The City of Greater Geelong has announced the successful recipients of its latest round of 2026 community grants, with a total of $772,131 awarded to 78 local organisations and initiatives. These funds will support creative, environmental, community-building and sustainability projects across the region.
Applications for this grant round opened in mid-2025, with 176 submissions received requesting nearly $2 million in funding.
Grant Categories and Highlights
Funds were distributed across seven grant programs:
Arts Projects – $105,920 awarded
Clean Economy – $48,362
Climate Change Partnerships – $180,000
Community Events – $95,000
Community Strengthening – $203,214
Creative Commissions – $80,000
Environmental Sustainability – $59,635
Some of the successful initiatives include:
A new theatre work by Essential Theatre Inc celebrating local women’s stories.
Medsalv Australia’s prototype for an energy-efficient drying system.
The Rotary Club of Highton’s “Buzz, Bloom and Thrive” nature-strip greening project.
Gateways Support Services’ Easter Family Fun Festival.
Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria’s aquatic activities and staff training.
National Celtic Folk Festival’s climate-themed theatre project.
An independent Community Assessment Panel reviewed all applications, ensuring funded projects align with strategic community needs and impact objectives.
The City has also confirmed that Community Infrastructure Grant recipients will be announced on 25 February 2026.
