submit their application before the event or activity occurs. Please note that the activity or event must not take place prior to grant round closing or the assessment timeline. 
• Subsidising ongoing or regular use of Council’s halls or facilities.
• Activities that take place at inappropriate venues, for example, gambling venues.
• Activities that are sponsored by gambling businesses.
• Purchase of alcohol.
• Purchase/Hire of rides (including inflatables).
• Awards, purchase of trophies and competitions. 
• Signage
  
  

Please be aware that it can take up to six weeks (from the close of each round) for funding to be distributed to successful applicants. We recommend applying for a grant at least two months before your project/event. 

The Monthly Grants Program runs on a monthly basis. Applications are assessed quickly, with a turnaround time of four weeks. Approximate times are detailed below:

• Rounds closes - last calendar day of each month.
• Assessment - three to four weeks from round closing.
• Notification - four weeks after closing date.
• Payment – Two weeks after notification.

Activities must take place after the grant has been awarded.

Applications can be submitted in advance.

Applications cannot be submitted after the event or activity has already passed.

Please note, Monthly Grants applications are not open during the month of December each year.

To view our most recent Monthly Grant Recipients for 2024 please visit:

Monthly Grant Recipients