Community Sponsorships

Got a great idea or initiative that helps make the Northern Grampians Shire a better place to live, work or visit? We would love to support you.

Community Sponsorship is all about council joining forces with community groups and organisations to make valuable things happen by providing funding, resources or simply a helping hand. In return, we just ask that council is recognised as a supporting partner through areas such as having our name, brand or services linked to the activity, program or initiative.

You can apply for up to $3,000 to support your initiative. Applications are open throughout the year until all available funding has been allocated.

Council provides sponsorships because we want to:

  • Respond to important community needs and opportunities; 
  • Create meaningful connections with our community
  • Support the valuable work being undertaken by local organisations;
  • Contribute to the social, cultural, economic and community wellbeing of the Northern Grampians Shire; and
  • Align with Council's strategic priorities and areas of focus. 

The level of Council's involvement will depend on the nature of the initiative, the community benefit and what Council and the organisation are seeking to achieve together.

Sponsorship opportunities 

We know every group and organisation is different, with different goals, priorities and needs. That’s why we offer two levels of sponsorship, giving you the flexibility to choose the option that best suits your group or  organisation and what you’re looking to achieve.

Support Sponsorship  
This sponsorship is suited to initiatives where a community organisation is seeking straightforward financial or in-kind support from Council. This form of sponoship may be suitable when:

  • The initiative is led and delivered by a community organisation.
  • The organisation is seeking a financial or in-kind contribution from Council.
  • The initiative provides a clear benefit to the community.
  • Council and the organisation can agree on appropriate recognition or other benefits.
  • The level of Council involvement is relatively straightforward. 

The relationship is generally: Community-led initiative → Council support → community benefit + agreed recognition or benefits for Council 

Partnership Sponsorship 
A Partnership Sponsorship is suited to initiatives where council and a community group or organisation want to work more closely together to achieve a shared outcome.  A partnership may involve: 

  • Joint planning and decision-making. 
  • Council staff involvement. 
  • Sharing resources, knowledge or expertise. 
  • Contributions from both Council and the organisation. 
  • Shared responsibility for agreed outcomes. 
  • Initiatives that strongly align with Council priorities, plans or strategies. 

The relationship is generally: Council + community organisation → shared planning and contribution → shared outcomes.  

What are we hoping to achieve by providing sponships

Our sponsorship program is designed to support initiatives that make a positive difference in the Northern Grampians, strengthen our communities and help bring our shared community goals to life.

We are looking to support initiatives that:

1. Boost the livability and vibrancy of Northern Grampians Shire. 

2. Align with our community’s big-picture goals as outlined in the Council Plan and various community strategies. 

3. Contribute to one of the sponsorship outcomes:
        -  Young people are supported to learn and grow
        -  Our communities are inclusive and welcoming
        -  People are active and connected through sport and recreation
        -  Communities care for the environment and are prepared for the future
        -  Our culture, creativity and identity are celebrated

You can apply for a sponsorship if:

  • You are a registered not-for-profit group or organisation with either an Incorporation Certificate and/or an ABN.
  • You are based in or can demonstrate your request has a direct benefit to the residents of Northern Grampians Shire. 

If you are a local business that has an idea that will benefit the broader community and the idea is not-for-profit, please contact the Community Development team to discuss your eligibility by calling (03) 5358 0512 or emailing community@ngshire.vic.gov.au.

Things to know before applying

Before submitting your application, please take a few minutes to read the Community Sponsorship Guidelines. They provide important information about eligibility, what we’re looking for and how applications are assessed.

You can also speak with a member of council's Community Development Team to ensure you are applying for the most suitable funding option before submitting your application. Please call (03) 5358 0512 or email at community@ngshire.vic.gov.au.

    Apply now

    We would love to hear about your initiative and what you hope to achieve. Complete the Sponsorship Request form and tell us all about your plans.

    Community groups making a difference during the 2025–26 financial year 

    • Central Grampians Local Learning Network received sponsorship to provide valuable opportunities for young people to gain driving experience, confidence and greater independence.

    • Driscoll Ag St Arnaud held Man Therapy sessions for men aged 50 and over, creating opportunities for men to connect and have conversations about health and wellbeing.

      • St Arnaud Basketball Club used the sponsorship to purchase new uniforms for junior players, helping reduce participation costs for local families and encouraging young people to take part in sport.

            • Stawell West Primary School and Stawell 502 Primary School provided student scholarships to celebrate Grade 6 students by recognising their achievements and helping young people take their next steps in education. 

            • St Arnaud Secondary College and Stawell Secondary College held their school Presentation Nights, celebrating student achievements and recognising the contributions of students, families and school communities.

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