East Gippsland Shire Council is inviting community groups and clubs to apply for support through its latest round of Community Small Grants, which is open now.
Grants of up to $3,000 are available to support community-building activities such as governance improvements, training and development, community events, promotional materials and small equipment purchases.
Mayor Cr John White said the program provides an important source of support for community groups of all sizes and types across the region.
"These grants can help clubs and groups get a project off the ground, update their equipment, or host an event that brings people together," John said. "We've supported many fantastic community initiatives over the years through this program, and I encourage groups to think about what they could achieve with a little extra support."
The program is designed to strengthen social connections, improve local facilities, and support inclusion, creativity and wellbeing.
"Each of these projects has the potential to create ripple effects throughout East Gippsland, improving lives and fostering connections," John said. "The community value-adding aspect of the program means that Council achieves more impact for each dollar expended than would be the case for projects delivered without these partnerships."
The grants help address both immediate community needs and long-term outcomes, contributing to the resilience and sustainability of local communities across the shire.
"This isn't just about providing financial support for individual projects - it's about creating opportunities for the entire community to thrive," John said. "We're supporting initiatives that build capacity and help our communities grow stronger together."
Applications must be submitted through SmartyGrants, Council's online grants system. A step-by-step how-to guide and full program guidelines are available at eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/community/grants. Applications close Friday 29 August 2025.
Council's larger Community Impact Grants Program, which supports broader-scale projects with long-term community benefit, will open in October 2025.
