Apply for a grant

2023-24 Grant Applications are now closed

Geelong Community Foundation grants are provided annually to fund projects and programs for the benefit of the broader Geelong community.  The Foundation has been providing grants to organisations in the Geelong region since 2001.  $12m has been granted to date, funding a diverse range of initiatives.

The Foundation’s key priority is to support programs and projects that have been identified by organisations to address current issues and challenges in the broader Geelong region and impact positively upon the lives of the people within our community.

The Foundation will prioritise funding where the need is the greatest and where strategic solutions have been developed.

2023-24 Grant Application Options (organisations can apply only once)

Option 1 – Small Grant Application – $1,000 to $15,000

For the first time, the Foundation has introduced a small grant application option.  This process will support organisations seeking funding between $1,000 and $15,000.  The application requirements for small grants require less information than the main grant program.

Application for a small grant will support one-off activity which can be completed within 12 months.

Option 2 – Main Grant Application – $15,000 to $50,000

Organisations applying in the main grant round will be seeking funds over $15,000 and up to $50,000.  A small number of multi-year applications will be considered in the main grant program.

To optimise a multi-year application between $15,000 and up to $50,000, contact with Gail Rodgers, CEO is highly recommended.

Option 3 – Main Grant Application – Large – $50,000 to $100,000

A small number of large grant applications will be considered.  The amount sought will be over $50,000 and up to $100,000.  A small number of multi-year large grant applications will be considered in the large main grant program.

Organisations applying for large grants over $50,000 and up to $100,000 will be required to present their case for funding at a face-to-face interview with members of the Foundation Grants Committee.

To optimise outcomes, we recommend contact with Gail Rodgers, CEO to discuss large and muti-year grant applications.

Application Process:

Below you will find the links directing you to the small grant application form or the main grant application form.

The form can be partially completed, saved and an email will be sent to provide a link to allow you to continue the application process over time.  Ensure that you enter the correct email address for the link to be sent.

We recommend that you complete your application in word and copy and paste into the application form.

For those organisations who received funding in 2022/23, an online Grant Progress Report will be required.  You will find a link to this report in the application form.

Funding Guidelines:

Applications are invited from community organisations which are either endorsed as Deductible Gift Recipients 1 or with Income Tax Exemption as a Tax Concession Charity.

NOTE:  Organisations that are funded predominantly by state government, i.e. public hospitals, public schools etc., are ineligible to apply.  If you are unsure of your status, please contact us before you commence your application.

Grants must be for projects or programs that are delivered in the Geelong region.  The Geelong region is defined by the boundaries of the City of Greater Geelong, the Borough of Queenscliffe, the Surf Coast Shire and southern part of Golden Plains Shires.

Impact areas for our funded programs include:

• Aged Care
• Community Wellbeing
• Education and Training
• Environment
• Family
• Health
• Heritage and Arts
• Research and Innovation
• Youth

Should you experience any problems or have any questions regarding the grant programs or your application, please do not hesitate in contacting Gail Rodgers on 0431 059 905 or gail@geelongfoundation.org .

Key dates:

• Applications open early December 2022
• Applications close Monday 13th February 2023 –  MIDNIGHT
• Outcome of your application will be advised week commencing 1 May 2023
• Successful applicants will be required to attend the Foundation’s Annual Grant Reception on Tuesday 23th May 2023

Our Grants Committee will make recommendations for organisation funding to the Foundation Board at our April 2023 Board Meeting after which advice regarding the outcome of your application will be advised.  A Grant Agreement will be sent for signature at the beginning of May and on its return, the grant will be paid.

You should familiarise yourself with the Grant Agreement Form to ensure your organisation can meet the requirements of the 2023/24 grant program.

Grant Application Form Links

Small Grant

• Link to the online Small Grant Application Form – $1,000 to $15,000
• Link to the 2023-24 Small Grant Application Budget Spreadsheet
• Link to a Small Grant Application Form  – word version with a summary of the main questions that have word count. There are other questions and fields within the application form that require completion which you will identify as you work through that document. You will be able to cut and paste your answers from the word version to the application form.

Main Grant

• Link to the online Main Grant Application Form – $15,000 to $100,000
• Link to the 2023-24 Main Grant Application Budget, Narrative & Project Plan Spreadsheet
• Link to a Main Grant Application Form – word version with a summary of the main questions that have word count. There are other questions and fields within the application form that require completion which you will identify as you work through that document. You will be able to cut and paste your answers from the word version to the application form.

Grant Documentation

• 2023-24 Grant Agreement Form – to be completed if your grant application is successful
• 2022-23 Grant Acquittal Form – to be completed at the end of your funded program or by 17 July 2023

Other Grant Opportunities in 2023

Application for the 2024 Adroit Golf Day Capital Grant will open in August 2023.

The P500 Grant will be available in 2023.  Details will be provided when the 2023 campaign launches in March.