Ararat Rural City Council is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the first round of its Community Grants Program for 2025. 

The Community Support Grants Program provides funding to clubs, organisations and community groups for the provision of programs, projects, activities, and events. The program proudly supports community-led initiatives to increase engagement in sports and recreation, cultural events, arts accessibility, and sustainability initiatives.

Local groups are encouraged to submit applications for grants of up to $5,000 on a two-for-one basis across four distinct categories: sports/recreation and health/well-being, culture and arts, environment and sustainability, and events.

In the last round, Ararat Rural City Council awarded three projects with grants totalling $6,935. Recipients included the Ararat Basketball Association for new uniforms to encourage more female players, Mt William Polo Club for their Mount William Station Polo Tournament event in October, and Pomonal Primary School to support their upcoming Art Show.

“Council’s Community Grants Program is designed to support local community-led initiatives to deliver outcomes that benefit Ararat Rural City” says Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong. 

“Throughout this program, we’ve seen some truly wonderful community projects brought to life and we look forward to supporting many more in 2025. I encourage all local community groups to take this opportunity to uplift their club or organisation and submit your proposals.” 

Applications for the Ararat Rural City Council Community and Events Grants Program are open until 2 February 2025, at 5:00 PM. Interested groups can apply online at www.ararat.vic.gov.au or obtain hard copy applications from municipal offices.