Community Capital Works Grants Program
About
The Community Capital Works Grants program (CCWG) helps to improve and enhance community facilities, fostering community involvement, inclusivity and engagement in response to community needs.
Beyond the direct benefits of improved physical community assets, the CCWG program encourages inclusivity by enabling projects that foster community involvement and address community needs, in alignment with Council’s strategic directions, objectives and priorities
2026/2027 CCWG Policy Changes
As a result of the review of the Community Capital Works Grants Program a new policy was endorsed at the 18 August 2025 Council Meeting.
There are significant changes to the CCWG program:
Category Changes
- Reduction of 3 categories to 2
- Removal of council Managed projects (Formally referred to as Category 1)
- Major equipment category now includes additional equipment essential for keeping assets operational for the community
Funding amounts
- Projects under $5,000 – no contribution
- Project over $5,000 - 50% contribution from eligible applicants across all categories
Application process
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What was previously known as the Expression of Interest process is now referred to as a Project Proposal. We’ve extended the submission period to allow more time for submissions. Project Proposals will close Tuesday 27 January 2026.
Acquittal process
- The acquittal process will require more evidence that reported outcomes have been delivered.
2026/2027 Community Capital Work Grants
Applications for stage 1: Project Proposals
2026/2027 CCWG Project Proposals will open on Tuesday 30th September 2025
Stage 1: Project Proposal
Interested applicants are invited to submit a basic Project Proposal which outlines the project idea and key details.
Stage 2: Detailed Grant Application
Successful applicants from Stage 1 are invited to submit a Detailed Grant Application with full details of the project.
*Please note that an invitation to submit a detailed grant application does not guarantee funding.
Funding Categories
There are two funding categories in the Community Capital Works Grants Program:
- Minor Capital Works, and
- Essential Equipment
Minor Capital Works
These grants can be used to deliver minor capital improvements or upgrades to community facilities that enhance functionality, accessibility, or usability for users.
Amount: Up to $35,000
Essential Equipment
These grants can be used to purchase major equipment for community facilities or reserves that are necessary to maintain and enhance functionality, accessibility, or usability for users. Any equipment purchased under this grant will belong to the asset and must remain onsite and be accessible to all facility users.
Amount: Up to $35,000
Only one application per Organisation/Group may be submitted per funding category within a funding round.
Please refer to the CCWG Policy and CCWG Guidelines for project and eligibility requirements.
Key dates
Key Dates
Both the Project Proposal and Detailed Grant Application stages have closing dates. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted as per the eligibility requirements.
|
Activity Date |
Date |
|
Applications for Stage 1: Project Proposals open for the 2026/2027 round |
Tuesday 30 September 2025 |
|
Upcoming grant information sessions |
Tuesday 14 October online at 7pm - Register here For online sessions register to attend and a link to the information sessions will be sent to you via email. |
|
Stage 1: Project Proposal closes |
Tuesday 27 January 2026 at 12:00pm |
|
Applicants of Stage 1 notified of outcome If successful, an invitation to proceed to Stage 2: Detailed Grant Application sent out |
October 2025 – January 2026 |
|
Stage 2: Detailed Grant Application closes |
Tuesday 17 March 2026 at 12:00pm |
|
Detailed Grant Applications evaluated by assessment panel |
Mid-March – Early April 2026 |
|
Notification of Detailed Grant Application outcomes |
July 2026 |
|
Successful applicants notified of funding agreement and grant conditions. Execution of funding agreement |
July 2026 |
|
Implementation of funded projects |
Until Thursday 27 May 2027 |
Program Guidelines and Policy
This information pack includes the grant program guidelines and policy.
2025/26 grant recipients
Enquiries
We are here to support you. If you have any questions or would like to discuss a project idea, please contact our Connected Communities Team on 1300 787 624 or CCWG@cardinia.vic.gov.au