The Community Development Fund provides funding to clubs, organisations and community groups for the provision of programs, projects, activities or events that deliver outcomes for the benefit of Warrnambool residents.

Whilst the fund aims to improve the liveability of the City, priority is placed on proposals that;

• Focus on addressing access and inclusion outcomes for women & girls and people with a disability
• Proposals that target and encourage participation and community involvement in creative outcomes.
• Improve facilities to enhance accessibility (including disability, cultural, gender, functional access) and shared use.

The Community Development Fund grants aim to:

• partner with community to support shared outcomes
• provide the opportunity for community to identify and respond to local issues, concerns and priorities that align with Council priorities
• build community capacity
• improve or renew community infrastructure to enhance accessibility and shared use
• empower the community to take an active role in improving their quality of life

The total funding pool for 2026/27 Round is $142,524. The total fund available is subject to Council's budget process. 

Applications that are eligible will fall under one of the following categories, and will be assessed based on the criteria rank, if applicable, within that category.

Only one application per group/individual will be accepted.

• Sport & Recreation [up to $5,000]
• Health & Wellbeing [up to $5,000]
• Creative Projects [up to $5,000]
• Environment & Sustainability [up to $5,000]
• Minor Capital Works [up to $10,000]

Why can apply?

• Incorporated not-for-profit groups, or unincorporated groups who apply through an appropriate not-for-profit incorporated body that supports the application and is willing to accept responsibility for the funding (i.e. auspice arrangement).
• Not-for-profit community groups and sporting clubs that lease or are licenced to use Council owned or managed buildings.
• Groups that operate in or contribute to the Warrnambool City community.
• Individuals, under an auspice agreement for Arts and Culture category submissions only.
• Have public liability insurance of a minimum of $20 million for Minor Capital Grant category submissions only.

• Phone: 03 5559 4800
• Email: recreation@warrnambool.vic.gov.au