Funding opportunities available | Check your eligibility

Council has several funding opportunities available now or becoming available over the coming weeks that could support valuable outcomes for local community groups, sporting clubs, not-for-profit organisations, event organisers and tourism entities. Find out more about the different streams, check your eligibility and apply online via the link below.

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Spring School Holiday Programs | Check out what's on

Check out what's on offer across the shire these school holidays with activities available at libraries in Stawell and St Arnaud, the Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre, Stawell Skate Park and more. Find out more on our website by clicking the link below.

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Funding opportunities & support

Turn your idea into a reality

Have a great idea for your community? Whether you’re planning an event, upgrading facilities, launching a new initiative or needing some assistance to run your administration, there is funding available to help make it happen.

Council support opportunities

Council offers a range of opportunities to support local groups and organisations. You can browse the current funding opportunities via the options below or get in touch for a chat about what funding stream might best suit your project.

Community Events Grants – Open now.
Minor Grants – Open now.
Sponsorships – Open now.
Contributions – Closed.
Community Grants – Closed, re-opening February 2026.
Arts and Culture Grants – Closed, re-opening February 2026.
Tourism Events Grants – Closed, re-opening October 1, 2025.
Major Tourism Events Partnership Program – Open now, closes September 19, 2025.

To ensure you apply for the most suitable funding stream, we recommend speaking with our Community Development Team before submitting your application by calling (03) 5358 0512 or emailing community@ngshire.vic.gov.au.

For Tourism Grant enquiries relating to applications for the Tourism Events Grants or Major Tourism Events Partnership Program, please contact our Tourism and Events Team by calling (03) 5358 8700 or emailing ngsc.event@ngshire.vic.gov.au . You can also learn more about these two tourism specific opportunities on our website here.

Looking beyond council grants

There are various external funding opportunities available throughout the year which could be aligned with the support you need.

You can use our grant search tool to explore a wide range of grants which is powered by GrantGuru – simply register for an account and start looking at what's available.
Check out our 'external grants to explore' information for an updated list of grants from other agencies that may be relevant for community groups, not-for-profits and local businesses.
Need a hand with those bigger, more complex grant applications? You can access support through the council’s community and business grant writing services to help get your external grant submissions over the line. Further details about these services and how to get in contact can be found on the page titled 'grant writing made easier' below.

Council grant opportunities

This information outlines all of the council grants available throughout the year across areas such as community, arts and culture, events and tourism. Grants are awarded to recipients who meet the eligibility criteria and the priorities established for each funding round.

Council sponsorship opportunities

This information outlines council's different sponsorship opportunities available throughout the year. Sponsorships are more a partnership approach over a term-based agreement which is different to our grants and contributions programs.

Grant writing made easier

Find out more about council's grant writing service where we match you with professional grant writers to help applicants succeed with their submissions. It's a free service available to all community groups, not-for-profit organisations and local businesses.

Grant search tool

Explore what's available outside of council grants with other funding agencies. This grant search tool provides a portal offering free access to more than two billion dollars' worth of grant opportunities that could unlock significant benefits for our local cohorts.

External grants to explore

While council grants are a valuable resource for our community and a great way to fund your project or initiative, the funds are often limited and the priority focuses for that round may not be suitable. Review other grant opportunities that could support your needs.