We are reviewing our Grants Policy, which outlines how Council grants are managed. We are seeking feedback from community groups, artists, creative and heritage organisations who have previously applied for Yarra Ranges Council grant funding or may seek to do so in the future. Your feedback will be used to inform improvements to accessibility and equity of Grant Funded program delivery.

Key highlights of the draft policy include

  • Ensuring equity, access and inclusion continue to be the core principles of the grant delivery process;
  • Clarifying eligibility, what is in scope and out‑of‑scope;
  • Strengthening governance, assessment and reporting processes;
  • Outlining the role of grants in emergency response and recovery;
  • Reinforcing Council’s commitment to capacity building, Asset Based Community Development and community‑led grant projects; and
  • Strengthening alignment of the grant programs with Council’s strategic objectives and legislative obligations.


Find out more information about how Council grants can supporting programs, including Annual Grants, Monthly Grants Programs, skills building and opportunities.

Grants and support for community groups

Read the draft policy

Once you've read the draft, please share your thoughts below.

More about the policy and your feedback:

Council absolutely values feedback and uses it to improve policies. However, even strong feedback cannot override:

  • Legislative compliance.
  • Alignment with Council Plan/Strategic objectives.
  • Funding allocation

Feedback can meaningfully influence:

  • communication improvements,
  • helpful resources (guides, templates, checklists),
  • options for flexibility within the policy.
  • accessibility of the updated Policy (eligibility, scope, principles, governance).
  • Identifying any gaps, risks or unintended impacts across diverse community groups, including volunteers, artists, neighbourhood houses, and small community organisations.

Not everything is locked in—your feedback helps target improvements that can make the process more user‑friendly.

Your feedback is:

  • documented,
  • reviewed by staff,
  • considered during the final policy review,
  • used to refine supporting processes and tools.

This policy is scheduled to be reviewed every four years.

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    Research and Draft development

  • Timeline item 2 - active

    Draft Policy out for feedback

  • Timeline item 3 - incomplete

    Feedback considered, relevant changes made

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    Final draft presented to Council for consideration

    July 2026

Contact Us

If you have questions or want to learn more about the policy, contact us below:

Contact Information
Name Grants team
Phone 1300 368 333
Email grants@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
In writing

PO Box 105, Lilydale Vic 3140

Att: Grants team
Re: Grants Policy review

If you need assistance when contacting Council, please use the numbers below.

  • National Relay Service: 133 677 (for callers who have a hearing, speech or communication impairment and for Text Telephone or modem callers)
  • 1300 555 727 (for callers using Speech to Speech relay)
  • Translating and Interpreting Service: 131 450 and ask them to contact Council on 1300 368 333
  • TTY: 9658 9461