A revised grants program is scheduled to open on Saturday 20 December with the aim of increasing health and social outcomes for the region's Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, First Nations residents, organisations and groups.
The 2025-26 Community Strengthening First Nations Grants will support self-determined projects and initiatives that deliver on targets in the City's Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy , Council Plan and the national agreement on Closing the Gap .
There are two streams, with Category 1 offering grants for smaller projects and Category 2 being for larger-scale initiatives which need comprehensive planning, stakeholder support and may involve multiple partners.
The Community Strengthening First Nations Grants program is an evolution of our previous First Nations Cultural Heritage Grants.The new grant will be open to applicants based in Greater Geelong, as well as Wadawurrung Traditional Owners living outside of Geelong who want to undertake initiatives here. All funded projects must be delivered within our municipality.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
The City received feedback from a range of stakeholders and organisations for guidance on eligibility and funding priorities.We look forward to launching this program and supporting positive health and wellbeing outcomes for Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, First Nations people and the broader community.
Subscribe to our newsletter and apply for the grant.
Deputy Mayor Ron Nelson
Our revised grants program aims to strengthen and enable First Nations' decision making and increase opportunities for community participation and diverse engagement.We hope the resulting projects and initiatives will improve understanding, respect and celebration of Wadawurrung and First Nations perspectives and culture in our region.
