2025–26 Rate Notices

Due to circumstances beyond our control, there is a delay in distributing 2025–26 rate notices. More information: http://www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/rates >

Community Capital Works Grants Program

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 

Find more grant opportunities

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  

  • Renaming of the current category 2 Expression of Interest process to the Project Proposal. A project proposal can be handed in throughout the CCWG process but will close off close one month prior to the round application closing date.  

Acquittal process  

  • The acquittal process will require more evidence that reported outcomes have been delivered.  

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.  

 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  

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  

Grants Information sessions held  

Monday 15 September, online at 7pm - Register here

Wednesday 24 September, in-person session at 6:30pm 
Civic Centre Council Chambers 20 Siding Avenue, Officer VIC 3809 - Register here

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  

This information pack includes the grant program guidelines and policy. 

Download Community Capital Works Grants Information Pack

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