Apply for a Community Grant to give your project a boost in 2025

Published on 09 January 2025

Applications for the next round of Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Community Grants opens on Monday 20 January.

The program supports local groups and individuals who are developing new and emerging community projects.

The last round of grants saw 16 community groups benefit from the program including Castlemaine Fringe Festival, Business Mount Alexander, Maldon Bowling Club and The Hub Foundation.

Community Grant recipient, Newstead Young Writers Festival, used the funding to run a day of books, writing, storytelling and activities for young people.

“As a small community group, who struggled to gain funding for our inaugural event, the Newstead Young Writers Festival were delighted to be recipients,” said Dean McLaren, Convenor of the Newstead Young Writers Festival.

“The application process was straightforward and easy to apply for, we were able to get additional information from Council staff when required.

“Our festival would not have been possible without the grant and we were most grateful for Council's support of our project and the benefits to the wider community.”

Community Grants information sessions

Council is holding two information sessions for both Community Grants and Event Grants. These sessions are for community members to ask questions about their projects, events and applications, and get more information.

Maldon information session
When: Wednesday 29 January, 11.00am to 1.00pm
Where: Maldon Visitor Information Centre

Castlemaine information session
When: Wednesday 29 January, 4.00pm to 6.30pm
Where: Castlemaine Town Hall foyer

Important dates

Community Grants

Two funding steams are available: small grants, which are up to $3,000 and a partnership grant, which is up to $10,000.

Applications open: Monday 20 January
Applications close: Monday 10 February

Event Grants

Council’s Event Grants program opens in February and supports groups who are running public events.

Applications open: Monday 17 February
Applications close: Friday 14 March

To apply, and for more information on the grants programs and previously funded projects, visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Grants.

To speak with a Grants Officer to discuss your application, call 5471 1700 or email grants@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Image: Newstead Young Writers Festival 2024