Facilty Improvement Grant - larger project 2026-27 - Expression of Interest

Welcome to the Merri-bek City Councils online grant application service, powered by SmartyGrants.

EOI Open Dates:  

   •   Opening date: Sunday, August 2025 midnight (start of day)
   •   Closing date:  Tuesday 14 October 2025 midnight (end of day)

   •   E-mail us at: communitygrants@merri-bek.vic.gov.au with your project idea and facility address / location and we’ll check if it meets the eligibility criteria.

Facility Improvement Grants - larger projects (Expressions of Interest).
This funding supports changes to community facilities or assets that will help community members participate more in community life. Priority is support community-led projects that increase community access and participation, demonstrate collaboration between groups and result in greater use of facilities. 

Use this application form to submit an Expression of Interest to apply for the following category:
  • Facility Improvement Grant - for larger projects (funding between $10,000 to $40,000) 
  • Read the Community Grant Guidelines for more information about this category and read the Facility Improvement Grant - Information Manual.  E-mail us at: communitygrants@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

Timing:
Expression of interest (EOI):
  •  Opens 1 August to end of day 14 October 2025 for the next funding round;
  •  An interview will be required for all EOI submissions and may be conducted frame the EOI timeframes. Otherwise we will assign you Council officers after the EOI's close.

If progressed to Stage two, a full application will be accepted between 1 January - 28 February 2026 and include all information such as full quoting, schematic plans, permits, permissions and  access site audits.
  • Full application due: 1 January - 28 February 2026
  • Notification of Outcome: May/June 2026
  • Project Delivery: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027

Requirements:
 Applicants are required to:
  • Show how community groups collaborate to encourage greater use of the facilities by a range of community members
  • Contribute at least 25% to the total value of the project
  • Complete a two-part application process:
     1. Submit an EOI
     2. Applications that require an EOI will undergo a preliminary assessment process, including an interview and site visit where necessary, the EOI process will determine if the applicant is eligible and ready to submit a full application form in the next funding round, including full quotesand costings, Schematic plans, permits and acess site audits, depending on the project.

Preference will be given to projects that:
  • Address Community Grants Objectives and Funding Priorities
  • Meet the needs of the community
  • Plan for long term sustainability.