Grants

Right now is a difficult time for many in our community who are facing hardship as a result of COVID-19. Council is continuing to support community and businesses in Darebin with relief and support programs.

Council has launched the latest round of Recovery Grants, which are part of the Council’s $11.8 million Community and Business Resilience and Recovery Package.

The Recovery Grants are a competitive process and are open to businesses, sporting clubs, creative and cultural organisations. Funding of more than $1 million will be available through this round of grants with a focus on supporting those in the community who are the most vulnerable and hardest hit by the impacts of COVID-19.

For further details in relation to individual grants streams including deadlines for applications visit COVID-19 Recovery Grants.

The City of Darebin is made up of so many wonderful groups and individuals who make incredible contributions to the community. We achieve this by providing grants to not-for-profit (NFP) groups and organisations who will implement projects which address the needs and issues within their community and engage all Darebin residents especially those who experience or at risk of discrimination and/or exclusion.

The 2021/2022 Darebin Community Grants Program will open Tuesday 6 April at 8.00am and close on Monday 31 May 2021 at 11.59pm.

LATE APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.  

This program comprises the following programs:

2021/2022 Small Cash Grants (Up to $3,000)

2021/2022 Medium Cash Grant - Environment & Sustainability (Up to $15,000)

2021/2022 Medium Cash Grants - Equity, Inclusion and Wellbeing (Up to $15,000)

2021/2022 Medium Cash Grants - Creative Projects - Artists Led Initiatives (Up to $15,000)

2021/2022 Venue Hire Support Grants (In-kind only) (Up to $6,000)

Also available are the following programs:

2021/2022 Quick Response Cash Grants Program (Up to $1,000)

2021/2022 Quick Response Program (Up to $1,000)

NOTE: The Quick Response Programs will open in July/August 2021 and close 30 June 2022 or until funding is exhausted.

How do I apply for a Community Grant?

Intending applicants are advised to read the 2021/2022 Community Grants Program's Information & Guidelines before applying, especially elegibility criteria, what can and what cannot be funded.

Only online application forms must be used and they can be accessed using the following link: https://darebin.smartygrants.com.au .

Step 1:

If you have not submitted an application using the SmartyGrants website before, you will need to register an account. To do this you will need to provide an email address and you will be asked to create a password.

If you have previously submitted an application via the SmartyGrants system, please use the same email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, please click on 'Forgotten password' and a link to set up a new password will be sent to your email address.

If you need to change the registered 'User', please call the Community Grants Officer on 8470 8504.

Step 2:

After registering with SmartyGrants for the first time you will receive an activation email to the address that you have provided. Use the link provided in the email to log-in to the SmartyGrants website and access application forms.

Step 3:

Access the relevant application form as follows:

2021/2022 Small Grants (Form 1): Small grants (up to $3,000)

2021/2022 Medium Grants (Form 2): Environment and Sustainability sub-category (up to $15,000)

2021/2022 Medium Grants (Form3): Equity, Inclusion and Wellbeing sub-category (up to $15,000)

2021/2022 Medium Grants (Form 4): Creative Projects - Artist Led Initiatives sub-category (up to $15,000).

2021/2022 Venue Hire Support (Form 5): All venue hire support applications (up to $6,000)

Please note that Venue Hire Support Grants applications submitted without first booking your preferred venue and supplying a quote from the venue booking officer cannot be assessed. Please find below the list of Council venues available under this program.

Step 4:

Fill out the appropriate application form and upload any documents that you have been asked to provide. You will be asked to supply:

 Once completed, you will be asked to review the application. Ensure you use the SUBMIT button to submit your application.

Once the application is submitted, you will receive an email from SMARTYGRANTS acknowledging that your application has been received. If you do not receive this acknowledgement soon after submitting the application, please contact the Community Grants Officer immediately on 8470 8504.

List of Council venues available under the 2021/2022 Venue Hire Support Grants Program:

(*) Note: Venue hire support applications for the use of the Darebin Intercultural Centre, Thornbury Early Years Centre, Fairfield Activity Room, Darebin Arts Centre and Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre are subject to specific eligibility criteria.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Only one Cash-Grant Application (select either Form 1, or Form 2 or Form 3) and/or one Venue Hire Support Grant Application (Form 4) are accepted in the same financial year.

• One-on-one information session can be arranged with the Community Grants Officer (8470 8504 or Darebingrants@darebin.vic.gov.au).
• One-on-one assistance to write applications using the online forms may be provided to applicants unable to access the online forms or unable to fill out the online forms in the English language.
• Interpreters can be arranged for these sessions if required (please call 8470 8504).

Darebin Council’s Three Year Partnership Grants is a new grants program, are available to not-for-profit organisations with proven track record in delivering quality programs and services that align with the Council’s priorities.

Council received an enormous number of high-quality applications for this year’s program, with almost $2 million requested by 57 organisations.

Council is excited to announce the Three Year Partnership Grants recipients for the 2019 – 2022 round, with 17 applications funded $424,000 across four categories

•            Environment and Sustainability

•            Equity, Inclusion and Wellbeing

•            Youth Partnerships

•            Key Cultural Organisations

One of the projects funded is the Koori Youth Circus, which will be run by Circus Oz in partnership with MAYSAR (Melbourne Aboriginal Youth Sport & Recreation), and will receive $44,700 from Council for three years.

Council will also fund the Islamic Museum of Australia’s Muslim Youth Network $25,000 for three years to give young Muslims a voice and sense of empowerment to create their own identity as Australian Muslims.

Successful Three Year Partnership Grant applicants receive approved funding, each year during the three year grant period (2019 – 2022).

For more information on the projects and organisations funded can be found below:

List of successful Three Year Partnership Grant Applications

The 2021/2022 Youth Project Grants provide funding support to local community projects that deliver outcomes for young people (12 – 25 years) within the City of Darebin.

Grants are available to local community organisations for youth-led projects and initiatives that address key issues facing young people in Darebin. Projects that address local wellbeing and equity issues, climate emergency, that provide leadership opportunities and increase learning and skill development in young people are encouraged. Submissions must provide evidence of community need and a clear benefit young people. 

Priority will be given to projects that address issues faced by diverse young people and demonstrate well established youth-led practices that place young people at the centre of all design and implementation. 

Applications for the 2021/2022 round of Youth Project Grants close Monday 31 May 2021.

For further details about the Youth Project Grants, contact Clinton Fullgrabe on 8470 8355 or via clinton.fullgrabe@darebin.vic.gov.au

Darebin City Council's Social Enterprise grant program is now closed but will re-open for applications in September 2020.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the recipients of the inaugural grant round:

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) Narrun Yana Art Collective

Narrun Yana celebrates the culture and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through art made by young people. We’re excited to see what the additional funding will make possible for these brilliant young artists!

Northern Community Careworks sewing hub

This project will receive funding to save fabric from landfill and teach vulnerable groups to craft. Great for the Earth and for the community

Free to Feed wellbeing training

With a proven record of helping asylum seekers and refugees to gain employment and start food-based businesses, Free to Feed is now looking to provide wellbeing training and support to women who have experienced trauma This project aims to help them achieve economic independence while creating great cultural food.

Lentil As Anything food rescue and training program

With their grant, Lentils as Anything in Thornbury will provide training and employment pathways to help marginalised communities while increasing the capacity of their retail space to rescue fresh food

Melbourne Farmers Markets access all areas 

Melbourne Farmers Markets will use their grant to build a disabled toilet at Melbourne Food Hub in Alphington. In future more people will be able to visit this site to buy, grow, eat, compost and learn about fresh produce.

Full grant details will be announced in September 2020

The Darebin City Council’s Social Enterprise grants program seeks to support our local social enterprises and help them to establish and grow through investment in equipment, projects, infrastructure and capacity building.

A total grant allocation of $40,000 is available.  Individual amounts of up to $10,000 could be made available depending on eligibility criteria and strength of application.  

There is both a thriving and emerging group of social enterprise businesses in Darebin.  Through these, council priorities focusing on improving the wellbeing of people in our community, supporting and attracting a diversity of local businesses, leading on equity and creating a sustainable city, are addressed in very practical ways.  As a result our community is strengthened, employment is bolstered and marginalised groups are given more of a voice. 

Grants will be offered in three different streams – start-up, expansion and quick response grants.

 “Social enterprises are businesses that trade to intentionally tackle social problems, improve communities, provide marginalised people access to employment and training or help the environment”

FUSE Fund

FUSE Fund aims to support the presentation of great quality arts projects and events by Darebin based artists and community organisations within the FUSE program.

There is $50,000 in this fund and a limited number of grants will be awarded.
Round Two closes on Thursday 8 October 2020.

For more information see the FUSE Darebin website. 

Darebin Triennial Event Partnerships (Closed)

This program aims to refresh and diversify creative and cultural offerings at Darebin City Council's two key arts centres - Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre and Darebin Arts Centre.  Expressions of interest are open to organisations and established groups seeking an event partner.

                                                                                                                                                      
Applications for the 2019 Triennial Event Partnership Program closed on Wednesday 24 July 2019.

Darebin Community Grants  
Financial assistance is provided each year through the Art and Culture category of the Community Grants Program to support community groups and organisations to undertake community cultural development activities.

Youth Encouragement Scheme
This program provides financial assistance to young people who wish to be involved in sports, arts, culture and education.

Contact Youth Services for more information on 9496 1020.

EXTERNAL GRANTS PROGRAMS

Victorian Multicultural Commission
The Victorian Multicultural Commission has funding programs to assist ethnic and community based organisations with programs and activities that aim to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Visit the Multicultural Victorian Commission for more information.

VicHealth

VicHealth is a health promotion agency that creates environments to improve the health of the community. It contributes to the public by supporting health promotion activities in arts settings.

Visit the VicHealth Website for further information.

GrantsLINK
The GrantsLINK directory has information about federal, state and local government funding programs. GrantsLINK makes it easier to find suitable and relevant grants for your community projects from the many Australian government grants that are available.

Visit the GrantsLINK website for more information.

Arts Victoria
Arts Victoria is responsible for the State Government's arts policy. It oversees the state-owned cultural agencies and provides funding for arts and cultural initiatives.

Visit the Arts Victoria Website for further details.

Australia Council for the Arts
The Australia Council for the Arts is the Australian Government's arts funding and advisory body. It invests in artists and arts organisations working in all types of arts including dance, theatre, literature, music and much more.

Visit the Australia Council for the Arts Website for further details.

National Association for the Visual Arts Grants
These grants provide assistance towards the costs of public presentation of visual arts, craft and design. This can include:

• Media releases
• Media photographs
• Advertising
• Space rental and opening costs
• Installation costs
• Promotional printing and mail out

Visit the National Association for the Visual Arts website for further information. 

Sector Growth Program

$20 million Jobs Boost and Blueprint for Growth

This program builds on the Future Industries plans from the Victorian government and makes available grants of up to $1m per project. 

Two types of grants are available. 

1. Scoping, planning and feasibility studies:

Projects that will be considered for funding under Stream 1 of the program will focus on scoping, planning and feasibility studies directed at identifying opportunities aligned with the Future Industries Sector Strategies. Funding of up to $10,000 is available. Eligible activities can include:

• Road mapping
• Supply chain analysis
• Sector capability audits
• Economic impact analyses
• Feasibility studies
• Sector opportunity analysis
• Pathway to market strategy

2. Project implementation:

Projects that will be considered will focus on the implementation of projects aligned with the Future Industries Sector Strategies that enhance the applicants’ and the sectors’ growth, productivity and competitiveness. Funding of up to $1 million will be available for projects in Stream 2. All funding must be matched by a minimum cash co-contribution of $1 for every $1 funded. Projects are to be completed within two (2) years of the negotiation of a suitable grant agreement. Relevant activities include but are not limited to:

• Shared infrastructure solutions
• Piloting new technologies, such as demonstration plant/equipment
• Establishing consolidated industry capability.

To be eligible for either stream, applications must be submitted on behalf of a consortium with a lead applicant which can be either private sector businesses; not for profit organisations, such as educational or health institutions, Victorian local government authorities; Victorian public sector agencies.

For full details of the program and eligibility criteria see the information at Business Victoria

Local Industry Fund for Transition, Melbourne's North (LIFT)

The State Government has implemented this program, offering grants of up to $2 million to businesses based in the North. The fund replaces the established Melbourne's North Innovation and Investment Fund (MNIIF) and supports projects that create sustainable jobs and economic activity. Eligible project expenditure may include: purchase of equipment or machinery to assist business establishment or expansion, direct labour costs, construction or fit-out of a new building or extension to existing premises. There is a cash co-contribution of $3 for every $1 granted. Preference will be given to projects that create jobs for local workers facing retrenchment due to the closure of automotive manufacturing operations.

Read more about the programme on the Fact Sheet or submit an expression of interest.

Future Industries Manufacturing Program

The Victorian Government has established the $200m Future Industries Fund to support six high-growth sectors that have potential for extraordinary economic growth - to create jobs and attract investment in Victoria. Arising from this program is the Future Industries Manufacturing Program (FIMP) which offers generous grants for the manufacturing sector.

Summary:

• Grants of up to $500k per business called for. Grants of less than $100k will not be accepted.

Business should:

Have the ability to meet the co-contribution requirement ($3 for every $1 granted)

The program provides grants of up to 25 per cent of eligible project expenditure, with a maximum grant of $500,000. Applicants will need to demonstrate how the project outcomes justify the grant investment.

Eligible project expenditure includes the following activities relating to the proposed project:

• Capital expenditure and other project-related non-capitalised expenditure (but does not include vehicles, internal costs or salaries)
• Manufacturing product and process improvements (including significant improvements in technical specifications; components and materials; software in the project; user friendliness or other functional characteristics; and/or new or significantly improved production or delivery methods)
• Prototyping, evaluation and testing of new products and manufacturing processes
• Supply chain capability development
• Tooling
• Training specific to the technology (external costs only)
• Labour and contractors (but does not include internal salaries)
• Manufacturing machinery and equipment, (for example, repurposing state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing equipment), or
• Minor building alterations and fit-out costs

Assessment Criteria

1. Impact of the Project on Employment and Skills
2. The Level of Economic Benefit the Proposed Project will bring to Victoria
3. The Demonstrated Skills, Experience and Resources Available to the Business to Successfully Undertake the Project
4. Value for Money
5. Need for Government Support.

Victoria's Automotive Transition Plan

Towards Future Industries: Victoria's Automotive Transition Plan

The Victorian Government has announced its $46.5m Towards Future Industries: Victoria's Automotive Transition Plan to help businesses, workers and communities affected by the closure of automotive manufacturing operations to meet the challenges ahead and capitalise on emerging opportunities.

Assistance for businesses:

The Government has established the new $5m Automotive Supply Chain Transition Program to support Victorian automotive supply chain companies affected by the closure of passenger vehicle manufacturing in Victoria.

Assistance of up to $65,000 will be provided to eligible supply chain companies to help guide them through this period.

The funding will help companies develop a transition plan to identify new opportunities and target sectors and markets, and provide assistance to pursue those opportunities.

Find out more or apply for Automotive Supply Chain Transition Program.

Incubator Support Initiative

An initiative of the Federal Government, stemming out of the National Innovation and Science Agenda, this will support existing incubators and encourage the development of new ones.

The Incubator Support initiative provides funding through two components to deliver Incubator Support projects, both of which require matched funding from applicants.

The first is support for New and Existing Incubators:

1. to help develop new incubators in regions or sectors with high potential for success in international trade, and
2. to boost the effectiveness of high performing incubators, including funding support to expand their services and/or develop the innovation ecosystem.

The second is support for Expert-in-Residence:

1. to provide access to top quality research, managerial and technical talent through secondments of national or international expert advisers who will improve their chance of commercial success in international markets.

Grant funding of up to 50 per cent of total Incubator Support Project Values will be available as follows:

1. a minimum grant amount of $10,000 and a maximum grant amount of $500,000 for New and Existing Incubators per project with a maximum grant period of 24 months.
2. a minimum grant amount of $1,000 and a maximum grant amount of $25,000 for Expert-In-Residence per project with a maximum grant period of 12 months

 More information, including application forms can be found on the National Science and Innovation Website.

New fund for small to medium business - Coles Nurture Fund

Coles is allocating $10m per year in grants and interest free loans to encourage small business to develop market leading products, technologies, systems and processes. Available to businesses that employ no more than 50 FTE with a turnover of less than $25m, this fund could be the difference in getting great ideas up and running.

 For all the details on this, visit the Coles Nurture Fund Guidelines.

Community Grants

Start up Finance Package for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs

An initiative of Indigenous Business Australia, this package makes it easier to get your business idea off the ground. You can access up to 30% of a new business loan as a grant to purchase assets for your business which you will not have to repay. Additional support is also provided. For more details or to apply call 1800 107 107 or see the details on the Indigenous Business Australia site.

Sustainability Grants

Waste to Energy Infrastructure Fund

A $2m grant and investment facilitation program designed to support the installation of new or upgrades to existing waste to energy facilities or technology. With a particular emphasis on food waste from commercial and industrial businesses this grant is suitable for those that are able to have a project commissioned by 31 December 2019.

 For full details visit Sustainability Victoria.

Energy Assessment Grants

Boost productivity by reducing energy costs. These grants can provide either basic or detailed energy assessments from experts and are available to small to medium businesses - those employing less than 200 fte who spend over $20k on energy bills. Applications close 28 September 2018 unless funds are fully allocated before this date.

 For full details visit Sustainability Victoria .

Social Impact Investment for Sustainability Program

The Victorian Government is supporting investment-ready social enterprises to create new jobs and training opportunities, respond to climate change, avoid and recover waste and improve resource efficiency in the Victorian community.

The program provides a combination of grant and low interest loan. Investment-ready social enterprises can apply for up to $200,000 as a combination grant and low interest (2.5%) loan to scale up (expand) their operations.

Visit Sustainability Victoria for all details including application process, 

Energy Efficient Grants

Sustainability Victoria is calling for expressions of interest (EOI) from industry associations, business networks and registered training organisations (RTOs) wanting to apply for a grant to fund a project that builds the energy efficiency capability of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) or service providers. Projects need to deliver outcomes of big impact and long lasting change.

Visit Sustainability Victoria for all details including the application process.

Other Grant Opportunities

Find a grant for your business on the Business Victoria portal or with the Federal Government's grant finder there are hundreds of grants available for businesses to take advantage of.

Further Information:
Business Development
Ph: 8470 8344
Email: business@darebin.vic.gov.au

• Help the community get back into community sport and recreation, improving our residents’ physical and mental wellbeing, with a focus on inclusion and those facing hardship.
• Support clubs in rebuilding their financial sustainability and capacity from COVID impacts to deliver sport activities again.
• Help clubs to deliver a COVID-safe place to play for the community. 

To find out more, please review grant guidelines and contact our Sport Development Officer on 8470 8138 or email leisure@darebin.vic.gov.au.

The 2020/2021 Quick Response Program is now closed. 

Further information:
Community Grants Officer
T: 8470 8504 or E: Darebingrants@darebin.vic.gov.au