Grants

The City of Ballarat has several grant programs to support community groups, organisations and businesses seeking funding for programs, events, products and services that bring a range of benefits to Ballarat.

Image of grant recipients

Community Impact Grant Program

The Community Impact Grant Program (CIGP) builds community capacity and strengthens links between community members and groups by funding programs that advance priority areas for both the City of Ballarat and the community. 

Round 1 had unprecedented levels of interest and success, with $241,549 of the $300,000 budget allocated.

Interested applicants are encouraged to keep in mind the limited remaining budget ($58,451) when applying.

Who can apply?

To be eligible to apply for the CIGP, you must be one of the following:

  • Local, not-for-profit incorporated organisation, group, or association
  • Non-incorporated group that is auspiced by an incorporated group
  • Applicant from outside of Ballarat that is working with a local partner organisation

For more details on eligibility, you can view the guidelines.

When can I apply?

There are two rounds in the 23/24 financial year:  

  • Round 1 – closed 15 September 2023
  • Round 2 – opens 1 February and closes 15 March 2024  

How do I apply?

Please note the application form will not be available to review until the round launches. 

Please contact the Community Grants Officer, Sophie Atkinson on 0400 835 170 or via email at communityengagementgrants@ballarat.vic.gov.au

I need more information

You can view the grant guidelines and application form:

You can also access the following online resources to help with your grant application:

Need assistance with grant writing?

If you require assistance in writing your application, the Ballarat Neighbourhood Houses run grant-writing workshops.

For more information, or to register your interest visit the Ballarat Neighbourhood Houses Website 

City Partnership Program

The City of Ballarat is seeking Expressions of Interests from local organisations or entities that would benefit from financial assistance to deliver programs, projects or activities that provide community and economic benefit to Ballarat.   

The City Partnership Expressions of Interest closed on the 15 November 2023, with applicants being formally invited to apply.

The next round of applications for City Partnerships for 2025/26 will open mid to end of 2024, keep an eye on this space for updates.

Who can apply?

There are two funding options available:  

Community Stream

Available for not-for-profit organisations  Organisations must be based in Ballarat  Outcomes must deliver benefit to Ballarat municipality  Assessment based on alignment with Council Plan, Project Need, Use of Local Suppliers, Community Benefit (participation rates and community inclusion), Value for Money, Contribution from Applicant. Funding up to $100,000 per applicant per financial year  Maximum funding term of 3 years  

Commercial Stream

Open to businesses and not-for-profit organisations  Outcomes must deliver benefit to Ballarat municipality  Assessment based on alignment with current Council Plan, Project Need, Economic Return on Investment, Community Benefit (community inclusion).  Funding of greater than $20,000 (no upper limit)  Maximum funding term of 3 years

The City Partnership Program is designed to fund organisations or entities that deliver on the goals identified in the City of Ballarat Council Plan 2021-2026.

How do I apply?

via the SmartyGrants Platform - City Partnership Expression of Interest

I need more information

You can view the grant guidelines and  application form online.

Contact the Community Grants Officer via email at communityengagementgrants@ballarat.vic.gov.au  

Tourism Event Grant Program

The Tourism Events Grant Program (TEGP) addresses key priorities of the Ballarat Events Strategy 2018–2028 to support and attract events which:

  • increase tourism visitation; 
  • support Ballarat’s liveability and build community pride; 
  • contribute to building the city’s perception, improving Ballarat’s competitive strengths and unique qualities.  

The TEGP aims to support a balanced calendar of events which provide exciting reasons to visit Ballarat and increase the vibrancy of the city and region for visitors and residents. 

Who can apply?

For profit organisations and businesses with a commitment to work collaboratively where possible with other groups and businesses. 

Applicants may apply for funding amounts between $500 and $20,000 (GST exclusive). Up to a maximum $20,000 can be allocated across the annual funding program per event. 

For requests under $5,000, applicants can complete the Small Grant Application Form which has fewer details. 

The Grant funding will be distributed in three funding streams, Leisure events, Sport events and Business events.  

You are encouraged to apply the funding stream that best suits your event category. Only apply for one funding stream per event.  

How do I apply?

  1. Read the Tourism Event Grant guidelines.
  2. Contact our Events team on 5320 5500 or events@ballarat.vic.gov.au to discuss your proposal and eligibility for grant funding. 
  3. Select your funding stream – Leisure, Sport, Business or Small Grants (under $5000). 
  4. Apply for funding by clicking on the application forms below:  

I need more information

Creative Inspiration Grant

The Creative City Inspiration Grant has been created to support the arts, culture and creative sector of Ballarat. 

This is an ongoing grant program providing $1,000 to artists, creatives, producers, performers, creative industries, makers and artisans. The intent of the Creative Inspiration Grant is designed to ‘nurture the spark of creativity’ which is one of the central themes of the Creative City Strategy

Administered by Regional Arts Victoria on behalf of the City of Ballarat, with three grant rounds throughout the 2022/2023 financial year, the Creative Inspiration Grant is about supporting tactical thinking, new ideas, or simply overcoming obstacles to getting a project started or maintaining creative momentum.  

The intent of the Creative Inspiration Grant is designed to ‘nurture the spark of creativity’ which is one of the central themes of the Creative City Strategy.  

Who can apply?

The grant is open to individuals, businesses, associations and organisations. 

You must be live, work or study in the City of Ballarat postcodes (3350 to 3358).  

When can I apply?

There are three funding rounds throughout the year. Check the Creative Inspiration Grant website for details.  

I need more information

For more information including the Grant Guidelines visit the Creative Inspiration Grant page.  

Search for and discover grants

The City of Ballarat’s grants and funding opportunities can be found through GRANTGURU This is a free search directory that requires a sign up and login to access a wide-ranging list of opportunities for local businesses, community groups, not-for-profits, and individuals. 

The database has been tailored for the Ballarat area with a focus on funding for regional areas and Commonwealth/Federal programs – that’s about 1,400 programs with $50 billion of grants available. 

GRANTGURU provides advice and tips for finding and applying for grants to maximise your chances of receiving the funding you need.

City of Ballarat's Grants Policy

Our Grants Policy provides a consistent, streamlined approach for community groups and organisations seeking funding for programs, events, products and services that bring a wide range of benefits to Ballarat.