The Medium Grants Program offers not-for-profit community groups, organisations and individual artists the opportunity to apply for one-off grants to support delivery of projects, programs and events that benefit the Greater Dandenong community.
Refer to the table below for an overview of available grants and how to apply. Detailed information on grant eligibility and assessment criteria can be found by clicking on the guidelines below.
Important Information
Before you apply, please download and read the program guidelines carefully. These guidelines clearly outline who is eligible to apply, what activities or expenses the funding can be used for, and how applications are assessed against specific criteria.
Reading the guidelines first will help you understand if you or your proposed project is eligible, and what information you need to include, so you can submit a clear and strong application.
You may also wish to review the round information sheet for important dates and details about upcoming grant information sessions.
Medium Grants Program - Guidelines - 5.7MB
Medium Grants Program - Round Information Sheet - 350KB
Information Sessions and Application Support
Our grant information sessions provide guidance on eligibility criteria, project timelines, how to access and complete the online application form, and tips for writing a strong application including an accurate budget.
Sessions for Medium Grants Round 2 are now available for registration, including both in-person and online options. Bookings are essential, register now.
You may also want to watch our grant writing process training video.
And finally, we encourage you to discuss your application with a Community Funding Officer prior to submitting. You can schedule an appointment time via the team Bookings page, with both face-to-face and online meeting options available.
Important Dates: 2026 Round 1
| Opening Date | Tuesday 10 February |
| Closing Date | 11.59pm AEDT Tuesday 10 March |
| Notification of Outcome | June 2026 |
| Project Period Starts | 1 July 2026 |
| Project Period Ends | 30 June 2027 |
Important Dates: 2026 Round 2
| Opening Date | Tuesday 14 July |
| Closing Date | 11.59pm AEDT Tuesday 11 August |
| Notification of Outcome | November 2026 |
| Project Period Starts | 1 January 2027 |
| Project Period Ends | 31 December 2027 |
Stream |
Funding Available |
Frequency |
To Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
Community Development GrantsProjects that support community education, life-long learning, community inclusion and social cohesion. |
Up to $10,000 | This is a biannual Grants Round. This program opens each year in February and July/August. Opens: Tuesday 14 July Closes: 11.59pm Tuesday 11 August |
Currently Closed. Application Link will be live prior to next round opening, Tuesday 14 July 2026 |
Climate Change Action GrantsProjects that deliver climate related or other positive environmental outcomes and assist Council in their its commitment to tackling climate change. |
Up to $10,000 | This is a biannual Grants Round. This program opens each year in February and July/August. Opens: Tuesday 14 July Closes: 11.59pm Tuesday 11 August |
Currently Closed. Application Link will be live prior to next round opening, Tuesday 14 July 2026 |
Arts, Festivals and Events GrantsOpen and accessible festivals, events and art projects that activate public spaces, build community connection and cross-cultural exchange. |
Up to $10,000 | This is a biannual Grants Round. This program opens each year in February and July/August. Opens: Tuesday 14 July Closes: 11.59pm Tuesday 11 August |
Currently Closed. Application Link will be live prior to next round opening, Tuesday 14 July 2026 |
Individual Artist GrantsArts projects that have high artistic merit and attract new audiences. |
Up to $5,000 | This is a biannual Grants Round. This program opens each year in February and July/August. Opens: Tuesday 14 July Closes: 11.59pm Tuesday 11 August |
Currently Closed. Application Link will be live prior to next round opening, Tuesday 14 July 2026 |
Community Funding eNewsletter
To stay up to date with the latest news from the Community Grants Program sign up for our monthly eNewsletter below.
This eNewsletter will keep you up to date on Council's community grants programs, as well as community projects, other funding opportunities and more.
Subscribe
Past Medium Grant Recipients
See below for examples of previous Medium Grants Program recipients.
Funding details for our Community Grants Programs are also published in Council's Annual Reports. Visit the Council Documents page.
Non-Council Grants Funding
In addition to Council grants, we recommend you explore funding from other organisations and government departments.
Here are a few links to help get you started:
- Arts Victoria
- Creative Australia
- Federal Government – Grant Connect
- The Funding Centre
- The Grants Hub
- Multicultural Community Grants
- Philanthropy Australia
- Sport and Recreation Victoria
- Sustainability Victoria
- VicHealth
- Victorian State Government
- VicSport
The Community Development Funding team will often include additional grant opportunities in the monthly e-newsletter.
Make sure you sign up to receive the Community Development e-newsletter by completing the form at the bottom of the Community Grants webpage.
Useful Resources
These resources can help you prepare your grant application, check your organisation’s registration, and strengthen your governance practices.
Consumer Affairs Victoria – Incorporated Association
In Victoria, not-for-profit clubs and community groups can register as an incorporated association with Consumer Affairs Victoria.
The City of Greater Dandenong grant programs require your organisation to either:
- Be incorporated, or
- Be auspiced by an incorporated organisation.
Becoming incorporated gives your group a formal legal structure. This means:
- Your organisation becomes a legal entity that can enter into contracts, borrow money, or own property.
- The legal entity remains the same even if members change.
- Members are protected from personal legal liability.
Useful Consumer Affairs Victoria links:
- Incorporated Associated Registration Process
- Incorporated Association Rules
- Incorporated Association Membership
- Incorporated Association Meetings
- Incorporated Associations Financial Statements and Auditing Requirements
Registration Search Tools
- ABN Lookup – Search for ABN details or update your entity’s information.
- Incorporated Association Search – Check your Incorporated Association registration status.
- ACNC Charity Register – Search for registered charities
Our Community Resources
Our community provides practical tools and training for not-for-profits and grant makers.
Helpful resources include:
- Tools and Resources for not-for-profits
- Financial Management
- Membership Scheme Help Centre
- Sponsorships Help Centre
- Events Help Centre
- Communications Help Centre
Child Safe Standards
Organisations working with children must have policies and practices in place to keep them safe.
- Child Safe Standards - Commission for Children and Young People
- City of Greater Dandenong – Child Safe Standards
Crowdfunding Platforms
Crowdfunding is an increasingly popular method of online fundraising, involving individuals or organisations setting a fundraising target and then asking the ‘crowd’ of the internet for donations to reach that target. This generally means small donations from many people.
Below are some online crowdfunding platforms, that can help you plan, draft and execute crowdfunding campaigns.
