Greater Shepparton City Council is encouraging local community groups and not-for-profit organisations to apply for their share of funding as part of Council's Community Grants Program.
Applications for Round 2 of the 2025/2026 program open at 9am on Friday 9 January 2026, with four grant categories open:
- Small Town Festive Decorations – Grants of up to $3,000 are available for small towns within Greater Shepparton to decorate their main street and/or public space to celebrate the festive season.
- Community Matching – Grants of up to $4,000 are available for community groups to support one-off projects and events which benefit and strengthen the Greater Shepparton community.
- Minor and Major Event – Grants of up to $2,000 (Minor) and up to $5,000 (Major) are available to help facilitate events which attract visitation, increase and enhance community spirit, participation, inclusion and wellbeing.
- Creative Cities – Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support local talent, contribute to creative activity across our region, encourage active participation in the arts for all and strengthen Greater Shepparton's identity as a Creative City.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, encouraged community groups to apply for Round 2, saying it was the perfect time to start thinking about creative projects and events for the new year.
"These grants are specifically designed for our community. Each round of funding is set aside to help local groups host events, run community programs, or make purchases that benefit the broader community," he said.
"We received great uptake in Round 1, with 81 applications received and we hope to receive similar interest in Round 2. I encourage residents to think creatively and consider unique, impactful ways to use this funding for a variety of projects."
Council is hosting an online information session on Wednesday 4 February 2026 from 6pm to 7pm. The session will be an opportunity for interested community groups and not for profit organisations to find out more information about the application process, key dates, grant amounts, and to have any questions answered. To register your interest, visit: https://www.trybooking.com/DIGYJ
Applications for the four grant programs close at 5pm on Monday 2 March 2026.
