The Small Project Grants (SPG) respond to requests for funding throughout the year and provide an opportunity for new applicants to form a relationship with Council and gain an understanding of the grants process.

This stream places a priority on funding projects that mobilise the community to take climate action, including advocating for change, support the most vulnerable in our community to cope with climate impacts (e.g. extreme weather, energy and food insecurity). Build stronger social connections to increase resilience to future climate-related shocks and stresses, reduce waste and promote conscious consumption; and foster sustainable transport behaviours in the community.

The maximum grant is $2,000.

Eligible Applicants

• Applicants must have an active ABN*.
  • Not-for-profit community groups that meet all other eligibility criteria but do not have an ABN can have their applications auspiced by an eligible incorporated organisation or Neighbourhood House.
• Applicants must be a not-for-profit, incorporated community group (that is a group with a voluntary membership who come together to pursue a common goal)† OR meet one of the following specific exceptions:
  • be a registered charity, public benevolent institution or have DGR status;
  • be a state government entity seeking funding for activities beyond those considered the responsibility of State or Federal Government;
  • unincorporated not-for-profit community groups can have their applications auspiced by an eligible incorporated organisation or Neighbourhood House;
  • individual artists or Arts-related businesses operating under an active sole-trader ABN* can apply as individuals under the Arts and Cultural Projects Category;
  • Arts-related businesses with active ABNs* registered as other than sole-trader entities can apply under the Arts and Cultural Projects Category. These applications are contingent on successfully demonstrating that the project being funded will run on a notfor-profit basis. This will require detailed financial reporting.
• Applicants can only receive one SPG per financial year and the maximum grant is $2,000.
• Applicants must have acquitted previous Council grants and have no outstanding debts to Yarra City Council.
• Applicants must have public liability insurance with a suitable level of coverage, working with children checks, WorkCover and superannuation coverage are required to be held by recipients of funding.
• Relevant applicants must, as required by law, implement and adhere to the Victorian Child Safe Standards.

Eligible Projects

• All applicants must be locally based and/or be applying for a program, service or activity that is of benefit to the Yarra community.
• Projects must have a public outcome within the City of Yarra boundaries.
• Projects and programs will only be eligible for both SPG and Annual Grants if applications are for distinct activities or stages of development. 
• All questions marked ‘response required’ must be completed for the application to be eligible.

Applicants that are not eligible

• Businesses or for-profit organisations.
• Previous grant recipients with overdue acquittals.
• Applicants who have already received an SPG in the current round.

Projects that are not eligible

• A program that is considered the responsibility of State or Federal Government e.g. core school curriculum activities.
• Activities that take place outside the City of Yarra (including touring costs), unless part of a larger project with a proven and public benefit to the Yarra community.
• A new building, capital works or facility maintenance works.
• Ongoing staff salaries or administration costs not specific to the project.
• The purchase of equipment only, unless exempted above.
• Projects with the singular purpose of promoting religion or that may be perceived as for the purpose of proselytizing.
• Training, study or academic research in Australia or overseas.
• A project that will be offered for assessment in the above training courses.
• Applications that are solely for attending forums, workshops and conferences.
• Competitions (excluding one-off sporting events).
• Prizes and award exhibitions or exclusively fundraising events.
• School fetes and other similar events.
• Covering the deposit or bond associated with hiring a Council Town Hall.
• Applications to fund projects retrospectively.

• Address: Community Grants Program, City of Yarra PO Box 168 RICHMOND 3121 VIC
• Phone: 9205 5170
• Email: yarragrants@yarracity.vic.gov.au