In 2026, communities in Melbourne’s north east have another opportunity to benefit from the $10 million fund that is helping local groups and organisations during construction of the North East Link.
Applications are now open.
Congratulations to the successful 2025 grant recipients. A total of 79 projects will receive over $1.4 million worth of funding for projects to support their local community, including community festivals and events, environmental and sustainable programs, and infrastructure upgrades.
Projects that have been awarded funding fit into one of the following categories:
- Participation equipment - Up to $5,000 to support community participation in sport, art or recreation activities.
- Celebrating: Up to $20,000 for festivals, events, and installations that bring local people together.
- Connecting: Up to $10,000 for a one-off initiative that aims to improve community connectedness and participation.
- Transforming: Up to $75,000 for improvements to local community, sporting and recreation facilities and local environments.
- Partnerships: Up to $100,000 for large-scale partnerships where wide-reaching community benefits or a significant lasting outcome can be demonstrated.
The types of programs that can be supported range from art exhibitions, sports club open days, initiatives to increase local participation, and community centre upgrades.
The fund has been supporting grants for local groups and organisations since 2022 and over 230 projects and initiatives have been funded, with more than 100 of these already delivered to benefit the community. Projects supported through the fund include accessibility upgrades, play equipment for toy libraries, gardening workshops, Family Fun Days, cultural camps, coaches clinics, mindfulness workshops, upgrades of shared outdoor spaces and scout hall improvements.
Grant writing workshops are available to help people with applications.
| Date | Time | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 24 March | 1pm to 3pm | Watsonia Community Hub | Register now |
| Thursday 26 March | 10am to 12pm | Online | Register now |
| Tuesday 31 March | 1pm to 3pm | Eastern Freeway Upgrades Project Information Centre | Register now |
| Thursday 9 April | 6pm to 8pm | Online | Register now |
| Thursday 16 April | 6pm to 8pm | Veneto Club | Register now |
| Monday 20 April | 6pm to 8pm | Online | Register now |
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