Other community funding and opportunities

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

Mary MacKillop today highways and byways small grants program 2026

The application process opens on 2 February and closes on 9 March 2026. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support locally led community initiatives that strengthen connections, promote sustainability, and breathe new life into community and Country.

The theme for 2026 is: Breathing new life into your community and Country.

For full details Australia: Highways and Byways Small Grants Program - Mary MacKillop Today

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

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

Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant Program

The Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant program provides funding for community sport and active recreation organisations across Victoria. Funding (up to $2000) will be available to 31 May 2026 or until funding is exhausted. Access to this funding helps grassroots organisations replace or repair essential sport or first aid equipment that has been lost or destroyed because of unpreventable incidents, including bushfire, flood, significant storm, earthquake, theft, arson, or criminal damage.

For more information and to apply, visit Program Guidelines | Sport and Recreation Victoria

RFL Large Grants - now open for applications

The RFL Large Grants program is open for applications until 28 February 2026 and provides funds of up to $100,000 for projects that improve recreational fishing.

This includes projects that provide better access, new facilities like jetties and fish cleaning tables, and habitat improvement

For links to the conditions and guidelines and the online application form go to Recreational Fishing Grants Program - VFA

To discuss ideas for potential projects, or for help with applications please contact Richard Rogala at the VFA on 0417 038 775.

Mortlake battery energy storage system community investment program

Origin has proudly supported communities across western Victoria through community investment programs for more than a decade.

Origin’s community investment targets four focus areas – community wellbeing, community resilience, economic development and the environment.

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.

Applications will be invited for up to $10,000 to support 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 be given to projects that are sustainable over the long term and that deliver an enduring community benefit beyond the funding period.

Please read the guidelines carefully before making an application. The guidelines cover Origin’s investment focus areas in more detail, eligibility (including activities that won’t be supported) and how applications will be assessed.