The Victorian Small Grants Program 2026 is now accepting applications from community-based organisations working to strengthen resilience, wellbeing, and local support systems across Victoria. Managed by Equity Trustees, the program brings together multiple philanthropic Trusts to support initiatives that create positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes for local communities.
This year’s round is designed to reduce administrative burden, allowing eligible organisations to submit one application that is assessed across multiple aligned Trusts—maximising funding potential while keeping the process simple and efficient.
About the Program
The Small Grants Program aims to strengthen local communities facing growing social, economic, and environmental pressures. The program prioritises community-designed solutions and recognises the critical role of local leaders in improving wellbeing and access to support.
Funding areas focus on:
- Community Support & Empowerment
- Wellbeing
- Education & Skill Development
Key Funding Details
- Grant Amount: Up to AUD $25,000 per project
- Funding Type: Single-year grants; new or ongoing programs
- Eligible Organisations:
- Victorian-based charities
- Registered with ACNC
- Small charities (<$500,000 revenue) or medium charities (<$3 million)
- One application per organisation
Contributing Trusts include:
The William Buckland Foundation, R.M. Ansett Trust, Frances & Harold Abbott Foundation, J.O. & J.R. Wicking Trust, Felton Bequest, Hazel Peat Perpetual Charitable Trust, and others.
Priority Funding Areas
1. Community Support & Empowerment
Strengthening connections, improving access to essential resources, and backing community-led solutions.
2. Wellbeing
Programs that enhance emotional, physical, and social wellbeing, especially for vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.
3. Education & Skill Development
Improving classroom outcomes, youth employment pathways, and community education hubs.
Areas of special interest include:
Diverse communities, older Australians, children & youth, women & girls, social isolation, palliative care for young people, the Bendigo and Hume regions, domestic animal welfare, and climate-related initiatives.
Eligible Use of Funds
Funding may support:
- Program delivery & operations
- Salaries
- Capital improvements
- Measurement & evaluation
- Discrete projects or community initiatives
Funding cannot support: advocacy, retrospective activities, private benefit, or standalone universities/hospitals (unless partnering with a community organisation).
Key Dates
- Applications Open: 19 January 2026
- Deadline: 16 February 2026 (5pm AEDT)
- Outcomes Communicated: 1 June 2026
- Grant Payments Issued: 30 June 2026
How to Apply
- Review the program guidelines.
- Confirm eligibility.
- Submit your application via SmartyGrants (opening 19 January 2026)
- Submit before 16 February 2026 — no extensions permitted.
Applicants are encouraged to keep proposals concise: reviewers allocate ~20 minutes per application.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be evaluated on:
- Alignment to funding area (30%)
- Context & need (25%)
- Program logic (15%)
- Community involvement (15%)
- Equity & inclusion (15%)
Stronger proposals demonstrate community leadership, evidence of need, clear outcomes, and meaningful inclusion of underserved groups.
Contact
For inquiries: charities@eqt.com.au
Guidelines & FAQs available on the Equity Trustees website.
