Bulgana Green Power Hub Community Benefit Fund

The Bulgana Green Power Hub Community Fund supports a wide range of community-driven projects that make a positive and lasting impact in the Northern Grampians Shire.

From local events to equipment purchases, infrastructure upgrades to educational programs, these are some of the things that can be funded. 

• Activities, Events, Programs & Services
  Community festivals, workshops, youth programs, wellbeing sessions, outreach services, or cultural celebrations.

• Purchasing or Hiring Equipment & Materials
  Tools, sporting gear, musical instruments, IT equipment, gardening supplies, safety gear, or learning materials.

• Small-Scale Community Infrastructure Projects
  Community garden beds, seating areas, public art installations, noticeboards, upgrades to local facilities, or solar installations.

• Building Skills and Capacity
  Training for volunteers, leadership development, governance support, grant writing workshops, or strategic planning sessions.

• Developing Shared Community Resources
  Tool libraries, community pantries, digital hubs, local heritage displays, or resource kits for schools and clubs.

All funded projects must align with at least one of the key funding priorities:

Energy Efficiency & Environment: Think solar panels, battery storage, or innovative ideas that protect our local environment and support biodiversity conservation.

Health & Wellbeing: Projects that help people thrive—whether it's about supporting good mental health, physical fitness and activity, or initiatives that boost overall community wellbeing.

First Nations Initiatives: Projects led by or in partnership with First Nations communities that celebrate culture, language, and heritage.

Disaster Relief & Emergency Services: Ideas that strengthen community resilience—whether it's recovery support for those impacted by natural disasters or improved equipment and training for our local emergency services.

Arts, Culture & Events: Celebrate creativity and community through music, art, festivals, and cultural events that connect people and celebrate the region.

Education & Training: Skill-building programs addressing local skill development and funding educational programs, particularly initiatives encouraging Women & Girls in STEM fields

What the BGPH Community Fund Doesn’t Support

To keep the fund focused and fair, there are a few things we can’t fund:

• Events or activities that may harm the environment

• Projects that have already started

• Projects that could be funded through other available grants

• Ongoing operating costs, salaries, or routine maintenance

• Requests for food, alcohol, or event catering

• Late applications (submitted after the closing date)

If you're unsure whether your project is eligible, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for a BGPH Community Fund grant, your group or organisation must:

• Be based in the Northern Grampians Shire or in the area surrounding the Bulgana Green Power Hub

• Be a not-for-profit group or organisation

• Have the approval of your full committee or board to apply

• Be financially viable and capable of managing the project

• Be able to match the funding dollar-for-dollar if applying for more than $5,000

• Not be a delegated committee of Council

What We Don’t Fund

The BGPH Community Fund does not support:

• Groups or organisations outside the Northern Grampians Shire

• Events or activities that may harm the environment

• Individuals

• Political or military organisations or activities

• Programs or projects outside the local area (including international aid)

• Religious or sectarian activities (purely faith-based without broader community benefit)

• Projects that have already started

• Projects that could be funded by other available grants

• Ongoing operating costs, salary subsidies, or routine maintenance

• Requests for food or alcohol for events or catering

• Applications submitted after the closing date

Assessment Timeline

• Applications will be assessed in early September

• Applicants will be notified in late September

Who Assesses the Applications?

An independent community advisory panel will review all applications and decide which projects receive funding. The panel includes:

• 3 community members from the Northern Grampians Shire

• 1 representative from local government

• 1 representative from BGPH

How Your Application Will Be Scored

Each application is scored out of 100 based on the following criteria:

Make sure each section of your application is as clear and complete as possible to give your project the best chance of success.

Conditions of Funding 

If your application is successful, please be aware of the following requirements:

• Notify NGSC of any changes:
  If your project changes significantly or won’t go ahead, you must contact the Northern Grampians Shire Council immediately so any unused funds can be returned.

• Receipts required:
  You’ll need to provide proof of expenses (e.g. receipts) for all project spending.

• No ongoing funding commitment:
  Receiving a grant does not guarantee ongoing or future funding from the Bulgana Green Power Hub Community Fund.

• Changes to your project:
  Any changes to your original submission must be made in writing and approved by the BGPH Community Fund Coordinator before proceeding.

• Spend the full budget:
  Your project must use the full amount of funding as outlined in your application’s budget.

• Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status:
  DGR status is not required, but if your organisation has it, please provide documentation.

• Acknowledging the fund:
  You must acknowledge the fund in any promotional materials using this wording:

  “This project is supported by the Bulgana Green Power Hub Community Fund Grants Program 2025.”

• Media and promotion:
  Funded groups/organisations may be asked to participate in media and communication activities that help promote the BGPH Community Fund.

• Reporting at the end:
  Once your project is complete, you’ll be required to submit a budget acquittal and a final report.

Project Completion Form

Once your grant has been paid, the project completion form will appear in your SmartyGrants account.

You’ll need to complete and submit this form within one month of the project’s completion date (as listed in your application).

The acquittal form is your way of reporting back on how the funds were used and the outcomes of your project.