Grants

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. 
These are:

• Environmental Sustainability
• Healthy, connected and inclusive communities
• Community capacity building

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 eligability, you can view the guidelines.

When can I apply?
There are two rounds in the 23/24 financial year:  

• Round 1 – opens 1 August and closes 15 September
• Round 2 – opens 1 February and closes 15 March  

How do I apply?

• via the SmartyGrants Platform. There are three categories:
  • Under $2,000
  • Over $2,000 and up to $10,000
  • Over $10,000

This round a translation service has been applied to the online grants application portal. 

Hardcopies are available on request.  

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:

• View the guidelines and application form  
• Email communityengagementgrants@ballarat.vic.gov.au and we will email you a copy 
• Visit the Phoenix Customer Service Centre at 25 Armstrong Street, Ballarat Central and pick up a hard copy

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

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

Need assistance with grant writing?

If you require assistance in writing your application, the Ballarat Neighbourhood Houses are running grant writing workshop on:

• Thursday August 17 – 10.00am - 12pm at the Wendouree Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Holly Grove, Wendouree

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

We encourage you to speak to our Community Grants Officer prior to submitting an application, to ensure your project falls within grant guidelines. You can contact Sophie Atkinson via mobile on 0400 835 170 or via email at communityengagementgrants@ballarat.vic.gov.au. 

The City Partnership Program is now closed for 22/23. New applications to this program will be welcome in the new financial year (subject to the approval of Council’s 23/24 annual budget). 

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

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

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.  

How do I apply? 

Applicants must apply via the Smartygrants online application process that is administered by Regional Arts Victoria. 

I need more information. 

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

The City of Ballarat’s Grant Finder, powered by GrantGuru, is a free search directory with a wide-ranging list of grant and funding 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. 

You can use the search engine to find grants and to filter grants by location, industry and type of project. The directory also has advice and tips for finding and applying for grants to maximise your chances of receiving the funding you need.

If you need some help, you can watch the how to videos for guidance on searching with Grant Finder. You can also register on Grant Finder to stay up to date with the latest opportunities. 

Search for a grant with Grant Finder

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.