Applications open for tourism, community and arts grants
Published on 18 February 2026
Four of Northern Grampians Shire Council’s community funding streams are now accepting applications from eligible residents, event organisers and groups.
Each year, council sets aside money in its annual budget to ensure the community has opportunities to create and share unique experiences across the shire, to promote and improve health and wellbeing, to celebrate and enable diversity and to deliver programs and activities for residents.
The Tourism Events Grant stream provides both financial and non-financial support to event organisers coordinating tourism-focused events that boost economic growth and visitors to Northern Grampians Shire. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for tourism events that attract more than 500 patrons from outside the municipality; enhance the vibrancy of visitor experiences; celebrate existing and new tourism assets; and promote the region into intrastate, interstate or international markets.
Applications close on Monday, March 9 and people can click here for more information, including eligibility criteria.
Community Grants of up to $5000 are available for not-for-profit groups to support projects and community initiatives that contribute to increased social connectedness for residents; safe environments to grow diversity in the shire; positive impacts on physical health, mental health and wellbeing; and provide greater sustainability of community groups and assets.
This year’s grant stream has a focus on participation, inclusion and connection.
Applications close on March 31, 2026.
Arts and Culture Grants of up to $5000 are available to support projects and community initiatives that contribute towards outcomes that result in an inclusive creative community, through participation; or a well-respected and connected arts community, through raising the profile of arts and culture; or activated town centres and rural communities, through the celebration of place.
Applications close on March 31, 2026.
Council is once again offering Creative Education Fund grants, following the fund’s successful introduction last year.
Grants of $500 are available, with a specific focus on fostering opportunities for students.
The fund aligns with council priorities to support activities that enable arts and culture participation; raise the profile of arts and culture; or activate places and spaces.
Project ideas include but are not limited to art supplies for creative activities, engaging an artist to run a workshop, or hosting, attending or delivering a performance.
Mayor Karen Hyslop encouraged eligible residents, event organisers and groups to prepare applications for appropriate projects.
“We are excited to open applications for four community grant streams, which we know offer much-needed and welcomed support for some of the amazing people and projects we have in our shire,” she said.
“Each year, through our annual budget, council sets aside money for grants and sponsorship to help support our community’s goals.
“The funding helps to bring items in our council plans and strategies to life and results in a range of benefits, from supporting local businesses to grow and thrive, to ensuring our community has access to a rich variety of arts, cultural activities and entertainment, to empowering local groups and organisations to deliver great programs and activities for our residents.”
Cr Hyslop said she understood some people might find the grant application process daunting.
“Council has people and resources to assist you,” she said.
“You can talk through your proposal with our tourism, events or community development officers, who can answer any questions and provide support. You can also access a project plan template and grant writing tips in the ‘grants’ section of the council website.”
Cr Hyslop said people could click here or call council on (03) 5358 8700 for more information.