The Annual Grants program harnesses community energy and ideas to promote a more connected and healthy Yarra Ranges.

These grants help groups and organisations respond to opportunities, creative inspiration and local needs to deliver outcomes in communities.

Grant Categories:

Arts and Heritage

Grant funded projects help connect us with each other and to the places we live through the rich arts and culture & heritage of the Yarra Ranges.

Grants help with community needs, support artistic practice, and/or enable creation of new work.

Community development

This grant stream aims to connect with others and build a sense of belonging through grant funded projects.

This includes projects that focus on the participation of diverse groups. Some of these groups include:

• people living with disability
• unpaid carers and families
• people across ages groups/life stages
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• LGBTIQA+
• women and girls
• those experiencing social isolation.

Festivals and Events

The Festival and Events stream supports groups, and organisations to deliver activities that:

• enhance local culture
• celebrate community spirit
• contribute to the liveability of Yarra Ranges.

Eligible Applications:

• Incorporated not-for-profit community groups*/organisation with an ABN are eligible to apply.
• Unincorporated not-for-profit community group/organisation (you must be auspiced by an incorporated organisation)
• An individual/artist, in the Arts & Heritage funding category only must be auspiced by an incorporated organisation
• Organisations, community groups and artists applying for a grant must demonstrate how their project will directly benefit residents of the Yarra Ranges. The project must also have a clear Yarra Ranges focus. Organisations based outside the region can apply if the projects outcomes benefit and occur within Yarra Ranges.
• Applicants must commit to obtaining all necessary permits related to the funded activity, particularly for festivals.
• Applicants must have successfully completed all reporting requirements for previous Yarra Ranges Council grants and have no outstanding debts with Council. If unsure, please contact the Grants Team.
• Applicants must provide evidence of at least $10 Million Public Liability Insurance.
• Child Safe Standards compliance is required if projects involve direct or incidental contact with children
• Applicants agree to acknowledge funding from Yarra Ranges Council in promotion, consistent with Council’s branding guidelines.
• Applicants must consent to providing evidence of how funds were spent and outline project benefits through an acquittal process.
• Purchase of food associated with community relief projects are capped at $500.
• The grant activity must take place during 2026.
• Applicants must submit all supporting material when applying. Given the competitive nature of grants, no late submission of supporting documents can be accepted.
• Applicants must talk through their project ideas with a Council Officer before applying.

• Phone: 1300 368 333
• Email: grants@yarraranges.vic.gov.au