Sponsorship Grants

Apply Today

The Community Sponsorship program enables the Rural City of Wangaratta to partner with community organisations to deliver multi-year programs.

Funding of $1,000 to $10,000 per year is available for up to three years, concluding with the development of the next Council Plan. Applicants may request a shorter sponsorship term or phased funding across the period.

Best suited for:

  • Ongoing, muti-year programs
  • Initiatives that align strongly with Council priorities and longer-term strategic outcomes
  • Programs that deliver sustained community impact

Examples:

  • Recurring community events or annual programs
  • Long-term participation or engagement initiatives
  • Strategic community development or inclusion programs

Please read the Community Funding Guidelines before applying

Objectives

All applications must demonstrate alignment with one or more Council Plan objectives. A strong, well‑evidenced alignment to one objective is considered equally as competitive as an application which shows weaker evidence across multiple objectives.

  • Provide access to services and programs that enable people to live healthy, active, and inspired lives
  • People feel connected and included in the community
  • Ensure services and spaces are safe, accessible, inclusive and welcoming to everyone in our community.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, organisations must:

  • Be a not-for-profit organisation, as defined by the ATO, and is not an individual.
  • Be incorporated or be auspiced by an incorporated organisation for the purposes of this application.
  • Hold a bank account in the organisation or auspice name and demonstrate financial viability.
  • Hold $20M public liability insurance.
  • Have no outstanding acquittals or other debts with Council.
  • Is in (and/or supplies services to) The Rural City of Wangaratta.
  • Comply with relevant legislation (equal opportunity, freedom of information, privacy, accounting standards, etc.).
  • Submit a complete application with quotes, evidence of costs and supporting documents. Failure to provide these required documents will result in the application being deemed ineligible.
  • Demonstrate ability to complete the project within required timeframes.

What We Will Fund

Council may support projects that align with the program objectives, including:

  •  Equipment and minor capital works that improve the organisation capacity (Community Grants and Quick Release Grants only).
  • Training and development opportunities for community members, volunteers, or organisations.
  • Innovative projects that build community resilience, connection, or future opportunities.
  • Community events, festivals and gatherings.

  • Align with the Council Plan 2025-2029:

What We Will Not Fund

The following items and activities are not eligible for funding:

  • Duplication of an existing service, activity or item already available.
  • Projects or activities that are the responsibility of State or Federal Government.
  • Prizes, awards, gifts or gratuities.
  • Projects that have already commenced or been completed prior to funding approval.
  • Salaries or wages for existing organisational staff.
  • Projects already receiving Council funding.
  • Initiatives that do not directly benefit the Wangaratta community.
  • Projects not accessible to the wider community.
  • Applications seeking funding to repay loans or cover existing debts.
  • Previous-round-funded projects in the same program
    • Community Grant – Previous financial year
    • Quick Release Grant – Previous financial year
    • Sponsorship – Previous three-year term
  • Projects assessed as high risk or unviable.
  • Activities promoting discrimination, violence or anti-social behaviour.

Contact Community & Recreation Team

communitygrants@wangaratta.vic.gov.au

03 5722 0888

 

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