Community Grant Round
Currently Closed
Community Grant Round
The Community Grant Round is currently closed.
Applications typically open December – February each year.
Conversations with prospective applicants usually begin in November.
We encourage organisations to check back later in the year to discuss project ideas for the next grant round.
About the Community Grant Round
The Community Grant Round is the Geelong Community Foundation’s largest annual grant opportunity.
Each year we fund projects and initiatives delivered by local organisations that respond to the needs of people across our region.
Our grantmaking is guided by the issues identified through our Vital Signs research, helping ensure funding supports the areas where it can have the greatest impact.
Grants support projects aligned with our four grant streams:
- Food & Emergency Support
- Health, Resilience & Connection
- Education & Employment
- Environment & Sustainability
Eligible projects must be delivered within the greater Geelong region.
At a Glance
Grant size
$1,000 – $50,000
Who can apply
Not-for-profit organisations
Activity location
City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe, Surf Coast Shire or Golden Plains Shire
Focus areas
Food & Emergency Support, Health, Resilience & Connection, Education & Employment, Environment & Sustainability
Decision process
Foundation Staff Assessment and Grant Committee Recommendation to the Board
How the Process Works
1
Share your idea
Book a short conversation with our team to discuss your proposal.
2
Initial review
We consider whether your proposal aligns with our priorities and grant
criteria.
3
Invitation to apply
Eligible organisations will receive a link to the online application form.
4
Funding decisions
Applications are reviewed and successful proposals are funded.
5
Project Showcase
Successful grant partners are invited to showcase their project at the
Foundation’s annual grant gala.
Eligibility
To help organisations determine whether their project is suitable, please
review the information below before booking a conversation.
Start With a Conversation
Before submitting an application, organisations are required to speak with our team about their activity.
The engagement period for the current Community Grant Round has now closed.
Conversations with prospective applicants typically begin in November each year ahead of the next grant round.
Key Dates
The Community Grant Round typically follows this timeline each year
| Stage | Timing |
| Conversations with applicants | November – mid January |
| Applications submitted | December – early February |
| Assessment period | March – April |
| Applicants notified | May |
| Grant Gala | Late May |
| Funding distributed | June |
| Activity Period | July- June |
What we’ve funded
2026 Community Grant Round Announced
The Geelong Community Foundation is proud to announce the outcomes of the 2026 Community Grant Round, supporting organisations working across food relief, homelessness, education, employment, mental health, family support, community connection and environmental sustainability throughout…
2025 Grants
Directors of the Geelong Community Foundation approved $1,776,552 in grants during 2024/25. Grant allocation are based on the value of the Foundation’s corpus as at 30 June 2024. Grants are paid in the 2024/25 financial…
2024 Grants
Directors of the Geelong Community Foundation approved $1,428,885 in grants for 2024/25 to community organisations supporting people in the greater Geelong Region. Grant allocations for the 2024/25 financial year are provided based on funds raised…
Questions
If you are unsure whether your project is suitable, we encourage you to
contact:
grants@geelongfoundation.org