A total of 118 local clubs and organisations will share in more than $690,000 in funding through a range of grants awarded as part of Council’s 2022-23 Community Grants program.

The grants, ranging from $700 to $10,000 will support arts projects and festivals, community events, environmental sustainability initiatives, equipment purchases and community-based projects.

Council offered $4.4 million in Community Grants in 2022-2023.

The latest grants include:

• Arts Projects grants
  22 projects have been awarded almost $203,000 in funding including the Geelong’s Best Busker ($10,000); Barwon Heads Arts Council Inc for the Bellarine Arts Trail ($10,000); Geelong Youth Symphony Orchestra ($10,000), Bodies of Water from Triage Live Art Collective ($99,76).
• Community Events grants
  24 events have been awarded $110,000 in funding including Barwon Heads Triathlon ($4000); Bantu Fest ($5000); Reggae Fest ($10,000); the Geelong Pride Film Festival ($4000); Christmas in Lara ($10,000); and Ocean Grove Acoustic Festival ($6000).
• Environmental Sustainability grants
  14 projects will share in almost $80,000 in funding including Geelong Sustainability Group Inc for its climate community engagement program ($10,000); and the Rotary Club of Geelong for waste reduction at the Geelong Waterfront Markets ($6000).
• Healthy and Connected Communities grants
  56 projects will be awarded almost $198,000 in funding including the Bellarine Bicycle Users Group Active Travel Map ($10,000); a vacuum cleaner for the Greek Elderly Club of Geelong ($1500); sporting equipment for the Zimbabwean Community Australia Victoria Language school ($2000); and a research publication on the 150th anniversary of the Portarlington Demons Football Netball Club Inc ($10,000).
• Climate Change Partnerships grant
  The inaugural round of this grant will see $100,000 in partnership with the community towards urgent action on climate change.

All grant applications were assessed by an independent panel using set criteria before being endorsed by the Council.

The City thanks the members of the independent Community Assessment Panel for their time and effort in considering the grant applications.

Learn more about the 2022-2023 Community Grants.

Mayor Trent Sullivan

The grant funding keeps supporting the many clubs and groups that do important work in our community. Whether it is live performances, feeding people in need, or providing vital equipment for local community organisations – there are some fantastic projects that will be given a funding boost.

Councillor Anthony Aitken - Chair of the Council’s Finance portfolio and Deputy Mayor

We want to make sure everyone feels welcome and included, which is why we're thrilled to be supporting these 118 community projects. These grants will support not-for-profits, community groups and sporting clubs, giving people the opportunity to connect with their neighbours and give back to our community.