Call for Proposals: Community Strengthening Grant 2026 (Australia)

Deadline: 28-Feb-2026

The Merri-bek City Council Community Strengthening Grant provides up to $7,000 to support projects that build connection, inclusion, and wellbeing in the community. Funding prioritizes initiatives that encourage social participation, environmental sustainability, healthy living, and vibrant community spaces while benefiting priority groups such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, migrants, refugees, youth, seniors, and LGBTIQA+ communities.

What is the Community Strengthening Grant?

This grant program supports projects that create meaningful, lasting outcomes for the Merri-bek community. It focuses on initiatives that enhance social inclusion, promote healthy and active living, foster environmental sustainability, and develop vibrant, welcoming community spaces. Projects are encouraged to respond to local needs and align with Council priorities for building stronger, connected communities.

Funding Details

Grant Amount: Up to $7,000 per project
Project Duration: 12 months
Eligible Uses:

• Social inclusion and community participation initiatives

• Environmental sustainability programs

• Health and active living projects

• Creation or improvement of community spaces
  Priority Considerations: Projects demonstrating measurable benefits for priority communities, collaborative approaches, and efforts to minimize environmental impact

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include community groups, not-for-profit organizations, and other local entities delivering projects that benefit Merri-bek residents. Priority is given to initiatives that:

• Serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

• Support migrants and refugee communities

• Engage people with disabilities, women, youth, children, seniors, or LGBTIQA+ groups

• Foster collaboration between organizations to maximize impact

Why This Grant Matters

The Community Strengthening Grant:

• Builds social cohesion and inclusion across Merri-bek

• Supports sustainable and active community initiatives

• Promotes health, wellbeing, and participation for all community members

• Strengthens local collaboration and shared responsibility for community development

• Encourages projects with measurable outcomes and environmental awareness

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility Ensure your organization aligns with Council’s priorities and serves the Merri-bek community.
Step 2: Develop Project Proposal Include project objectives, target population, expected outcomes, timeline, and budget.
Step 3: Submit Application Apply through the Council’s official grant portal within the funding round.
Step 4: Project Implementation Execute the project according to the approved plan, demonstrating collaboration and community impact.
Step 5: Reporting Provide a final report detailing project outcomes, participation, and budget use.

Common Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

• Clearly show how the project addresses the needs of priority communities

• Highlight collaboration and partnerships to strengthen the application

• Include realistic timelines and budgets

• Demonstrate measurable benefits and steps to reduce environmental impact

• Align projects closely with Community Grants objectives and funding priorities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum grant amount? $7,000 per project.
2. How long can the project run? Projects are delivered over a 12-month period.
3. Who are considered priority communities? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, migrants and refugees, people with disabilities, youth, children, seniors, women, and LGBTIQA+ groups.
4. Can multiple organizations collaborate? Yes, projects demonstrating collaboration are viewed favorably.
5. Are environmental considerations important? Yes, projects that minimize environmental impact are prioritized.
6. What types of projects are eligible? Initiatives promoting social inclusion, environmental sustainability, healthy living, and vibrant community spaces.
7. How is success measured? Through clear, measurable benefits for Merri-bek residents and alignment with Council priorities.

Conclusion

The Merri-bek City Council Community Strengthening Grant empowers local groups to build inclusive, connected, and sustainable community initiatives. By supporting projects that address priority community needs, foster collaboration, and create lasting positive impact, the grant helps strengthen social cohesion and wellbeing across Merri-bek.

For more information, visit Merri- bek City Council.