Grants

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 information view the Community Impact Grant Program - Eligibility Criteria 2025-26

There will be two rounds of applications:

1. From 1 August 2025 to 14 September 2025
2. From 1 February 2026 to 15 March 2026

Complete the City of Ballarat Grants and Partnerships form 

You will be required to:

1. Register an account
2. Start your application (save it in-progress)
3. Submit your application to be reviewed

You can apply for the following three categories:

1. Under $2,000
2. Over $2,000 – Under $10,000
3. Over $10,000

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

For any questions, please contact the Community Grants Officer, by phone on 0491 978 748 or email at communityengagementgrants@ballarat.vic.gov.au

You can view the grant criteria:

• View the Community Impact Grant Program - Eligibility Criteria 2025-26

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

• Community Impact Grant application process explained
• Community Impact Grant Budget Tip Sheet
• Community Impact Grant Frequently Asked Questions
• Harmful Industries Declaration Guide

1. Session 1: Tuesday 10 February 2026: 10am-11.30am (Barkly Square)
   Register for Session 1
2. Session 2: Thursday 12 February 2026: 5.30pm-7pm (online only)
   Register for Session 2
3. Session 3: Wednesday 18 February 2026: 10am-11.30am (Barkly Square)
   Register for Session 3

Contact the grants team: communityengagementgrants@ballarat.vic.gov.au, ask to be added to the mailing list, you will then be advised when grant applications open.

There are two funding options available:  

1. 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 the 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  
2. Commercial Stream
   Open to businesses and not-for-profit organisations. Outcomes must deliver benefit to Ballarat municipality Assessment based on alignment with the 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 Council Plan 2025-2029.

Complete the City of Ballarat Grants and Partnerships form 

You will be required to:

1. Register an account
2. Start your application (save it in-progress)
3. Submit your application to be reviewed

For more information view the City Partnership Program - Eligibility Criteria 2026-27

Please contact the Community Grants Officer on 0491 978 748 or via email at communityengagementgrants@ballarat.vic.gov.au

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 $5000 and $20,000 (GST exclusive). Up to a maximum $20,000 can be allocated across the annual funding program per event. 

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.  

There will be three funding rounds available for the 2025/26 financial year (dates are subject to change)

• Round 1 – applications from June 2, 2025 to June 30, 2025
• Round 2 – applications from October 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025
• Round 3 – applications from February 2, 2026 to February 28, 2026.

1. Read the Tourism Event Grant Eligibility Criteria
2. Contact our Events team by phone: 5320 5500 or email: events@ballarat.vic.gov.au to discuss your proposal and eligibility for grant funding.
3. Go to City of Ballarat Grants and Partnerships

• Register an account / Log in into your account
• Start your application (save it in-progress)
• Submit your application to be reviewed

For more information, read our Tourism Event Grant frequently asked questions and the Tourism Event Grant guidelines. 

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).  

The 2025/26 round is open 1 to 28 September 2025.

Successful applicants will be notified in December 2025.

Applicants must apply via the Good Grants. Check the Creative Inspiration Grant website for guidelines and more information.

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