Responsive Grants 2026/27

Overview Campaspe Shire Council is inviting applications for its Responsive Grants 2026/27 program through its online grant application service, powered by SmartyGrants. The program supports not-for-profit incorporated association community groups or organisations that require funds at short notice to meet an immediate need. Purpose The Responsive Grants Program provides the opportunity for not-for-profit incorporated association community groups or organisations who require funds at short notice with an immediate need to apply for a small grant to assist with the provision of a service, program, activities or small equipment used by, or for the benefit of, Campaspe Shire residents. The Responsive Grant program is open for applications anytime throughout the financial year, until the funding allocation is exhausted. Funding Funding details for this program include: Applications can be for a maximum of $1,000 Quotes must be supplied for all items $500 and above Applications seeking funding for items or projects $500 and over must include a supporting quote Council has a finite allocation to support this grant program; once the funding has been fully allocated, no further applications will be accepted or approved Groups and organisations can only receive one Responsive Grant per financial year What the Grant Can Be Used For Community groups can apply for a grant to assist with the provision of a service, program, activity or minor equipment to be used by, or for the benefit of, Campaspe Shire residents. 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 Groups with an outstanding overdue final report and financial acquittal from any other Council grant program, or with outstanding debts owed to Council, are ineligible to apply for funding from this program. What Will Not Be Funded Projects, initiatives, events or resources are considered ineligible if they: Seek funding for salaries, where the salary forms part of the organisation's/group's usual responsibility Clearly duplicate an existing service, program, project or event Are events, activities or programs outside of Campaspe Shire Have a political or religious purpose and objective Are deemed to be inappropriate or offensive Seek to make financial profits or undertake commercial activities Are contrary to a Council decision or policy Are celebrations for individuals Seek funding for the payment of travelling allowances, prizes or prize money Are retrospective projects or initiatives which have already commenced or been completed prior to the application being lodged Seek seed funding for events Are events 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 responsible for Aged and Disability Seek funding for recurrent operating costs for the day-to-day operation of the organisation/group Information Requested If asked, applicants must be able to establish 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 The name and contact details of group members who are authorised to speak on behalf of the group Quotes must be supplied for all items and projects $500 and above. Contract Terms and Conditions Where an application is approved: The project, program or activity must be completed within the agreed timeframe No project variations will be considered; all funds must be returned if the project scope changes Successful applicants will not be able to apply for additional funding for the same project or event from other Council funding streams, such as the Community Equipment Grants program Grant recipients will not be eligible for future Responsive Grant funding until an acquittal for the previous activity has been submitted Recipients should acknowledge the contribution by Council wherever possible and appropriate Acquittal All successful applicants will be required to complete an acquittal report through SmartyGrants on outcomes achieved with the funding within eight weeks of the purchase/s being made, including evidence of expenditure for items $500 and over. The report must include receipts and a short statement on the effectiveness of the program/event/equipment in achieving the stated outcomes in the application. How to Apply Applications must be submitted online through Campaspe Shire Council's SmartyGrants application service, and are open all year round. First-time SmartyGrants applicants should click 'Start a Submission', then 'Register here'. View the program guidelines: Responsive grants Campaspe Shire Council View Council's privacy policy: Privacy statement Campaspe Shire Council For help using the online form: Help Guide for Applicants or Applicant FAQ's Before applying, read the funding guidelines in full and speak with Council's Community Grants Officer on 5481 2200. Assessment Criteria Applications will be assessed against the following criteria: Does the proposed activity/event/project support the delivery of one or more of the Council Plan strategic goals? Does the proposed activity/event/project benefit Campaspe Shire residents? Has the applicant demonstrated they are contributing to the activity/event/project, either in cash or in-kind? Has the applicant demonstrated the funds are required at short notice with an immediate need? Can the project be funded under any other Council grant program? Have quotes for items $500 and above been provided? Does the budget align? How Applications Are Assessed Grant applications are checked for eligibility by a panel and approved by the Chief Executive Officer. Applicants will be notified of the outcome following approval by the Chief Executive Officer, within 30 days of application. Enquiries For queries about the guidelines, deadlines, or questions in the application form, contact Council on 5481 2200 during business hours or email communitygrants@campaspe.vic.gov.au, quoting the submission number. Applicants should contact Council's Community Grants Officer on 1300 666 535 in the first instance while planning their grant application.