Other community funding and opportunities

For more opportunities and resources especially for sporting and recreational clubs, associations and groups the S outh West Sport clubs support page

Churchill Fellowships 2025

Anyone who wants to help bring the world’s best practice into their industry or community is invited to consider applying for prestigious Churchill Fellowships. Applications open 28 February 2025. These are a unique chance to travel internationally, investigate global best practice, and apply it in your working life. Each Fellowship involves funding for expenses for four to eight weeks of international travel. The amount of funding varies depending on the location and itinerary of approved travel.

Australian citizens and permanent residents from any industry, background or location are eligible to apply. (No academic qualification is necessary). Fellowships are based on the legacy of Sir Winston Churchill - it’s about the freedom to explore, the wisdom of travel and open-mindedness. 2025 is the 60th year of the Trust. Applications close 1 May 2025.

For more information Become a fellow Churchill Trust

Quick response grants (Regional Arts Victoria)

Quick Response Grants funds professional development opportunities for artists and arts workers or small project opportunities. The program supports the immediate need that arises where the activity is unable to be planned for or supported in other funding rounds, for example taking up professional development, skills development or small project opportunities at short notice.

You can apply for Quick Response Grants up to $3,000 for individuals and $5,000 for organisations.

Information, guidelines and application can be made on the Regional Arts Victoria website

FRRR Strengthening Rural Communities - Small & Vital

Grants up to $10,000 are available for a broad range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities that strengthen local people, places and climate solutions, with a preference for smaller communities (populations under 15,000).

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and assessed quarterly. There are three streams of funding and organisations can apply for one of these streams.

Applications ongoing basis and assessed quarterly.

For guidelines, information and applications visit - Strengthening Rural Communities - Small & Vital | FRRR

Fisheries Authority Small Grants Program

To provide funding of up to $5,000 (GST exclusive) for small recreational fishing projects which benefit public recreational fishing in Victoria.

At the discretion of the Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group, the Small Grants Program will provide funding under the following categories:

Recreational fishing access and infrastructure
Community fishing events
Education projects

The Victorian Fishing Authority website has more information.

Men as Allies: Supporting Women and Girls in Community Sport

Men can play a critical role in supporting and enabling gender equality in community sport, through actions as simple as watching women and girls play sport, calling out inappropriate language, and volunteering in traditionally women's roles. To learn more about the actions men can take to support women in sport, read the research summary presented to Sport and Recreation Victoria - Change Our Game | Men as Allies: supporting women and girls in community sport

Mary MacKillop Today Highways and Byways Small Grants Program

The Mary MacKillop Today Highways and Byways Small Grants Program is open until 1 April 2025. Funding of up to $5,000 is available for locally led community initiatives.

More information at 2025 Small Grants Program Guidelines, applications can be made at Grants | Highways and Byways

Mortlake Community Investment Program

Origin would like to support local communities in the Moyne Shire area during the construction of the Mortlake Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), located near the Mortlake Power Station.

Origin’s community investment has four focus areas - community wellbeing, community resilience, economic development and the environment. Applications will be invited twice yearly for up to $10,000 in support for smaller events or activities that align to one or more of the community investment priorities. Events or activities that lead to measurable community outcomes within the Moyne and Warrnambool local government area are encouraged to apply.

Priority will also be given to activities that are sustainable over the long term and that deliver an enduring community benefit beyond the funding period.

If the request is over $5,000, please provide documentation such as letters of support or quotations for services or materials to support your application.

Further information can be found at Mortlake battery project - Origin Energy, applications close 11 April 2025