Community grants

Applications open 7 July 2025 until funds are fully expended or 6 May 2026 - assessed on a monthly basis

As part of the Council’s Local Support Package, Activity Participation Subsidy assist residents facing financial barriers to participation by covering the cost of annual memberships to local community groups and sporting clubs.

Each eligible individual can receive one subsidy once per financial year, covering 85% of the membership fee or up to $500 (whichever is lesser). The subsidy is paid directly to eligible community groups or clubs, reducing the cost for eligible applicants.

What activities can the grant cover?

• This subsidy is designed to support regular, community-based participation.
• The community group or sport club must be located in Frankston City or surrounds.

The activities are:

• Team Sport (e.g. community football, netball, rugby).
• Group Dance or Exercise Classes (e.g. Zumba, chair yoga, aqua aerobics).
• Community Gardening in community centres or delivered by not-for-profit community group
•  Art Workshops in community centres or delivered by not-for-profit community group.
•  Music or Drama Workshops in community centres or delivered by not-for-profit community group.
•  Board Game or Chess Clubs in community centres or delivered by not-for-profit community group.
•  Shared Learning Groups (e.g., digital skills classes, language cafes) in community centres or delivered by not-for-profit community group.
•  Not-for-profit Social Groups that offer peer connection (e.g. Men’s Sheds or Women’s Circles)

Who can apply (Eligibility Criteria)

To be eligible, you (the applicant) must be:

• A resident of Frankston City* and show evidence of this;
• *Frankston City includes Carrum Downs, Karingal, Langwarrin, Skye, Sandhurst, Frankston, Frankston Heights, Frankston South, Frankston North.
• Aged 18 or above (Child and Youth Inclusion Grant is available for under 18);
• Holding a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.

Timeframes

Applications are reviewed and assessed on a monthly basis, see specific dates below. Note that this grant will close regardless of the dates outlined below, once funds are exhausted or by May 6 2026.

• * Council has the right to change the dates above as needed.
•  ** Payments for round 5 will commence early 2026, after Council’s end of year shutdown period.

Please read our Activity Participation Fund Guidelines(PDF, 500KB) for more information.

Apply now

Applications open 7 July 2025 and close 11 August 2025.

Frankston City Council is proud to support local artists to create work that contributes to our vibrancy, culture and community. One-off funding is available to individual artists, creatives and artists practicing within a small arts organisation from all backgrounds and abilities. Artists can be at any stage of their career whether emerging, mid-career or established, to support the development of new creative work that results in a public outcome within the municipality by 30 June 2026.

Funding will be distributed to six (6) successful recipients, with one of the grants dedicated to realising a creative project for/and/or with culturally diverse artists (where possible/applicable). We also welcome applications that engage with these communities in a meaningful and significant way.   

Timeframes

Please read the (PDF, 379KB)Artist Project Grant Guidelines(PDF, 2MB) for more information.

Apply now

Applications open 7 July 2025 – until funds are fully expended or 6 May 2026 - 2 funding categories - assessed on a monthly basis

The Child and Youth Inclusion (CAYI) Grant provides one-off financial support for young residents and students facing financial barriers to participate in education and recreation activities.

Each young person can receive the grants once per financial year (if eligible) covering:

• $600 for education; and/or
• $250 or 85% of costs for recreation (whichever is lesser).

Category 1: Education

For young people transitioning to high school, currently attending high school (or equivalent), or pursuing higher education that require assistance with materials, equipment or course fees for their education (up to 24 years old).

The Grant can be for:

• School books (textbooks, workbooks and educational software)
• School uniform (max $100 per uniform item, max $150 shoes)
• Laptop / tablet
• Scientific calculators
• Extra-curricular / specialist educational program fees
• Tuition fees or enrolment costs (excl. secondary school fees). 

Category 2: Recreation

$250 (excl. GST) or up to 85% of fees (whichever is lower). For young people seeking to participate in recreational activity (5 – 18 years old).

The Grant can be for:

• Sports programs (e.g. Football, netball, rugby, tennis etc.).
• Wellbeing & Fitness (e.g. Swimming, boxing, martial arts, yoga)
• Outdoor exploration groups (e.g. School camping or Scout / Guides programs)
•  Art /Craft Classes (e.g.Painting / weaving / pottery classes or workshops)
•  Music / Drama Workshops (Musical instrument, dance classes, drama workshop)
•  Hobby clubs (e.g. Chess Club, Lapidary / Photography Clubs)
•  Technology / STEM activities (e.g., Coding w/shop, robotics club, group STEM programs)

Timeframes

Applications are reviewed and assessed on a monthly basis, see specific dates below.

Note that this grant will close regardless of the dates outlined below, once funds are exhausted or by May 6 2026.

• * Council has the right to change the dates above as needed.
• ** Payments for round 5 will commence early 2026, after Council’s end of year shutdown period.

Please read our Child and Youth Inclusion Grant Guidelines(PDF, 357KB)  for more information.

Apply now

Applications open 1 September 2025 until 20 October 2025 - $1,000 per recipient (paid in 2 stages)

Do you have a project idea that could help protect or enhance Frankston’s natural environment or combat climate change? The Environmental Sustainability Grant provides one-off funding to support  landowners’ environmental works that support the strategic vision for Frankston City’s future.

One standout Landowner Works project recently helped expand a high conservation value area, rich in indigenous ground cover and diverse native species. With these improvements, the land is now supporting further indigenous plantings – including local Hakea species, which provide a food source for yellow-tailed black cockatoos. It’s a great example of how even small grants can lead to lasting environmental benefits.

If you’re passionate about sustainability and want to take action in your own backyard, now is the time.

Eligibility

For an application to be eligible for the Landowner Works category, the applicant must be:

• Rural landowners with a minimum of 2/3 Acre 2697.9sqm
• Property must be located within the local Government area of Frankston City.
• Zoned Low density, Rural conservation or green wedge or located within a recognised Biodiversity corridor or Environmental Significance Overlay.
• Commit to maintaining the vegetation for at least 5 years.

Timelines

Please read the Environmental Sustainability Grant Guidelines 2025-2026(PDF, 430KB)  for more information.

Apply Now 

Applications open 7 July 2025 and close 1 August 2025.

One-off funding to assist not-for-profit community organisations with services, programs or projects that meets existing and emerging local community needs.

Supports services, programs and projects that contribute to Council’s Health and Wellbeing priorities:

• Healthy, Active and Resilient Communities

  Good health, active lifestyles, nutritious food and the ability to adapt to a changing climate.

•  Engaged, Connected and Inclusive Communities
  Mental wellbeing, social connection and inclusion.

• Safe, Respectful and Equal Communities
  Living free from violence, discrimination and preventing harm from tobacco, alcohol, drugs and gambling.

Please read the Annual Community Grants Guidelines(PDF, 418KB) for more information.

Apply now 

Close for 2025-2028 funding period. EOI expressions will be available late-2027.

The Community Service Partnership (CSP) Grant offer triennial funding for selected not-for-profit community organisations that provide unique, specialised, continuous and significant service to the community where their activities align with Council priorities and meet community needs.

Organisations or groups applying must demonstrate their ability to meet the criteria and have met funding requirements for previous Council Grants.

2025-2028 Successful recipients list(PDF, 147KB)

Applications open 1 September 2025 until 20 October 2025 - $1,000 per recipient.

Do you have a project idea that could help protect or enhance Frankston’s natural environment or combat climate change? The Environmental Sustainability Grant provides one-off funding to support community organisations in environmental and sustainability projects that support the strategic vision for Frankston City’s future, under the Community Group Projects category.

Examples for Community Group Projects

• Workshops that encourage waste diversion, composting, worm farming, water recycling, water efficient garden beds or bush food gardens.
• Small events that connect people and increase their knowledge of the climate emergency and provide skills for effective advocacy and action.
• Open day community events such as tree planting days or bush regeneration activities.
• Workshops that provide information to the community around making their homes more energy efficient or to transition to 100% renewable electricity.
• Community programs that encourage skills to expand sustainable behaviour such as how to access the various rebates available, bicycle maintenance workshops or clothing exchange activities.

Timeframes

Please read the Environmental Sustainability Grant Guidelines 2025-2026(PDF, 430KB) for more information

Apply Now

Applications open 7 July 2025 until funds are fully expended or 6 May 2025 - up to $1,000 - Assessed on a monthly basis

The Urgent Grant provides one-off funding to assist not-for-profit community groups that address unforeseen or unexpected issues that may affect their ability to deliver community services, or emergencies that require timely support for the community beyond their usual operational needs.

We aim to:

• Provide support to organisations facing unforeseen or emergency situations beyond their usual operational needs.
• Support continuation of essential community services by addressing urgent needs that impact service delivery.
• Enable timely community-led responses to crises or local emergencies that affect vulnerable or disadvantaged residents.

Timeframes

Applications are reviewed and assessed on a monthly basis, see specific dates below.

Note that this grant will close regardless of the dates outlined below, once funds are exhausted or by May 6 2026.

• * Council has the right to change the dates above as needed.
• ** Payments for round 5 will commence early 2026, after Council’s end of year shutdown period.

Please read our Urgent Grant Guidelines(PDF, 425KB) for more information.

Apply now

Annual Community Grants (information drop-in session)

Annual Community Grants (grants information session)
Wednesday 9 July 2025
3-4pm at 43 Davey St Frankston
Booking essential, contact CommunityGrants@frankston.vic.gov.au or call 9784 1035

If you are unable to attend the sessions above and have a limited technical capacity, we also offer one-on-one support sessions for applicants who need assistance with the SmartyGrants system and application process. If you require support, please contact Community Grants & Networks team on 9784 1035 or communitygrants@frankston.vic.gov.au

If you need the assistance of an interpreter, please phone 13 14 50. 

If you are deaf, hard of hearing and/or have a speech impairment you can contact Council using the National Relay Service (NRS).

You can submit an application via the SmartyGrants portal.

SmartyGrants have a comprehensive help guide for applicants on their website which takes you through the application process step-by-step. Download it as a PDF or work your way through it online.

If you have not used SmartyGrants before, you will need to create an account. To register:

1. Visit the Community Grants page and activate the "Apply" button.
2. You will go to another page where you can either Log in or Start a Submission. Both options will take you to another page.
3. You can then register by activating the "Register" button.

This will depend on the proposed project or program. Please read the grant guidelines for each of the grants carefully.

You can contact the SmartyGrants support team on 03 9320 6888 and quote your application ID.

No. Council is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and is therefore discouraging the use of paper applications. 

If you need assistance with your online application, we offer a range of in-person sessions for those who may not have technical skills to apply online. If you are unable to attend the sessions above and require help, please call Cristina Collins on 03 9784 1035 / 0488 599 717 or email communitygrants@frankston.vic.gov.au.

This will depend on the proposed project or program. Please read the grant guidelines for each of the grants carefully.

In general, a community group or organisation is eligible to apply for the Annual Community Grant if it is not-for-profit. It must also be either incorporation or enacted under legislation provisions for charitable purposes.

Not-for-profit organisations provides services or undertake activities for the community’s benefit and does not operate to make a profit from its members or clients.

An incorporated group is a not-for-profit community group or club that operates as a separate legal entity. As an incorporation, groups have the ability to enter into a number of legal agreements such as:

• the purchase or lease of assets or property
• opening bank accounts
• applying for Public Liability Insurance
• signing contracts
• applying for grants.

As separate entities, incorporations are more likely to be recognised by funding bodies, government organisations and businesses and as such have a greater probability of entering into business agreements and contracts.

Yes, community groups that are not incorporated can enter into an auspice agreement with an incorporated not-for-profit organisation (evidence required).

An Auspicing Agreement is a legal contract where the auspicing body (the incorporation) takes on the legal and financial responsibilities of the individual or community, without carrying out any of the duties of the project. Through an auspicing agreement both parties agree to work together to meet the terms and conditions outlined by the grant provider. The auspicing body acts on the applicant’s behalf to manage and disperse grant funds, sign agreements with grant providers and provide insurance cover. The applicant is responsible for carrying out the activity for which funding is provided, and ensuring they work within the parameters of the funding agreement, however overall accountability falls to the auspicing body.

Organisations in auspice arrangement are not permitted to apply for the Community Service Partnership Grant.

Council wants to ensure that all projects are run safely and that community groups are protected from potential compensation claims if something goes wrong. Your group has a legal responsibility to provide a safe environment for participants and the general public in any activity, event or service.

Public Liability Insurance financially protects your group against claims of third party property damage or injury. Should your group be found negligent or responsible for damages claimed, you are obliged to cover any costs incurred and additional legal fees. Without Public Liability Insurance, this can potentially reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. For this reason, Council will not release funds to any group that does not have Public Liability Insurance. If your group is auspiced, make sure you are covered by your auspicing body’s insurance policy.

Most insurance companies and brokers offer Public Liability Insurance. Details on where to find the best insurance coverage for your community group is available online. Either visit individual insurance providers, or type ‘Public Liability Insurance for Incorporations/Community Groups’ in your search engine.

Funding is allocated on the premise of one application, per organisation, per financial year. However, an organisation may be the successful recipient of a community grant and also be eligible to submit a separate application to the Environmental Sustainability Grants Program for an environmental project for example.

Guidelines and assessment criteria for each funding category must be adhered to. If you are representing more than one group or project, SmartyGrants gives you the ability to submit numerous applications from the same login account.

No.

Council has a responsibility to ensure all funding is awarded to legitimate projects and community groups. Submitting an Annual Report and Financial Statement in your application validates the legal entity of the incorporated applicant or the applicant’s auspicing body.

If the Financial Report is included in the Annual Report, the Annual Report can be attached twice in the application.

If the Financial Report is a separate document, separate reports will need to be attached to the application.

As a funding provider, Council needs to ascertain what impact your project has within the community and how the community will benefit from it. Determining who benefits directly and indirectly is dependent on the nature of your project.

Direct numbers refer to those who will directly benefit from your project. They can be your Committee of Management; your volunteers; the participants you have designed your project for.

Indirect numbers refer to the people who will still benefit from your project but have no direct involvement in it. This group can include the participants as well as the wider community e.g. families of participants; other community groups; and, or local businesses. Indirect numbers are much harder to quantify.

Here’s an example: The Community Strengthening sports club has five committee members, 10 volunteers, 30 members and six coaches. They have applied for a grant to buy a new computer to improve their administrative process as well as for marketing and communication. The direct beneficiaries would be the five committee members since they would be directly using the computer. The indirect beneficiaries would be the volunteers, members, coaches and the wider community which could be approximately 200 plus Frankston residents as they would be also benefitting from the improved administrative service and communication from the club.

An in-kind contribution is where a contribution is made to a project or activity without money being exchanged. This includes:

• voluntary labour
• donations of furniture or materials
• donations of services.

As a general rule, in-kind contributions can be calculated by comparing the service or item donated, to the amount that would have been charged otherwise. Calculating the cost of volunteer labour is based on a nominated figure multiplied by the hours of labour per person.

Being aware of how funds are being spent and making sure the project is on course enables you to account for the funds Council has allocated and report back on the progress of your project or program. It also shows Council that the funds are being used for the purposes outlined in the application.

Applicants need to demonstrate that any risks associated with the project/program have been identified. This provides Council with information relating to your project's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

By undertaking a risk assessment early in the project/program planning phase, you are ensuring its success. Listing steps on how you will handle potential risks provides funding bodies with the knowledge and comfort that identified problems can be effectively managed when and if they do arise.

Here’s an example: The Community Strengthening sports club is hosting a social event for its members. It has identified Accidents or injury of participants as a potential risk. Ways to minimise this risk include ensuring:

• the club has appropriate and current Public Liability Insurance
• the venue is accessible for all members
• it’s a non-alcoholic event.