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 details on eligibility, you can view the guidelines.

The next application round for CIGP will be held from 1 February 2025 to 30 March 2025. 

If you would like to be notified when the round is launched, please contact: communityengagementgrants@ballarat.vic.gov.au to add your email to the grants contact list.

To apply please 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:

• Under $2,000
• Over $2,000 – Under $10,000
• 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, Sophie Atkinson by phone on 0400 835 170 or email at communityengagementgrants@ballarat.vic.gov.au

You can view the grant guidelines and application form:

• View the guidelines

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

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 

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 2021-2025.

To apply please 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 Guidelines 2024/25

Please contact the Community Grants Officer on 0400 835 170 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 $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.  

1. Read the Tourism Event Grant Program guidelines
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).  

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

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

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