Community groups and artists are encouraged to apply for up to $10,000 in funding to make their project reality, with Council's Annual Grants now open.
On Tuesday, 14 May, Councillors endorsed the 2025 Annual Grants program and budget, with applications now open for projects that happen in 2025.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Sophie Todorov, encouraged anyone with a well-developed idea to make a positive difference in their community, to prepare their application.
"We're so excited about our Annual Grants opening – this is one of our largest opportunities to support not-for-profit groups and artists to launch projects and festivals to benefit the community," Cr Todorov said.
"Groups can apply for funding of up to $10,000 for projects and events, across a range of streams. The limit for larger festivals has increased to $15,000. We also invite projects that highlight and elevate the culture and history of our region, and help our community to develop.
"We've had a tremendous number of projects funded through this grant program – for art groups, this funding can help make projects happen; for festivals and events, significant funding contributions from Council can secure your place in the festival calendar and make it easier to attract other funding, sponsors and volunteers.
"This is a once-a-year opportunity to kickstart something really special, so I strongly encourage our community groups and interested artists to check out the grants and apply.
"My fellow Councillors and I have also increased the budget for the grants, meaning this is the best year yet to put your hand up and get some critical funding."
Councillors voted to increase funding to the Annual Grants, with a $25,000 increase to Community Development Grants (to a total of $275,000), an increase to Festival and Events and Arts and Heritage Grants by $50,000 (to a total of $300,000), and raise the funding limit for large festivals to a maximum of $15,000 (previously $10,000).
Cr Todorov said that Council's Monthly Grants funding limit was also increased, so as of July, community groups can apply for $1500, instead of the previous maximum of $1000.
"We know that the Annual Grants can be extremely competitive – and we get an incredible amount of applications, for projects with clearly articulated community benefits, but we simply cannot fund them all," she said.
"But Annual Grants isn't the only way to secure Council support for your projects – we have many recipients of our Monthly Grants and the funding, while smaller in size, has helped countless community events and projects get off the ground.
"We've also allocated $12,000 for capacity building support for not-for-profit business and trader groups, and increased the monthly grant limit for this specific category of grant. Council is also pleased to be increasing budget for our Connected and Vibrant Communities Monthly Grants stream by $20,000, so we can better support small community led projects across our region.
"Between our expanded Annual Grants, and an increase to our Monthly Grants, there are more opportunities than ever to make a dream project a reality. I hope that everyone in the community interested in this funding takes the opportunity to have a chat with our officers, put their hand up and apply."
Due to the Council elections occurring in October, panel recommendations for Annual Grants applications will be presented to Council's Executive Leadership Team for consideration and final endorsement, in line with Council's Election Policy.
Applications for Annual Grants close on 17 June 2024.
