STRONGER COMMUNITIES GRANTS PROGRAM (ROUND 8) 2023

Do you have an idea to make the Melbourne community stronger?

Expressions of interest are now open for the 2023 (Round 8) Stronger Communities grants program for the federal electorate of Melbourne.

Melbourne Stronger Communities grants can provide funding for small infrastructure projects that deliver social benefits to the Melbourne community by encouraging and supporting participation in local projects, improving local community participation and contributing to vibrant and viable communities.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CLOSE 5PM ON FRIDAY 31 MARCH 2023.

SUBMIT YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST HERE.

How does it work?

Grant amounts between $2500 and $20,000 are available for local community projects. The grant amount for small capital projects is up to 100% of eligible project costs except for local governing bodies where grant funding will be up to 50% of eligible projects costs.

You must spend the grant on infrastructure or capital costs. Non-capital spending like salaries, office supplies, training costs, recurring or ongoing costs, or events is not eligible.

Applications take place in two steps: first, expressions of interest are made to Adam Bandt MP. Second, following community consultation, selected applicants are invited to complete their application process with the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development.

Who can apply?

• not-for-profit incorporated organisations
• non-distributing co-operatives
• companies limited by guarantee
• Indigenous corporations
• religious organisations incorporated under legislation
• Government agencies or entities that are a fire service, state emergency service or similar
• an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust with responsibility for a community asset or property
• a local governing body.

Note: your project must be located within the federal electorate of Melbourne. (You can find your local electorate at the AEC website.)

What can the grants be used for?

Grants can be used for capital purchases and projects. Spending that is not associated with a capital project (e.g. events, salaries, ongoing programs) is not eligible for a Stronger Communities grant. Projects that promote social inclusion, encourage community participation, or address existing social need in the Melbourne community will be prioritised.

Examples of previous successful projects include:

• fit-outs of community meeting spaces and neighbourhood houses
• computers for community homework club
• solar panels on community centre
• childcare centre play equipment
• canteen at sports field
• equipment for community food programs
• new training spaces for community-run employment programs
• community garden facilities
• community mural

If you have an idea and you're unsure whether it qualifies for a grant, contact Adam's office to discuss it with us.

You can also find further information on eligibility here: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/stronger-communities-programme-round-8#key-documents

How to apply

Submit your Expression of Interest by 5pm on Friday the 31st of March 2023. You can submit yours here.

Further information

Further details and full program guidelines are available at www.business.gov.au/scp 

You can contact Adam's office on 9417 0772 or by email at [email protected] if you would like to discuss the program or your idea with us.

Important dates

Expressions of interest are now open and will close at 5pm on Friday the 31st of March 2023.

If your organisation is successful in getting through to the second stage of the application process, you will need to complete your online application by 10 May 2023.