Alerts

All Year Round Grants

NOTE: Council will enter election period which is also known as 'caretaker period' from 17 September to 26 October 2024.
During the election period there are rules in place that prevent us from publishing material to avoid any breaches of the Local Government Act 2020.

All year round grants provides funding to support initiatives that help residents participate in community life and improve personal outcomes. 

Open for applications all year.  Applications for community participation projects and events must be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the planned activity or event.

Read the  Community Grants Program Guidelines(PDF) 751KB.

To apply online go to our SmartyGrants website to complete and submit the application form.

Community Participation Grant - for individuals

Support to individuals who are residents of Merri-bek that have been selected to pursue an achievement and / or development activity in their chosen area of expertise. Funding up to $750.

  • Supports individuals to attend development opportunities and access to programs and activities such as:
    • Helping an individual to participate in an event or activity such as, artist/cultural events, sporting competitions.
    • Opportunities to participate in State, National and international forums that will bring new skills and knowledge to the Merri-bek community.
    • Leadership and professional development opportunities that will help build leadership capacity of the Merri-bek community.

  • Applications are open during the financial year for this grant category until funds are expended.

    Applications must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the planned activity.

  • Funding up to $750 can be funded

  • Applicant must:

    • be a resident of Merri-bek,
    • show that they have been invited (selected) to participate in an activity by an organisation or group,
    • demonstrate there has been a selection process undertaken to attend the activity,
    • show that there are financial barriers to participating in the activity,
    • demonstrate a strong commitment to their area of endeavour,
    • show the benefit of your activity to the Merri-bek community.

  • • Travel costs expenses to the activity
    • Costs to participation (e.g. Transport, disability support, interpreters)
    • Equipment, materials or uniforms directly related to being able participate in the development activity.
    • Registration fees for the activity.

     

    • Applications for coaches and trainers
    • Activities where there has been no selection process to participate
    • Activities that are part of ongoing activities i.e. activites that are part of education; school, tertiary and TAFE studies cannot be funded.
    • We will not reimburse any expenses listed in your budget. You must purchase these expenses after you receive notification that your grant application has been successful.
    • Read more What we wont fund.

    For further information on the grants programs, and what will and won't be funded view the Community Grants Guidelines (PDF).

  • Applications can be submitted at any time of the year at least four weeks before the planned activity.

    To apply online go to our SmartyGrants applicant page: https://merri-bek.smartygrants.com.au/

Community Participation Grant - for groups

Community groups and organisations needing support with quick response funding for programs and activities designed to build participation in the community includes projects that fall outside of the annual grants timeframes. Funding up to $3,000.

  • Community groups and organisations needing support with quick response funding for smaller once-off activities or projects or programs designed to build participation in the community includes projects that fall outside of the annual grants timeframes. Support priority communities to be healthier and participate in community life, including:

    • Community events
    • Leadership and development activities
    • Once off - training and capacity building of the group.
    • Sports programs
    • Community projects (e.g. sustainability, social inclusion, health promotion, participation etc)
    • Relevant equipment that has long term relevance to the organisation / community
    • Establishment of a new group. Read more about incorporation in Frequently Asked Question 

     

     

    • Open for applications all year round
    • Applications are open for this grant category until funds are expended.
    • Applications must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the planned activity.

  • Up to $3,000 can be funded.

    • Applications are accepted throughout the year until funds are exhausted.
    • Applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the activity or
      event
    • Once submited applicants should be notified of the outcome within 3-4 weeks.
    • We aim to process these as quick as possible, however times may vary.

  • Organisations, groups and clubs

    • Be a Not-for-Profit community group, organisation or club,
    • Be incorporated or auspiced by another incorporated organisation,
    • Have adequate public liability insurance,
    • Have acquitted previous Council grants and have no outstanding debts to Council,
    • Be able to supply financial statements and requested supporting documentation,
    • Ensure the proposed activity is consistent with Local, State and Federal laws.

    Please note:
      • Applicants must firstly be a not-for-profit community group. If you or your group or enterprise / business has a ABN with the entity type of:  Australian Public Company, Limited by Shares, sole trader, trusts, Public Company Pty Ltd, Partnership or for profit structures. Unfortunately being auspiced does not bypass the eligibility criteria. 
      • Auspiced individuals and for-profit entities will not be considered as they do not meet the eligibility criteria. 

  • • Temporary staff costs to implement the project (e.g. project worker, instructor etc.)
    • Printing, advertising, translation, promotional activities
    • Equipment or community venue/meeting room hire (up to $500)
    • Costs to encourage participation (e.g. Transport, disability support, interpreters)
    • Catering and refreshments (up to $300)
    • Volunteer expenses
    • Small equipment that is useful long term to the community and is needed for the project and aligns with the Community Grants Objectives (Up to $500)
    • Communications, media, advertising and marketing.

    Yes the limits set out as above will be adhered to in the assessment process, it is encouraged that project expenses across spread across other costs.  Unfortunately we cannot place flexibility for the above set limits.

  • Funding may not be used for:

    • Projects that do not align with the Community Grant Program Principles and Objectives
    • Fundraising activities/ projects that are for general fundraising and fundraising events, competitions, trophies, prizes or awards.
    • Permanent public art installations
    • Projects that have already started or have been completed.
    • Activities that are part of an organisation’s regular programming or that duplicate an existing program
    • Items that are part of an organisation’s core business or normal operating expenses e.g. salaries, insurances, utilities, rental of business premises.
    • Projects that are the funding responsibility of other levels of government.
    • Privately-owned, for-profit businesses.
    • Further information on the grants program, what we won't fund read the  Community Grants Guidelines(PDF 751 KB).

  • Applications can be submitted at any time of the year at least 4 weeks before the planned activity.

    To apply online go to our Smarty Grants website to complete and submit the application form.

    Our page on applying for community grants provides further details about the application process and information around reporting and other requirements for grant recipients. 

    Read more useful information Frequently Asked Questions.

Membership Activity Grants

Supports Merri-bek based incorporated community groups who meet on a regular basis to address issues of isolation and promote active community involvement. Funding up to $3,000 per year for 3 years.

  • Supports Merri-bek based incorporated community groups who meet on a regular basis to address issues of isolation and promote active community involvement.

    This grant category funds groups which have a substantial proportion of their membership base living in Merri-bek and can support expenses associated with membership activities such as transport costs, refreshments, insurance, dinners and general day-to-day expenses.

    Community Grants Program guidelines (PDF 1.2Kb) provides further information about this grant category.

    To apply online go to our grants website to complete and submit an application.

  • Applications are open during the financial year for this grant category until funds are expended.

  • Funding up to $3000

    • $2000 for groups with up to 20 members
    • $2500 for groups with 21 to 60 members
    • $3000 for groups with over 60 members

    Funding levels allocated are based on: the membership numbers as above; the level of in-kind support from Council;  the groups limited ability to fund expenses; and activities offered to members. e.g. free use of Council facility, exercise classes.

  • Funding is for 3 years.

    Payment is annually - up to $3,000 is paid each financial year, a total of $9,000 over 3 years.

  • Organisations, groups and clubs

    • Be a Not-for-Profit community group, organisation or club,
    • Be incorporated or auspiced by another incorporated organisation,
    • Have adequate public liability insurance,
    • Have acquitted previous Council grants and have no outstanding debts to Council,
    • Be able to supply financial statements and requested supporting documentation,
    • Ensure the proposed activity is consistent with Local, State and Federal laws.

    Community groups must:

    • Meet regularly in Merri-bek
    • Address Community Grants Objectives and Funding Priorities
    • Provide activities to members that support health and wellbeing, such as social or active programs
    • Provide evidence of membership and that it meets in Merri-bek.
    • Must complete an acquittal every year to show how the organisation is operating.

  • - Evidence of Public Liability Incsurance - copy of the Insurance Certificate
    - Letter confirming Auspice (if not incorporated)
    - The latest endorsed Financial Statements of organisation, as presented at most recent AGM.
    - copy of your active membership listing for the group (name and postcode of where each member resides)
    - Evidence of booking confirmation of meeting regularly within Merri-bek municipality for membership activities
    - Evidence of the costings for the group to undertake activities. 

    Source your:
    - Organisation / group ABN and tax status
    - Incorporation Number (not-for-profit incorporated groups)

  • Costs that support activities of member:

    • Guest speakers, classes, workshops
    • Social outings (e.g. bus hire)
    • Consumables and supplies e.g. refreshments, tea & coffee,  activity materials
    • Special events (e.g., social lunches, end of year celebrations
    • Administration; rent, utilities, insurance, governance costs
    • Volunteer expenses
    • Small equipment that is useful long term to the group
    • Communications, media, advertising and marketing.

  • To apply online go to our grants website https://merri-bek.smartygrants.com.au to complete and submit the application form.

    Our page on applying for community grants provides further details about the application process and information around reporting and other requirements for grant recipients.

Successful grants for 2022-2023

  • Funding Up to $750

    Recipient Endeavour Amount
    Harrison Hall Yokohama Performing Arts YPAM event - December 2022 $450
    Leanne Mitchell 2022 FISU University World Cup Cheerleading - November 2022 $750
    Paraskevi (artist name Freda) Drakopoulos Affirmations of the Personal - a group project curated by IN | artist run initiative - May 2023 $650
    Samuel McGilp Yokohama Performing Arts YPAM event - December 2022 $450
    Yuiko Masukawa Yokohama Performing Arts YPAM event - December 2022 $450
    Yuh-Min Chong 16th World Dragon Boat Racing Championships - August 2023 $350

  • Funding up to $3,000

    Applicant Project Title Amount 
    CALD Voices
    Barriers of CALD Women Writers
    		 $3,000
    Casa Cultura Inc.
    Fiesta Junina event in June 2023
     
    		 $3,000
    Laneway Learning Ltd Queer Social Brunswick - five events hosted with local LGBTQIA+ teachers during December 2022 and January 2023. $3,000
    Moomba Park Tennis Club Deliver try out open days for various age groups of people, both youth and adults.  $3,000
    Moreland Community Gardening Inc. Moreland Community Garden Essential Equipment to improve gardens accessibility and sustainability $2,845
    Mossfolk Incorporated Mossfolk Pop Up at Honey Bones Gallery, a ‘Community Care’ themed art exhibition featuring local artists - November 2022. $2,420
    Plus Sport Victoria Inc Come and play! Bring together women from migrant and refugee background to participate in a social table tennis program. $3,000
    Yoruba Heritage and Cultural Association of Victoria Inc YORUBA Day Annual Festival - event was held on 5th November 2022 at the Coburg Town Hall. $3,000

  • Funding is for 3 years with the annual amount paid each year. This category funds up to $3,000 per year for 3 years.

    Council has funded 36 groups for financial years 2022/2023 to 2025/26. 
    A total of $93,000 per year of funding allocated = $279,000 over 3 years.

    Recipient  Annual Amount Over 3 years Month approved
    5th Brunswick Scout Group $3,000 $9,000 Oct 2022
    Alexandrians Friendship Social Club Inc  $2,500  $7,500 Jan 2023
    Arabic Womens Group  $2,500  $7,500 May 2023
    Associazione Arma Aeronautical  $2,000  $6,000 Jan 2023
    Australian Chaldean Family Welfare Assoc. Inc  $2,500  $7,500 Jan 2023
    Australian Greek Isolated Group $3,000 $9,000 June 2023
    Circolo Italiani Pensionati Di Fawkner $2,500 $7,500 April 2023
    Circolo Pensionati Italiani Allegra $3,000 $9,000 June 2023
    Circolo Pensionati Italiani di Merlynston  $2,500  $7,500 March 2023
    Circolo Pensionati Italiani Di Moreland  $2,500  $7,500 Nov 2023
    Circolo Pensionati Italiani Di Pascoe Vale Inc  $2,000  $6,000 Jan 2023
    Country Women's Association of Victoria Inc. Pascoe Vale Branch $2,500 $7,500 Oct 2022
    Cretan Elderly Club of Melbourne and victoria $2,500 $7,500 Sept 2022
    Didi Bahini Samaj Victoria (DBSV) $3,000 $9,000 June 2023
    Glenroy Art Group Incorporated  $2,500  $7,500 May 2023
    Glenroy Greek Elderly Club  $2,000  $6,000 Sept 2023
    Glenroy Italian Senior Citizen Centre Inc $2,500 $7,500 Oct 2023
    Glenroy Ladies Probus Club Inc  $2,500  $7,500 Feb 2023
    Gowanbrae Residents Group  $2,500  $7,500 Jan 2023
    Greek Elderly Citizens Club of Coburg and Pascoe Vale $3,000  $9,000 June 2023
    Italian Senior Citizen Club of Coburg   $2,500  $7,500 Jan 2023
    Italian Women's Health Group Fawkner/ Campbellfield   $2,500  $7,500 April 2023
    Marinai D'Italia Gruppo M.O.V.M Stefano Pugliese Inc  $2,500  $7,500 Oct 2023
    Moreland Italian Women's Group  $2,000  $6,000 March 2023
    Moreland Maltese Senior Citizens Pension  $2,500  $7,500 April 2023
    Moreland Turkish Women's Group $2,500 $7,500 Jan 2023
    Pakistan Seniors Association  $3,000  $9,000 May 2023
    Samos Island Seniors Friendly Group Incorporated  $2,000  $6,000 June 2023
    Senior Citizens Group - Greek Orthodox Parish of St Eleftherios Brunswick  $3,000  $9,000 April 2023
    St Bernards Out Of School Hours Care Inc.  $3,000  $9,000 Jan 2023
    The Australian Association of Kastorians Inc  $3,000  $9,000 Feb 2023
    The Australian Greek Orthodox Community of Moreland  $3,000  $9,000 Jan 2023
    The Rotary Club of Coburg Inc  $2,500  $7,500 Jan 2023
    U3A Moreland Inc University of the Third Age  $3,000  $9,000 Oct 2022
    Unione Nazionale Suttefficialiitaliani In Congedo Inc  $2,500  $7,500 March 2023
    Victorian Lebanese Senior Club Inc $2,500 $7,500 June 2023

Successful grants for 2023-2024

  • Supported 18 applications. Total allocated $11,700 

    Updated June 2024
    Recipient Development Activity Amount
    Adrian van Raay Americas Conference on Information Systems 2023 - August 2023.  $550
    Adam Fayad International Blind Sports - World Games Birmingham - Tennis August 2023  $750
    Ashleigh Malcolm International Cheerleading Union (ICU) World Cheerleading Championships & IASF/ USASF Dance World Championships in Orlando, Florida, USA - 24 April to 29 April 2024. $650
    David Gordon International Blind Tennis Championships - Poland August 2023. $750
    Maddison Crotty National Cross Country Championships in Canberra - September 2023. $550
    James Hildebrandt Victorian basketball team; New Years Classic Tournament USA - January 2024.   $650
    Jewel Owusu Music Matters conference on May 8 & 9, Millenia Singapore, followed by Music Matters Live.  $650
    Noah Atyah Represent Victoria at the National Taekwondo Competition held in Perth - October 2023.  $650
    Rayhana Ayoubi Represent Victoria at the National Taekwondo Competition held in Perth - October 2023.  $650
    Angela Hughes Take part in a small group show of emerging/mid career artists at Honey Bones Gallery in Brunswick. February / March 2024  $320
    Karina Rodriguez  To attend the Thinking Environment Foundation Course in Carlton - November 2023.  $650
    Melissa Robortella ICU World Championships and IASF Dance Worlds - April 2024.  $650
    Stacey Hymer To attend the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Paris, France representing Australia in Taekwando. $750
    Matt Feder To attend Artist Residency program held in Canberra at Megalo Print Studio 28 May to 24 June 2024. $500
    Natasha Rooney To attend the 2024 World Lacrosse Women’s Box Championship in Utica USA during 29 Sept 2024 in Utica NY USA. $650
    Meliesha Ranaweera To participate in the Victorian Under 16 Indoor Cricket team (Girls) at the 2024 Australian Junior Championships July 2024, at Casey Stadium in Cranbourne. $650
    Rhys Kelly To assist travel expenses to attend and participate in residency at Saga, Japan at Arts Itoya Gallery in November 2024. $750

  • Supported nine projects. Total allocated $22,567.49.

    Applicant Project title  Amount
    CALD Community Voices Australia  The Journey of Single Motherhood with Strength and Grace - March 2024.  $3,000
    Coburg North Primary School Gan-Bu Wilam/First Home Ceramics Mosaic $2,900
    Non-resident Nepali Association NRNA Victoria International Women's Day 2024 - in Fawkner - March 2024.  $2,778
    Rabitet Masrina Inc 2024 March - Community Iftar - To support event at Coburg Town Hall on 23/03/2024.   $3,000
    Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network Inc To assist the development Moreland Rd frontage at 32-34 Lincoln St Brunswick East with planting local native indigenous species and using donated tree guards and donated green waste mulch.  $685
    St Bernards Primary School East Coburg Indigenous garden welcome to country and smoking ceremony $1,000
    TCB Art Inc Emerging Writers' Program 2024 - new community-led project that will connect local artists, writers and audiences to facilitate the development of creative text-based works that hold community context in mind. $3.000
    Yemeni Australian Community Victoria Women & refugees loneliness, isolation and social inclusion - March 2024.  $1,000
    Warr Park Food Forest Log Wood Seating - August 2023.  $1,382
    Updated June 2024

  • Funding is for 3 years with the annual amount paid each year. This category funds up to $3,000 per year for 3 years.

    In addition to the groups funded in FY 2022/23, Council this year has supported an additional 20 groups (listed below) for the financial years 2023/24 to 2026/27. 
    A total of $50,000 per year of funding allocated  = $150,000 over 3 years.

    Recipient  Annual Amount Over 3 years Month approved
    Associazione Nazionale Artiglieri d'Italia  $2,500  $7,500  Dec 2023
    Associazione Nazionale Marinai D'Italia "M.O.C. Borsini" Australia  $2,500  $7,500  Aug 2023
    Benvenute Donne  $2,500  $7,500  Sept 2023
    Circolo Pensionati Della Communita Vizzinese  $2,500  $7,500  Oct 2023
    Circolo Pensionati Italiani di Hadfield  $2,500  $7,500  Sept 2023
    Circolo Pensionati Italiani e famiglie  $2,000  $6,000  Aug 2023
    Climate Action Merri-bek Inc $3,000 $9,000 April 2024
    Fawkner Senior Citizens Centre Inc  $2,500  $7,500  March 2024
    Glenroy Calisthenics Club  $3,000  $9,000  March 2024
    Greek Story Time   $3,000  $9,000  Sept 2023
    Health Centre Italian Group $2,500 $7,500 April 2024
    Hadfield Golden Years Social Club  $3,000  $9,000  March 2023
    Lebanese Elderly Group  $2,000  $6,000  Oct 2024
    Merri-bek Bicycle User Group Inc  $3,000  $9,000  Dec 2023
    Moreland and Northern Greek Senior Citizens Group  $2,000  $6,000  Aug 2023
    Pascoe Vale Drop In Centre  $2,500  $7,500  July 2023
    Probus Club of Glenroy  $2,500  $7,500  July 2023
    Probus Club Of Pascoe Vale  $2,500  $7,500  July 2023
    Spanish Playgroup Coburg @ NECCHi  $2,500  $7,500  Oct 2023
    Victoria Greek/Australian Elderly Citizens Group  $2,000  $6,000  Aug 2023
    Updated June 2024


    The membership activity grants approved  during FY 2022/23 are are also funded for FY 2023/24 - and will be moving into their year 2 of funding. See this listing under the 2022-2023 

    Total of 59 groups supported in 2023-2024 with $144,500 of funding.