The Small Grants Program offers funding to individuals and not-for-profit community organisations to support local activities, projects, or goals. Grants range between $250 and $1,500 and are designed to be flexible and responsive to community needs.
Who can Apply
Before applying, please read the Small Grants Program Guidelines to check if you're eligible.
The guidelines explain the four types of grants available, including eligibility criteria and maximum funding amount for each category:
- Individual Achievement
- Community Group Activity
- Entry Level
- Responsive Project
Download the Small Grants Program Guidelines - 6.17MB
How to Apply
Applications are accepted all year round. Applications must be submitted through the City of Greater Dandenong’s online grant application system. To apply, you’ll need to log in or create an account.
The application form will adjust based on the grant category you choose, so you’ll only see questions relevant to your project.
Application Templates
The Community Funding team have developed the following two templates that you may wish to use when applying for a Small Grant.
What Happens after you Apply
You’ll be notified of the outcome within four weeks of submitting your application. A funding officer may contact you during this time if more information is needed.
If your application is unsuccessful, you’ll be told why and encouraged to contact a Council funding officer for feedback or help with future applications.
If your application is successful, you’ll receive a grant agreement to sign along with instructions to provide an invoice. Once the signed agreement and invoice are submitted, payment will be processed. While Council will endeavour to make payment as soon as possible, please note this can take up to 28 working days. Please keep this in mind when planning your project or event.
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 to the Community Funding eNewsletter
Past Small 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.
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.
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 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.
