Geelong Community Foundation grants are provided annually to fund projects and programs for the benefit of the broader Geelong community. The Foundation has been providing grants to organisations in the Geelong region since 2001. $10.7m has been granted to date, funding a diverse range of initiatives.

The Foundation’s key priority is to support programs and projects that have been identified by organisations to address current issues and challenges in the broader Geelong region and impact positively upon the lives of the people within our community.

The Foundation will prioritise funding where the need is the greatest and where strategic solutions have been developed.

Online Application Process
Applications will be provided by organisations through the Foundation’s online grant application process.

On the website you will find a link directing you to the online application form.

Important: The form can be partially completed, saved and an email will be sent to provide a link to allow you to continue the application process over time. Ensure that you enter the correct email address for the link as applications cannot be recovered where incorrect information has been entered. We recommend that you complete your application in word and copy and paste into the application form.

For those organisations who received funding in 2021/22, an online Grant Progress Report will be required. You will find a link to this report in Part E of the application form.

Should you experience any problems or have any questions regarding the grant program or your application, please do not hesitate in contacting Gail Rodgers on 0431 059 905 or gail@geelongfoundation.org .

Key dates:

• Applications open Wednesday 15th December 2021
• Applications close Monday 21st February 2022
• Outcome of your application will be advised week commencing 2 May 2022
• Successful applicants will be required to attend the Foundation’s Annual Grant Reception on the 26th May 2022

Funding Guidelines:

Applications are invited from community organisations which are either endorsed as Deductible Gift Recipients 1 or with Income Tax Exemption as a Tax Concession Charity.

NOTE: Organisations that are funded predominantly by state government, i.e. public hospitals, public schools etc., are ineligible to apply. If you are unsure of your status, please contact us before you commence your application.

Funding is available for grants from $1,000 to $50,000 for suitable projects and programs. There will also be two grants provided from $50,000 to $100,000. Organisations can apply only once.

While generally the $1,000 to $50,000 grants are for a one-off activity which can be completed within 12 months and do not imply continuing support, the Foundation will consider applications for projects or programs for multiple years, with a maximum annual grant of $50,000.

The two grants between $50,000 and $100,000 may also be delivered over multiple years. Organisations applying for grants up to $100,000 will be required to present their case for funding at a face to face interview with members of the Foundation Grants Committee Review Panel. To optimise outcomes, we recommend contact with the Chief Executive Officer to discuss large grant or multi year projects before applying.

Grants must be for projects or programs that are delivered in the Geelong region. The Geelong region is defined by the boundaries of the City of Greater Geelong, the Borough of Queenscliffe, the Surf Coast Shire and southern part of Golden Plains Shires.

Impact areas for our funded programs include:

• Aged Care
• Community Wellbeing
• Education and Training
• Environment
• Family
• Health
• Heritage and Arts
• Research and Innovation
• Youth

Our Grants Committee will make recommendations for organisation funding to the Foundation Board at our April 2022 Board Meeting after which advice regarding the outcome of your application will be advised. A Grant Agreement will be sent out for signature at the beginning of May and on its return, the grant will be paid.

You should familiarise yourself with the Grant Agreement Form to ensure your organisation can meet the requirements of the 2022/23 grant program.