Annual Grant Program

The 2024/25 program opens for applications on 10th December 2024, and will be open until 2pm on 17th February 2025.

We offer drop-in sessions to give help and advice for completing your application. Drop in sessions will be held at the following locations and times:

Applicant Support Drop-in Sessions	Date / Time
Beaufort	16 Dec 2024, 3.00pm – 5.00pm
Avoca	18 Dec 2024, 11.00am – 1.00pm
Landsborough	13 Jan 2025, 10.00am – 12.00pm
Lexton	3 Feb 2025, 10.00am – 12.00pm
Snake Valley	10 Feb 2025, 10.00am – 12.00pm
Avoca	12 Feb 2025, 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Beaufort	14 Feb 2025, 10.00am – 12.00pm

Dates and times may be subject to change.

Grants are available for:

• Programs, Projects and Activities - Up to $2,000
• Minor Capital Works - Up to $7,000
• Equipment - Up to $2,000
• Community Event Support - Up to $2,000
• Tourism Event Sponsorship - Up to $5,000

Contact - It is mandatory to discuss your application with a Council Officer before applying.

Initial enquiries can be made through the Community Wellbeing and Grants Coordinator.

Phone - 1300 797 363

Email - commdev@pyrenees.vic.gov.au

Please make sure you read the Guidelines(PDF, 1MB) and discuss your application with a council officer before completing your application.

Programs, Projects and Activities

This category provides funding that increases the liveability of the Shire and the health and wellbeing of our residents. Projects that encourage inclusion, connectedness and diversity are encouraged, particularly those that address disadvantage.

The program supports delivery of projects; however, applications for the development of plans, studies and strategies are encouraged to ensure future projects are feasible and 'shovel ready'.

Types of projects could include:

• Healthy eating / nutrition programs
• Volunteer recruitment and volunteer support projects
• Establishment of new exercise or leisure programs / groups
• Forums and promotions that support good mental health 
• Support gender equity across community life
• Community safety initiatives
• Celebrate local culture and heritage
• Arts and craft exhibitions, shows or workshops
• Tree planting, recycling or sustainable transport programs.

Minor Capital Works

• Up to $7,000 for capital works, and
• Up to $2,000 for equipment.

This category supports:

• Implementation of minor capital works projects at local community facilities.
• Equipment that supports an increase in active participation of our community or the retention and encouragement of new volunteers.

Projects must contribute towards increasing liveability, community health and wellbeing, and environmental sustainability. 

Types of projects could include those that:

• Enhance local character - preserve, protect and celebrate heritage assets.
• Enhance liveability - improve streetscapes and gathering places such as community gardens, drinking fountains and seating.
• Increase active participation - recreation and leisure equipment, especially those that encourage growth in membership, volunteerism or new audience possibilities.
• Community safety - initiatives that address risks such as extreme weather events (flood and fire) or crime.
• Climate change resilience - solar systems, energy efficient lighting etc.
• Support equipment - new equipment such as shade, storage etc.

Community Event Support

This category provides funding to support the planning and delivery of localised community events held within the Pyrenees Shire, targeting participation by our residents. This category assists community groups and organisations in hosting events that engage, celebrate, and connects.

Eligible events should:

• Primarily benefit the local community,
• Foster social inclusion, and
• Encourage participation across diverse groups.

This support aims to enhance community spirit, showcase local talents, and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the region. Examples of community focused events include:

• Community celebrations
• Sporting and recreational events
• Educational and awareness initiatives
• Youth & family events
• Commemorative events

Tourism Event Sponsorship

This category provides for the development and support of new and existing large scale events, which provide vibrant and diverse experiences that attract visitors to the Pyrenees Shire.

Applications should seek to demonstrate how the event will:

• Provide opportunities for cultural expression, social interaction, and entertainment.
• Support the implementation of successful events that engage residents, visitors, and businesses.
• Promote Shire townships as destinations to visit, stay, explore, and invest.
• Increase visitation to contribute to the economic development of the Shire.

Types of projects could include festivals, open days, networking events, exhibitions, concerts, regional sporting competitions, and community celebrations.

If successful in your application, Pyrenees Shire Council will be recognised as an event sponsor through:

• Recognition as a sponsor in all printed and e-materials,
• Display of Pyrenees Shire Council banners and/or signs at the event,
• The use of the Pyrenees Shire Council logo in all printed material and on electronic mediums, and
• The opportunity for the Mayor (and/or Councillors) to take part in official duties (if appropriate).

Applicants will be supported with one off grants. In circumstances where Council deem funding stability over more than one year is necessary to appropriately achieve a sustainable outcome, a multiyear sponsorship agreement may be considered; these must be able to demonstrate:

• A clear increase to external visitation through celebrating Pyrenees strengths and unique tourism attributes.
• A strong investment/ economic return into the visitor economy. 
• A clear evidence base of need for ongoing council investment (i.e., feasibility study, business case, business plan, financial plan, or financial modelling).

Multiyear requests will be subject to liaison with Council events team. To be considered, please check the “Event Sponsorship (recurring annual tourism event)” box on the application form.

Whilst making application for funding, note that local events should register their activity by completing an Event Application Form. Information on this process can be found at: https://www.pyrenees.vic.gov.au/Work-Invest/Planning-your-event.

Applications should be completed online. Contact us on 1300 797 363 if you need a hard copy form.