Community Grants Program

What happens after applications close?

Projects will be assessed by a panel using the following criteria:

1. Meeting community needs: the project supports activities and services needed by local communities.
2. Building a sense of community: the project develops a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community.
3. Increasing community participation: the project encourages participation in activities or services needed by the community.
4. The organisation’s capacity: the applicant has the capacity to deliver the project on time and within scope.

• Incorporated organisations with an ABN or proof that you are not required to be registered for GST.
• Not-for-profits.
• Indigenous corporations.
• Auspiced groups.

1. What is an incorporated organisation?

An incorporated organisation is a community group that has registered as a legal entity, that is separate from the individual members. You cannot register as an incorporated organisation if you are planning to operate as a business or to provide monetary gains to members.

2. What is an auspice arrangement?

An auspice arrangement is when a larger organisation supports a smaller organisation to apply for a grant if they don’t meet the criteria to apply themselves. For the Community Grants Program, the organisation applying needs to be incorporated, if they aren’t, they will need to be auspiced by an organisation that is.

3. Can I apply for the same project several years in a row?

Council has a preference that funding will not continue beyond three years for the same event or project. This allows us to support other emerging and start-up projects.

4. Will late applications be accepted?

Any applications received after the advertised closing date may be deemed ineligible. If you have problems submitting your application, you should contact the Grants Officer on 03 5898 3000 at least two business days before the deadline to seek assistance.

5. We don’t have an ABN - what should we do?

If your organisation does not have an ABN, you will need to complete a Statement by a Supplier form and upload it with your application.

6. What should I include in my budget?

Your budget should:

Be GST exclusive
Include a breakdown of expected income, including any in-kind contributions or other funding sources. Include a breakdown of expected expenditure, including specifying which items you intend to purchase with Edward River Council grant funds.
Balance. Please note, total income must equal total expenditure.

7. What documents should I include with my application? 

You must provide:

• Evidence of not-for-profit status
• Project budget using Council’s template.  

8. Can I include other documents?

Yes. You may also attach other relevant documents if you wish, for example letters of support from the community, your organisation's annual reports or evidence of public liability insurance. 

9. What happens after applications close?

Applications are reviewed for general eligibility and then are assessed by a panel.

Applicants will be formally notified of the outcome of their application after the August 2025 Council Meeting. It is an applicant’s responsibility to ensure all contact details are up to date.

10. What Council acknowledgement is required for my project?

All recipients of funding are required to acknowledge Edward River Council's contribution of financial support. As part of your funding agreement organisations agree to acknowledge the Council’s support in material published in connection with your project. A copy of Council’s logo will be provided to successful applicants.

• Bringing people and community organisations together.
• Celebrating a sense of identity, diversity and cultural connection within the community.
• Improving community health and social wellbeing.
• Helping people to develop the skills and confidence to contribute to community life.
• Enhancing places where communities gather.
• Increasing access and inclusion for people who are vulnerable or disadvantaged.