The Quick Response Grant Program has been designed to support community groups who may have experienced an unforeseen disruption, urgent issue or to facilitate smaller projects that are significantly less costly than the amount specified in other grants schemes.

The Quick Response Grants Program has been designed to allow for faster assessment outcomes and to facilitate adequate and timely responses to community issues.

Grants that address the key focus areas in the Council Plan 2025-2029 or benefit priority groups outlined in the Council Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan are strongly encouraged.

Applicants can apply for a grant up to $1,000 once per year. The Quick Response Grants will be open for applications from 3 November until 31 December 2025, or until the budget allocation has been exhausted. The program will reopen in the second half of 2025/26 depending on available funds.

To be eligible for assessment, projects and applicants must:

• Have read and understood the program guidelines.
• Be a not-for-profit group (NFP).1 NFPs that employ paid staff, such as Coaches, Players, Administrators or Chairpersons, must clearly show a strong financial need for funding and explain the potential growth of their organisation due to the project
• Be completed within twelve months of signing the agreement and release of funds.
• Be held within the Hepburn Shire to the benefit of its residents.
• Be an organisation that is a legal entity with an ABN (eg, an incorporated association), or be auspiced by a suitable group.
• Have all permits, permissions and approvals for the project.
• Have obtained public liability insurance to the value of $20 million AUD prior to commencing any works or expenditure.
• Demonstrate community involvement in its planning and proposed implementation.
• Be willing to participate in public relations for the project, including a potential media release and photo with members of the applicants' organisation and funding representatives.

• Phone: (03) 5348 2306
• Email: grants@hepburn.vic.gov.au