The Whitehorse Community Grants Program has changed in 2026

Since 2025, the community grants program has undergone significant updates, including new grant categories, revised eligibility criteria and a stronger focus on demonstrating community impact.

If you’re considering applying, we strongly encourage you to attend an upcoming information session to understand what’s changed, what’s expected, and how to prepare a strong application.


What is the Whitehorse Community Grants Program?

The community grants program provides funding to help support the needs of the local community. This funding can be used to run programs, provide services, or purchase equipment that promotes the health and wellbeing of the people in Whitehorse.


When does it open?

The Whitehorse 2026 Community Grants program will be open for applications on Tuesday 10 March at 10:00am and will close on Sunday 3 May at 11:55pm.


What can I apply for?

There are three types of community funding available:

  1. Tiered grants
  2. Micro funds
  3. Partnership grant - Social and Wellbeing

1. Tiered grants

These grants are offered on an annual basis and are tiered, which means there are different funding amounts you can apply for based on the type of project you are seeking funding for.

Tier 1 - Up to $3,000

  • Connection grant - Activities that build inclusion, participation and social connection in the local community.
  • Innovation grant - New ideas, pilot programs or creative approaches that respond to emerging needs.

Tier 2 - Up to $7,000

  • Collaboration Grant - Partnerships between organisations to deliver shared initiatives with sustained community impact.

Tier 3 - Up to $10,000

  • Festivals Grant - Community festivals and events that bring people together at scale.
  • Sustained Impact Grant - Larger initiatives that deliver measurable, long-term health and wellbeing outcomes.

2. Micro Funds - Up to $1,000

These grants support small community projects, activities, or equipment purchases up to $1,000. They are available three times in the year and will be open until the funding for each round runs out.

  • Round 1 - Open: 10 March | Close: 3 May 2026 | Funding received: September 2026
  • Round 2 - Open: July | Close: Early September 2026 | Funding received: January 2027 (estimated)
  • Round 3 - Open: November | Close: Early January 2027 | Funding received: May 2027 (estimated)

3. Social and Wellbeing Partnerhsip Grant - $40,000 each year for a maximum of 4 years available (i.e. $160,000 maximum funding).

  • This grant responds directly to the needs of the communities with a focus on the most vulnerable and socially disadvantaged population groups. It is designed to create a partnership with organisations that aim to deliver long-term benefits for the community.


What support is available to me?

We strongly encourage you to attend an upcoming information session to understand what’s changed, what’s expected, and how to prepare a strong application.

Council also offers individual support for community groups. Register your interest to receive individual support by completing the form at the bottom of this page.