Community Equipment Grants, Round 4, 26/27

Overview Campaspe Shire Council is inviting applications for its Community Equipment Grants, Round 4, 2026/27. The grants provide financial support to not-for-profit incorporated association community groups or organisations to purchase equipment to support programs, projects and activities that contribute to the Council and Wellbeing Plan and support Council's vision. Funding Applications can be for a maximum of $2,000 Applications seeking funding for items $500 and over must include a supporting quote Funding priorities Equipment grants are available to support not-for-profit incorporated association community groups or organisations that: Conduct local events, activities and programs that celebrate and encourage a diverse, inclusive and welcoming community Promote art in public spaces, including community buildings, streetscapes, and open spaces Support a resilient community through community involvement, social connections and life-long learning Provide sporting and recreational programs and facilities that support active and healthy lifestyles for all ages and abilities Support community health, wellbeing and safety Recognise our unique local cultural identity and heritage What will be considered for funding Equipment which groups can apply for includes (but is not limited to): Arts and creative equipment (easels, instruments, cameras, audio gear) IT equipment (printers, tablets, laptops) AV equipment (projectors, microphones, speakers) Educational or training equipment (toolkits for learning, simulation equipment) Workshop tools or small machinery (jigsaws, hand tool kits, sewing machines) Safety and protective equipment (first aid kits, helmets, storage equipment) Community or outreach equipment (cooking equipment, marquees, portable signage) Sports or recreation equipment (cones, life vests, yoga mats, skipping ropes) Equipment that could reasonably be considered essential for the group to undertake its activities or programs Groups should always work towards a sustainable funding model for ongoing programs or projects. What will not be considered for funding Projects, initiatives, events or resources are considered ineligible if they: Promote specific political views Are discriminatory in any way, or contravene any legislation and/or are inconsistent with inclusive community values Are applications from a group with any outstanding grant acquittals or debts owed to Council Seek to use the equipment where the primary goal is fundraising Are considered the primary role or responsibility of another level of government, including the State Education Department and Commonwealth Departments Receive funding from other levels of government Are not open and/or accessible to the wider Campaspe Shire Council community Seek funding for recurrent operating costs, for the day-to-day operation of the organisation/group Seek funding for salaries where the salary forms part of the organisation's/individual's usual responsibility Seek funding for the payment of travelling allowances, prizes or prize money Seek retrospective funding; activities and projects must not commence until at least six weeks after round closure Are contrary to Council decision or policy Are events where the primary goal is fundraising Seek funding for large capital expenditure, including purchase or lease of real estate, renovation, repair or maintenance of buildings, or purchase of major equipment Seek funding to be used for overseas purchase without approval by Council Include requests for items already funded through other sources Seek insurance, such as (but not limited to) public liability Have applied to another Council funding stream for the same activity Eligibility Not-for-profit incorporated association community groups or organisations are eligible to apply if they: Are located within the Council area and primarily serve Campaspe Shire residents Can demonstrate their capacity (if located outside of Campaspe Shire Council) to provide services and/or benefits to Council residents If a school, can demonstrate a partnership with one or more local community group(s) for the delivery of the funded activity. Applications from schools require approval from the school's governing council/board prior to making application Can establish (if asked) the bona fides of their group by providing a copy of their constitution/statement of purpose, a copy of the minutes from their most recent AGM, a membership application form and annual cost of membership (if any), total membership numbers and the percentage of members who are residents of Campaspe Shire, and the name and contact details of group members who are authorised to speak on behalf of the group Or have an auspice for their application by an appropriate incorporated not-for-profit body, which meets the above criteria Groups with an outstanding overdue final report and financial acquittal from any other Council grant program, or with any outstanding debts owed to Council, are ineligible to apply for funding from this program. Groups and organisations can only receive one Equipment Community Grant per financial year. Organisations that have licensed gaming/gambling facilities or derive funds from gambling are ineligible to apply. Applicants must be able to demonstrate: Direct benefits to the residents of Campaspe Shire Financial viability of the project/program/activity Adequate public liability insurance, appropriate health and safety policies and child safety policies in accordance with the funding agreement A contribution in the form of funds, services and/or in-kind support when able That they are based in the shire or deliver significant services to the shire's community Applications must be submitted by the due date and only one application may be submitted per funding round. How to Apply Applications are submitted through Campaspe Shire Council's online grant application service, powered by SmartyGrants. If this is the first time you are applying using SmartyGrants, click 'Start a Submission', then 'Register here'. View the funding guidelines: Community equipment grants Campaspe Shire Council See the Council and Wellbeing Plan: Strategies & plans Campaspe Shire Council If you need help using the application form, download the Help Guide for Applicants or check the Applicant FAQ's. Before applying, read the funding guidelines in full, speak with Council's Community Grants Officer on 5481 2200, and review the Council and Wellbeing Plan. Ensure your project, activity or program is scheduled to commence at least six weeks after the grant closing date, as retrospective funding is not available. Enquiries For queries about the guidelines, deadlines, or questions in the application form, please contact Council's Community Grants Officer on 5481 2200 during business hours or email communitygrants@campaspe.vic.gov.au and quote your submission number.