What are Community Grants?
The Community Grants Program enables Council to collaborate with the community to enhance the well-being and vibrancy of Greater Dandenong. Through this program, Council provides financial support to individuals and community groups to deliver projects and activities that foster community development and engagement.
For more details, refer to Community Grants Program Policy - 712KB
Community Grant Streams
Council offers a range of small, medium and large grants to support diverse community initiatives:
- Small Grants - Up to $1,500 for individuals and not-for-profit community organisations. These grants support small, responsive projects that help applicants achieve their goals and ambitions. Applications accepted all year round.
- Medium Grants - Up to $10,000 for not-for-profit community groups, organisations and individual artists. These one-off grants support the delivery of projects, programs and events that benefit the Greater Dandenong community.
- Large Grants - Up to $80,000 available for organisations delivering strategic projects, large-scale events, or services that address key Council priorities that benefit the broader community and build the profile of Greater Dandenong.
Click the icons below to learn more and apply.
Contact Us
If you or your organisation would like advice and assistance regarding any of our community funding programs, please contact our team on 8571 1432 or email commgrants@cgd.vic.gov.au. Language support is available.
E-newsletter
To stay up to date with the latest news from the Community Grants Program sign up for our monthly e-newsletter below.
Keep you up to date on Council's community grants programs, as well as community projects, other funding opportunities and more.
Subscribe
Stay up to receive updates on Council's grants programs, as well an find out about other Council and community projects and funding opportunities.
Community Grant Assessment Panel Member - Expression of Interest
Make a meaningful impact by volunteering as a Community Grants Assessment Panel Member.
As part of the panel, you will:
- Review and assess grant applications
- Collaborate with fellow panel members
- Help ensure funding supports initiatives that create lasting, positive change.
Who can apply?
We welcome expressions of interest from individuals of all backgrounds who live, work or actively participate in the Greater Dandenong community.
How to apply?
Expressions of interest are currently closed.
Sign up to the Community Funding e-newsletter (above) below to be kept up to date or reach out to the team to learn more.
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 eNewsletter.
Make sure you sign up to receive the Community Development eNewsletter by completing the form at the bottom of the Community Grants webpage.
Past Grant Recipients
See below for examples of previous Small Grant Program recipients.
Funding details for our Community Grants Programs are also published in Council's Annual Reports. Visit the Council Documents page.
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.
Many 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 grantmakers.
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.
