Horsham Rural City Council has opened applications for its Community Development Grants Program, providing funding support for local projects that strengthen community wellbeing and connection.
The program supports initiatives aligned with the Council Plan 2025–2029, focusing on improving liveability, sustainability and accessibility across the municipality.
Applications are now open and will close on Monday 2 March 2026.
Mayor Cr Brian Klowss said the Community Development Grants Program plays a vital role in empowering community-led initiatives.
"These grants support grassroots projects that help build healthier, more engaged communities across our municipality" said Cr Klowss.
The program provides funding of up to $10,000 per organisation, with most successful grants typically ranging between $500 and $5,000.
In 2025, Council awarded $137,684 to 41 community organisations through the program, supporting a wide range of projects across the municipality.
The Community Development Grants Program is one of four Council grant streams. The Events Grants round is scheduled to open in May, while Urgent Need Small Grants and Youth Grants are available year-round.
Council encourages applications that align with the Community Vision and Council Plan themes of Liveability, Sustainability and Accessibility, as well as other key strategies including the Youth Strategy, Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan and the Age Friendly Communities Implementation Plan.
Support for Applicants
To support organisations applying for funding, Community Information drop-in sessions will be held in Horsham and Natimuk throughout February. Council's Community Grants Team will be available to discuss the Community Development Grants Program and provide guidance on preparing strong applications.
• Tuesday 10 February – Council Reception, 18 Roberts Avenue, Horsham | 2.00pm–6.00pm
• Wednesday 11 February – Natimuk NC2, Main Street, Natimuk | 10.00am–2.00pm
• Wednesday 18 February – Natimuk NC2, Main Street, Natimuk | 10.00am–2.00pm
The program is open to not-for-profit organisations, or groups with an auspice body, delivering projects within the Horsham Rural City Council municipality. Funded projects must commence after 1 July 2026 and be completed by 30 June 2027. The Community Development Grants Program does not provide funding for events.
Applications must be submitted online.
