Applications open for annual grants program
Published on 27 February 2025
Community groups, sports clubs and businesses can start applying for the 2025-2026 Colac Otway Shire Grants Program from Friday 28 February.
The grants program, which offers more than $300,000 to deliver projects that benefit the wider community.
The Grants Program offers three funding streams:
- Community Grants to help community groups fund a broad range of projects, services, activities, equipment or new initiatives across the shire.
- Events Grants to support community events, tourism events and COPACC hire assistance.
- Building Façade Improvement Program grants to improve the appearance of business facades and increase the overall attractiveness of shopping strips in Colac, Apollo Bay and small towns.
Council is hosting two online information sessions on for groups and businesses planning to submit an application (register online via Council’s website). The session will be recorded and will be available to view at any time.
Mayor Jason Schram encouraged community groups, sporting clubs, event organisers and businesses to apply for a grant.
“The grants program is a terrific partnership between Council and the community, especially for volunteer-driven projects and events that need an extra funding boost to bring their ideas to life,” Cr Schram said.
Last year Council awarded 40 Community Grants, including to the Colac Pony Club to buy jumping wings and fillers, audiovisual equipment for the Apollo Bay Mechanics Hall, as well as mowers, equipment, funding for arts and environmental projects for a range of groups.
The program supported 27 events, such as the Apollo Bay WordFest, Warrion Flower Show, Colac Carols by Candlelight, Kana Festival and the Great Ocean Road Running Festival.
“Last year there was huge interest in the grants, particularly for Community Grants, with the 2024-25 grant round significantly over-subscribed,” Cr Schram said.
“The strong interest reflects the innovation and hard work of Colac Otway’s volunteers and community groups,”
“We’re looking forward to seeing the applications that come in this year for inspired ideas across the shire, whether it be for improvements to facilities and business facades, community initiatives in the arts, sports, environment as well as cultural activities, events and everything in between,”
Grant applications close on Friday 11 April at 5pm.
For more information visit Grants Program 2025/2026 - Colac Otway Shire