The City of Greater Geelong's 2025–26 Community Grants will open on Saturday 26 July, with $2.85 million in funding available for local community groups, not-for-profits, individuals, schools, and businesses to deliver projects that benefit the region.
The grants budget includes targeted support across creative industries, infrastructure, events, environmental sustainability, and community wellbeing.
To support applicants, the City is hosting free information sessions and grant writing workshops, designed to help people understand the application process and develop strong submissions.
The in-person information sessions, which will be held at Wurriki Nyal, will outline key eligibility criteria, explain any updates to the guidelines, and help applicants determine which grant is right for their project.
The Community Infrastructure Grants session will be held on Wednesday 6 August at 6.00pm (doors open 5.45pm), while all other categories will be Thursday 7 August at 6.00pm (doors open 5.45pm).
The grant writing workshops offer guidance on how to write a strong grant application, including insights into what makes an application successful and the common pitfalls to avoid.
The Community Infrastructure session will be hybrid – online and in person at Wurriki Nyal – and held on Wednesday 20 August at 6.00pm, with sessions for all other grants to be held online on Monday 11 August, Wednesday 13 August and Thursday 14 August.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
The Community Grants Program is one of the most powerful ways we can invest in our people.It supports local creativity, innovation, and connection, helping grassroots ideas grow into real outcomes that benefit the whole region.
Whether it's a new piece of equipment, an arts project, a climate change solution or a community event, these grants make a lasting difference across Greater Geelong.
Councillor Eddy Kontelj
Whether you are applying for the first time or looking to refine your approach, these workshops are a great way to build confidence and clarity," Cr Kontelj said."The grants program is an important way for Council to partner with the community and help bring grassroots ideas to life.
To register for any session, visit geelong.link/Grants
The full list of available grants is as follows:
Community Infrastructure
Applications open: 26 July to 29 September
Total budget: $1.5 million
Maximum grant amount: $250,000 for capital works, $50,000 for planning
Funding to plan or deliver new or upgraded community facilities on Council-owned or managed land, Crown land, or eligible private land accessible to the broader community.
Note: $1 million from the previous infrastructure budget has been transferred to the City's Capital Program for sports lighting projects.
Arts Projects
Applications open: 26 July to 8 September
Total budget: $100,000
Maximum grant amount: $10,000
Supports arts projects across all art forms, including music, dance, visual arts, fashion, literature, performance, design, and digital media.
Clean Economy
Applications open: 26 July to 8 September
Total budget: $50,000
Maximum grant amount: $25,000
Provides support to establish proof-of-concept clean technologies or circular economy solutions that benefit the Geelong community.
Climate Change Partnerships
Applications open: 26 July to 8 September
Total budget: $180,000
Maximum grant amount: $50,000
Supports community-led projects that reduce the impacts of climate change and build climate resilience.
Community Events
Applications open: 26 July to 8 September
Total budget: $200,000
Maximum grant amount: $10,000
Assists with the costs of moderate-sized public events that provide economic and community benefits.
Creative Commissions Program
Applications open: 26 July to 8 September
Total budget: $80,000
Maximum grant amount: $20,000
Supports established professional artists and creatives to deliver new, large-scale creative projects within the City of Greater Geelong.
Environmental Sustainability
Applications open: 26 July to 8 September
Total budget: $70,000
Maximum grant amount: $10,000 for projects and small-scale capital works
Supports environmental projects, sustainability programs, community activities, and equipment that benefit the local environment.
Community Strengthening (formerly Healthy & Connected Communities)
Applications open: 26 July to 8 September
Total budget: $203,000 (equipment now separated into its own category)
Maximum grant amount: $10,000
Supports projects, programs, activities, and events that improve health and wellbeing, promote inclusion, and build local capacity.
Community Equipment
Applications open: 26 July to 25 August
Total budget: $60,000
Maximum grant amount: $2,000
Helps not-for-profit community organisations with small equipment purchases to support program delivery and inclusion.
Creative Seed
Applications open: 26 July to 8 September
Total budget: $25,000
Maximum grant amount: $2,500
Small grants for artists and creatives to initiate, explore, or activate new ideas or approaches in their practice.
