Theme 1: Our community and Theme 4: Our council grants

Eligible community organisations can apply for a Triennial Operational grant under Boroondara Community Plan Theme: 1 Our community, aims 1.2 Health wellbeing and social connection, 1.3 Safety and resilience, 1.4 Lifelong learning, Diversity and inclusion and Theme 4: Our council aim 4.1 Reconciliation to support programs and activities that promote safety, good health and wellbeing of individuals, families and community groups across all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds.

It is also available for activities and programs that connect people who are experiencing primary or secondary homelessness with support services.

Its purpose is to enable organisations to respond directly to the needs of disadvantaged residents and to allow community service organisations to plan longer term, attract resources and build strategic partnerships with other organisations in Boroondara.

Organisations can apply for funding of up to $30,000 each year for 3 financial years, subject to annual review.

Theme1: Our Community aims 

Aim 1.2: Health, wellbeing and social connection 

Aim 1.2 is available to eligible community organisations for programs and activities that support one or more of the following priorities:

• Partner with and support local community organisations to enhance health and wellbeing outcomes and build community capacity, including through workshops, grants and volunteers.
• Deliver tailored programs promoting social connection, health, wellbeing and independence for young people, children and families, and older people.
• Deliver support and resources to community groups and community members to strengthen and grow local volunteering. 

Aim 1.3: Safety and resilience 

Aim 1.3 is available to eligible community organisations for programs and activities that support one or more of the following priorities:

• Deliver programs and initiatives that promote gender equality and prevent gender-based violence.
• Deliver initiatives that strengthen community connections and build our community’s resilience to adapt and respond to emergencies and climate impacts.
• Support people experiencing homelessness to access and connect with local services.
• Deliver programs and initiatives that build social cohesion and address racism. 

Aim 1.4: Lifelong learning

Aim 1.4 is available to eligible community organisations for programs and activities that support one or more of the following priorities:

• Support lifelong learning and personal development by supporting kindergartens and early learning centres.
• Partner with local neighbourhood houses and community groups to expand access to informal and lifelong learning opportunities.
• Support skills development for young people that prepares them for employment. 

Aim 1.6 Diversity and inclusion 

Aim 1.6 is available to eligible community organisations for programs and activities that support one or more of the following priorities:

• Deliver initiatives that foster a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone, regardless of background, age, gender, sexuality, disability, or financial situation, have equitable access to community facilities, services, programs and events.
• Deliver targeted initiatives that actively address barriers to participation and inclusion, in particular for multicultural communities, people with disability, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities, and those who are vulnerable.
• Partner with stakeholders to build on each other’s strengths and knowledge, fostering strong relationships and better community outcomes. 

Theme 4: Our Council aim 

Aim 4.1 Reconciliation 

Aim 4.1 is available to eligible community organisations for programs and activities that support one or more of the following priorities:

• Partner and work with our Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung, First Peoples and the wider community to foster community understanding of our shared history and the ongoing contributions of First Peoples.
• Engage in meaningful and respectful relationships with our Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung, and First Peoples to progress reconciliation.
• Partner and work with our Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung, and First Peoples to ensure their voices are heard. 

Assessment criteria

Theme 1: Our community and Theme 4: Our council applications will be assessed against the criteria below. The additional points may assist to guide your responses.

What are the objectives of the proposed project or activity? (25%) 

• Describe how your proposal will address the Community Strengthening Grants Program objectives listed on page 7 of the Triennial Operational Grant Guidelines, which can be found in the downloads section below.
• Describe how your proposal or activity will address one primary and one secondary aim and their related priorities. They can come from the same theme or from a mix of different themes. 

Why is the proposed project or activity needed in Boroondara? (25%)

• Demonstrate that the project or activity responds to a community need.
• Demonstrate that your research has identified this gap in services and/or opportunities in the community that you intend to fill.
• Demonstrate that this project or activity will not duplicate existing services or programs.
• Demonstrate that this project or activity cannot be funded elsewhere.
• Demonstrate clear rationale for the project or activity being provided over a 3-year period.

Who will benefit from your project or activity? (25%)

• Describe who will participate in the project or activity.
• Describe how the project or activity will significantly benefit Boroondara residents.
• Describe how the project or activity creates links and develops partnerships with other organisations.

How will your organisation manage the funded project or activity over the 3-year period? (25%)

• Provide evidence that the organisation has the expertise and capacity to successfully manage and evaluate the project or activity.
• Provide evidence of a relevant project or activity plan (including timelines) and a realistic 3-year budget.
• Provide evidence of capacity for ongoing program and/or service development over 3 years.
• Provide evidence of consideration given to the future sustainability of the project or activity (for example, sponsorships or other funding sources).

Apply for a grant

You can find key information about eligibility criteria, the steps involved in submitting an application and links to the application on the Triennial Operational Grants page.