Apply for a Wellbeing Support Grant

Grant categories

There are 3 categories of funding:

1. Seeding grant (up to $5,000) 

To support setting up new organisations, groups, clubs, projects, programs or services.

You must show that ongoing costs, such as venue hire, insurance or activity costs can be sustained without further Council support beyond the first year.

2. Volunteer Support grant (up to $3,000) 

To grow and develop volunteering in Cardinia Shire.

Examples include:

• establishing volunteering programs
• training and development of volunteers, where not mandated by regulation, nor within the scope of training that is provided by the organisation*
• promotion of volunteering opportunities.

*Applications cannot include requests for support for training already subsidised by Council

3. Small change grant (up to $1,000) 

To help with a range of minor operational and equipment costs that cannot be met through other funding sources. Applications for Christmas decorations will be considered under this category.

Funding will not be allocated to support the running of events.

Is my group eligible?

To be eligible for this grant program, groups and organisations must be:

• not-for-profit
• locally based and/or servicing Cardinia Shire residents; and
• a Community Asset Committee of Council; or
• incorporated (or be auspiced by an incorporated organisation – please note, Community Asset Committees cannot take on the function of an auspice) or operated by a Committee of Management, or an alternative formally recognised governance model (e.g company limited by guarantee)

If a licence, lease or funding agreement exists between Council and the community organisation, then the agreements need to be signed and current in order for applications to be considered.

Community groups with incomplete or outstanding projects must complete these before any further applications will be considered.

Multiple applications may be considered if this grants program is undersubscribed in any given year, however all applications must meet the funding criteria and be assessed as eligible. 

All applications must also:

• demonstrate a benefit to the health and wellbeing of Cardinia Shire residents and align with Cardinia’s Liveability Plan
• support equitable access and inclusion
• address an unmet need (and provide evidence of this need)
• clearly identify beneficiaries
• clearly state objectives with measurable outcomes; and
• address how the application fits within the scope of the grant category.

What won't be funded

• activities which are a primary or core service and/or responsibility of Council or State or Federal governments
• individuals
• private, profit-making organisations
• political organisations
• capital works projects (as defined in Council’s Community Capital Works Grants Policy)
• public space/township beautification projects
• replacement of existing equipment and/or furnishings at community and recreational facilities
• maintenance of community or recreational facilities.

How to apply

• Before applying you must read the grant guidelines

Apply through SmartyGrants 

How applications are assessed

All grant applications are reviewed by:

• an assessment panel comprising a multidisciplinary team of relevant Council staff
• senior managers within Council

Once agreement is reached in these forums, grants are referred to Council for endorsement and formal approval.

All applicants will be advised of the decision late July 2026. 

Disputing a grants decision

If an applicant wishes to query a grant assessment, written requests for clarification may be sent by post or email:

Post

Att: Connected Communities Team Cardinia Shire Council
PO Box 7
Pakenham VIC 3810

Email

mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

All requests will receive due consideration and a written response will be provided.

More information or help

For more information or for help with the grant application process contact our Connected Communities Team.

Call: 1300 787 624

Email: mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Projects funded in 2025-26

The following organisations and projects were funded in 2025-26:

Seeding Grants

Volunteer Support Grants

Small Change Grants