Entries open for VIC Tiny Towns Fund (Round 3) – Australia

Deadline: 04-Feb-2026

The Tiny Towns Fund (Victoria, Australia) provides grants of up to $50,000 to support small communities with populations under 5,000. The fund focuses on enhancing community infrastructure, promoting social inclusion, boosting local economic development, and improving accessibility, with eligible projects including playgrounds, libraries, public art, bike trails, and shared community spaces.

Supporting Infrastructure, Inclusion, and Local Economic Development

The Tiny Towns Fund is an initiative by the Victorian Government designed to empower small communities (population ≤5,000) by providing grants that improve infrastructure, foster social cohesion, and stimulate economic growth.

Program Focus Areas

The fund prioritizes projects that:

• Enhance Community Infrastructure: Upgrades to community halls, libraries, playgrounds, splash parks, bike trails, and shared spaces at sporting facilities (excluding major sporting infrastructure)

• Promote Social Inclusion: Initiatives that improve accessibility and benefit diverse populations

• Support Economic Development: Projects that encourage tourism, local business growth, and job creation

• Foster Liveability: Improvements to shared spaces that enhance community interaction and quality of life

Funding Details

• Grant Amount: Up to $50,000 per project (GST exclusive)

• Total Funding Pool: $20 million across 2023–2027

• Eligible Projects: Small-scale community infrastructure and inclusion projects aligned with fund objectives

Eligible Applicants

• Not-for-profit organizations

• Incorporated associations

• Cooperatives

• Indigenous organizations
  Applicants must demonstrate capacity to manage and deliver the proposed project.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Identify a project aligned with Tiny Towns Fund priorities

2. Gather required documentation and project details

3. Develop a project plan, including milestones and timelines

4. Prepare a budget, cost-benefit analysis, and potential economic impact

5. Submit the application through the relevant Victorian Government portal

Engaging Grant Consultants

Engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group, can improve competitiveness by:

• Assessing required documents and eligibility

• Preparing a comprehensive application write-up with detailed project presentations

• Developing a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, and management structure

• Conducting industry, competitor, marketing, and sales analysis

• Preparing 3–5 year financial forecasts (cash flow, balance sheets)

• Conducting cost-benefit analyses, CAPEX evaluations, risk mitigation plans, and stakeholder relations strategy

Why This Program Matters

• Provides critical funding to improve small community infrastructure

• Encourages inclusive and accessible public spaces

• Stimulates local economic growth and tourism

• Builds community cohesion and liveability

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly define project benefits for the local community

• Prepare detailed budgets and financial forecasts

• Highlight social inclusion and accessibility measures

• Include a delivery plan with milestones and risk mitigation strategies

• Present potential economic and employment impact where relevant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the Tiny Towns Fund?

Not-for-profits, incorporated associations, co-operatives, and Indigenous organizations in communities with populations up to 5,000.

2. What types of projects are eligible?

Community infrastructure upgrades, shared spaces, playgrounds, libraries, splash parks, bike trails, and public art (excluding major sporting infrastructure).

3. How much funding is available per project?

Up to $50,000 (GST exclusive).

4. What is the total funding pool?

$20 million across the four-year period from 2023 to 2027.

5. Can businesses apply directly?

No, the program targets community organizations, but businesses may assist or partner with eligible applicants.

6. Can I use a grant consultant?

Yes, consultants like Avant Group can provide comprehensive support in application preparation, project analysis, and financial forecasting.

7. What should a strong application include?

Detailed project plan, budget, cost-benefit analysis, community impact, milestones, timelines, management structure, and accessibility/inclusion considerations.

Conclusion

The Tiny Towns Fund empowers small Victorian communities to enhance infrastructure, increase accessibility, promote inclusion, and stimulate local economic growth. Strategic planning, clear community benefits, and professional support can significantly improve chances of securing grant funding.

For more information, visit Avant Group