Community resilience

Funding: $15,000 of additional funds 

Council has provided an additional $15,000 to our Urgent Grants program, ensuring more support is available for local community and sporting organisations struggling with cost-of-living pressures. 

Urgent Grants of up to $1,000 are designed to help not-for-profit groups respond quickly to unforeseen or emergency situations that impact their ability to deliver essential services. 

By expanding funding, we’re making sure local groups have the backing they need to stay resilient and continue supporting our community when it matters most. 

Check your eligibility 

To apply for an Urgent Grant, your organisation must be: 

• A not-for-profit community or sporting group based in Frankston City; 
• Facing an unforeseen or emergency situation affecting service delivery ;
• Seeking funding for a specific, urgent need outside of usual operational costs.

How to apply  

Applications can be made online via the SmartyGrants portal.  

Applications for 2025-2026 are open now and will remain open until all funds have been allocated or 6 May 2026 (whichever comes first). 

For more information, visit our Community grants page. 

Funding: $30,000 of additional funds 

Council is providing additional support to the Frankston Charitable Trust, ensuring more funding reaches local projects that make a real difference in people’s lives. Through its Community Connection Grants (valued at $5,000–$10,000), the Trust supports charitable organisations to deliver initiatives that: 

• Improve inclusion and social equity; 
• Promote health, wellbeing and community connection; 
• Enhance local arts and culture; 
• Encourage environmental sustainability. 

By backing the Trust, Council is continuing to help charitable organisations respond to local needs, strengthen community connections and create positive, lasting outcomes for Frankston residents. 

Check your eligibility 

To be eligible, organisations must: 

• Be a charitable organisation with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status and Taxation Concession Charity (TCC) endorsement; 
• Deliver services or programs within Frankston City; 
• Align with one or more of the Community Connection Grant categories. 

How to apply  

Applications can be made online via the SmartyGrants portal.  

The next round of applications will open February 2026. Eligible Stage 1 applicants will then be invited to apply for Stage 2. 

For more information, visit our Frankston Charitable Fund’s Community Connection Grant page. 

Funding: $45,000 of additional funds 

We’re providing additional funding to Community Support Frankston, our city’s vital crisis relief service. Each year they help thousands of residents with food parcels and vouchers, clothing and household items, bill assistance and connections to housing, health and financial counselling.  

This extra funding will ensure they can meet rising demand and continue providing critical support to the people in our community who need it most.  

Funding: $40,000 of additional funds 

Council is supporting Menzies with additional funding to boost paediatric healthcare access for vulnerable children in Frankston. Funding will help establish a sustainable model for school-based paediatric clinics, bringing vital care directly into schools. Backed by the World Health Organization, these clinics improve health and education outcomes, reduce absenteeism and ensure early support for children who might otherwise miss out. This partnership is about giving every child, regardless of background, the opportunity to thrive.

Funding: $50,000 

Council is partnering with the Peninsula Community Legal Centre (PCLC) to expand the delivery of free legal services for Frankston residents facing rental or mortgage stress and the threat of homelessness. 

Homelessness is not just rough sleeping – in Frankston, many people are living in cars, couch surfing, or relying on overcrowded housing and temporary accommodation. Rising rents, limited housing options and financial pressures mean that more residents are at risk. 

This program offers practical, confidential advice and advocacy to help people stay in their homes, manage rental or mortgage difficulties, and reduce the financial stress that can push households into crisis. By breaking down barriers to legal support, it aims to protect vulnerable community members and create more stability for families and individuals across our city. 

This service is available to people who live, work or study in the municipality. Contact PCLC directly on (03) 9783 3600 or 1800 064 784 or visit their website for assistance. 

Council is reviewing its Financial Hardship Policy to make it easier for residents in need to access support. The updated policy will provide more flexible payment options, interest-free plans and links to free services such as the National Debt Helpline and financial counselling – ensuring those experiencing financial stress can get the right help at the right time.