The program

Supporting our sporting, recreational, environmental, cultural activities and community events to deliver health and wellbeing outcomes for our residents, contributing to the liveability of the city.

The Community Development Fund supports not-for-profit organisations based in Warrnambool to fund projects, activities and events which meet the grant program eligibility and criteria and contribute to the liveability of the City.

Submitting an application

The Community Development Fund Guidelines 2021-2022 explain how to apply (click on link to the right).

Grant applications are only accepted using the SmartyGrants on-line system. You can download a copy of the application form for draft purposes.

For returning applicants, log into log into SmartyGrants and go to “Current Rounds”

Funding categories

The funding pool for 2021-2022 is $251,000.
Applications that are eligible will fall under one of the following categories;

Funding and limitations

Funding may cover the entire cost of the project or part thereof. If the funding does not cover the cost of the whole project you will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover the entire project.

Decisions are final and cannot be disputed. Feedback, post assessment may be sought however applicants must understand that this is a competitive process and the dollars applied for often exceed the funding available.

Grant Round Dates

Applications are accepted from Thursday, July 1, 2021.

Who is eligible to apply?

An applicant must;

• Be based in Warrnambool City.
• Be registered as a not-for-profit legal entity, eg: incorporated association.
• Be a not-for-profit unincorporated group that is auspiced by a group that is registered not-for-profit legal entity.
• Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or submit a Australian Taxation Office Statement by Supplier form.
• Submit an audited financial statement or financial report prepared for an annual general meeting from the last financial year with your application (if applicable)

Have provided acquittal reports for all previous Council funding (upon completion of the project). 

Please note: Council will accept applications from groups who have not completed an acquittal from the 2020-2021 round only, and only after groups have sought an extension due to COVID-19.

Auspiced groups

Grant funds are only paid to a legally incorporated group. Groups and Organisations based in Warrnambool that are not legally incorporated, may apply for a grant if their project is for the benefit of the Warrnambool City community and they are auspiced by a legally incorporated, not-for-profit group or organisation.

You can speak to Council about auspicing or seek general auspicing information at Justice Connect www.nfplaw.org.au/auspicing

What will not be funded?

• Capital or maintenance work on a building or facility
• General administration, wages or contracts, insurance premiums or debt payments
• Projects that have already commenced or events and activities that have already occurred
• Recurrent funding for ongoing projects or projects that have already been funded (excluding Events)
• Tradeshows, conferences, teaching programs/lectures, university open days, commercial theatre, recurring markets
• Events or activities that have a political or religious purpose, or that denigrate, exclude or offend parts of the community
• Fundraising activities, prize money, trophy/medal production, awards, travel, accommodation, catering

Assessment and notification

Submitted grant applications are assessed by a panel of four.  (1) Council Officer (with expertise in the category), one (1) Council Manager (with expertise in the category), one (1) Independent Community Member and one (1) Grant Probity Officer.

Recommendations will be provided for Council endorsement, after which applicants will be advised in writing via the contact email provided of the outcome of their application.

Assessment criteria can be reviewed in the Community Development Fund Guidelines 2021-2022.