Applications for the City’s 2026-27 Community Grants will open on Saturday 27 June, with funding available to support projects, activities, events, and infrastructure that strengthen community connections and deliver social, cultural and environmental benefits.

To better support applicants this year, the City is set to launch a new and interactive grant writing course. It covers how to find funding opportunities, understand guidelines and write clear and strong applications.

The ‘Grant Writing for Success’ course includes informative videos, practical examples, test-your-knowledge questions and specialised resources designed to help participants write better and more successful applications.

The City will also host free information sessions and grant writing workshops to offer tailored advice about the application process including eligibility, grant guidelines and helpful tips.

The in-person information sessions will be held at Wurriki Nyal, with Community Infrastructure Grants scheduled for Wednesday 8 July from 6pm to 7.30pm; doors open at 5.45pm. The session for the remaining grant categories will be held at the same time on Thursday 9 July.

The Grant Writing workshops will be held online on various dates in July following the information sessions.

Deputy Mayor Eddy Kontelj 

Our Community Grants program is a great way we can empower local residents to lead from the front and put their bright ideas into action.

The City has a diverse range of grants on offer, but this isn’t by accident. Offering a variety of funding opportunities means we are better supporting the needs of our broad and unique community.

The next great community initiative could start with your application, let this be your sign to apply.

Councillor Elise Wilkinson, Chair of the Environment & Circular Economy portfolio 

A key focus for the City is making sure our Community Grants program reaches a broad cross-section of the community and supports projects that reflect the diversity, strength and aspirations of our residents.

Whether it’s your first time applying for funding, or you’re looking to brush up on your grant writing skills, I encourage everyone in our community to take advantage of the resources, information sessions and workshops.

For more information or to register for a session visit: https://geelong.link/community-grants

Full list of available Community Grants in 2026-27:

Arts Projects
Applications open: 27 June 2026 to 10 August 2026
Total grant pool: $100,000
Maximum funding per applicant: $10,000
Purpose: To support artists, creatives and the cultural sector to develop new work to encourage creative expression connected to local people, stories and place. 
Who can apply: Business, individual/sole trader, not-for-profit community organisation.

Clean Economy
Applications open: 27 June 2026 to 10 August 2026
Total grant pool: $50,000
Maximum funding per applicant: $25,000
Purpose: To support organisations to establish proof of concept for circular technologies and clean economy solutions that benefit the Geelong community
Who can apply: Business, higher education institute, individual/sole trader, not-for-profit community organisation.

Climate Change Partnerships
Applications open: 27 June 2026 to 10 August 2026
Total grant pool: $180,000 
Maximum funding per applicant: $50,000
Purpose: Partnership grants for the Geelong community to lead the way in adapting to a changing climate.
Who can apply: Business, individual/sole trader, not-for-profit community organisation, school in partnership with another school or not-for-profit group.

Community Events 
Applications open: 27 June 2026 to 10 August 2026
Total grant pool: $150,000 
Maximum funding per applicant: $10,000
Purpose: Grants for moderate sized public events that provide economic and community benefits to the Greater Geelong region. 
Who can apply: Business, individual/sole trader, not-for-profit community organisation, schools and learning institutions.

Community Strengthening
Applications open: 27 June 2026 to 10 August 2026
Total grant pool: $203,000 
Maximum funding per application: $10,000
Purpose: To support projects, activities or events that respond to a community need and promote inclusion and positive health and wellbeing within the community.
Who can apply: Not-for-profit community organisation.

Creative Commissions
Applications open: 27 June 2026 to 10 August 2026
Total grant pool: $80,000
Maximum funding per application: $20,000
Purpose: To support established, professional artists and creatives to deliver large-scale creative projects with the City of Greater Geelong.
Who can apply: Business, individual/sole trader, not-for-profit community organisation

Environmental Sustainability
Applications open: 27 June 2026 to 10 August 2026
Total grant pool: $70,000
Maximum funding per application: $10,000
Purpose: To support minor capital works and the initiation, development and delivery of projects that enhance our natural environment and drive environmental sustainability actions across the Geelong region.
Who can apply: Not-for-profit community organisation, schools and learning institutions.

First Nations
Applications open: 27 June 2026 to 10 August 2026
Total grant pool: $100,000
Maximum funding per application: $25,000
Purpose: To support self-determined projects and initiatives aimed at increasing health and social equity for Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, First Nations People, organisations and groups living in Greater Geelong.
Who can apply: Business, not-for-profit community organisation, schools and learning institutions.

Community Equipment
Applications open: 27 June 2026 to 27 July 2026
Total grant pool: $60,000
Maximum funding per application: $2,000
Purpose: Grants to assist with the cost of small equipment purchases that help community groups deliver services and programs. 
Who can apply: Not-for-profit community organisation.

Christmas Grants
Applications open: 27 June 2026 to 27 July 2026
Total grant pool: $50,000
Maximum funding per application: $10,000
Purpose: Grants for moderate sized public events to celebrate the 2026 Christmas festive season. 
Who can apply: Business, individual/sole trader, not-for-profit community organisation, schools and learning institutions.

Creative Seed
Applications open: 27 June 2026 to 3 August 2026
Total grant pool: $25,000
Maximum funding per application: $2,500
Purpose: To support artists and creatives to initiate, explore or activate new ideas or new approaches to their work.
Who can apply: Business, individual/sole trader, not-for-profit community organisation.

Community Infrastructure
Applications open: 27 June 2026 to 31 August 2026
Total grant pool: $1,500,000
Maximum funding per application: $50,000 (planning), $300,000 (capital works)
Purpose: Grants for the planning and delivery of community led infrastructure projects that increase community access to places, spaces and services, where and when they are most needed, and provide facilities that foster and facilitate positive health and wellbeing outcomes. For projects on council owned and managed land, Crown land, or private land owned by an eligible applicant
Who can apply: Not-for-profit community organisation, schools and learning institutions.