Overview

Our annual grants are part of our Ripple Effect program, supporting organisations who are doing their bit for the community.

We support community initiatives and projects through three different grant streams - community, international aid, and schools - and give priority to not-for-profit organisations throughout our service region.

Want to know more?

There are three streams of grant funding available under the Ripple Effect program.

Community grants of up to $5,000 are available for not-for-profit, volunteer-based, community organisations to undertake projects that aim to strengthen communities.

International aid grants of up to $4,000 are available for local community organisations undertaking projects to strengthen communities overseas.

School-based grants of up to $1,000 are available for schools (or school councils) to undertake projects within their school community.

Strategic focus

Applications for grant funding through the Ripple Effect program must align with (but are not limited to) at least one of the following community strategy themes and areas of focus:

Initiatives that will build capacity with a focus on leadership, engagement, partnership, strategy and advocacy e.g. field days, leadership forums.

Initiatives that will promote access to quality education, training and volunteering pathways e.g. school fetes.

Initiatives that will enhance public health and physical and mental wellbeing e.g. sporting groups, fun runs.

Initiatives that promote healthy and sustainable ecosystems e.g. tree planting days.

Want to apply?

Applications for community grants open in April each year. You can follow this page (via the follow button in the header) to be notified when applications open, or keep an eye on our social feeds for updates.

Grants now open

Download our guidelines and apply now.

Meet our successful 2023/2024 recipients

Recipients of Ripple Effect grants standing in a stairwell. A mix of smiling male and females, many in bright colourful clothing.

Last year, we awarded $44,000 to 21 projects across our community. Find out who was successful in your community by selecting a grant category tab.

Community grants

  • South Western Model Engineers and Cobden Miniature Railway - $3,000
    Safe covered waiting area, fencing and bench seating
  • Portland Community Garden - $3,500
    Urban farm expansion to provide space for volunteers to grow produce
  • Glenelg and Southern Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network - $2,500
    Support for the Young Leaders Program
  • Warrnambool Roller Derby League - $1,600
    Uniform kit for junior and senior derby
  • Warrnambool Maori Multiculture Club - $2,000
    2nd Gear Learn 2 Drive support program
  • Glenelg and Southern Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network - $2,500
    Support for the Future Leaders of Industry program
  • Warrnambool City Band - $1,000
    Purchase of percussion instruments
  • Warrnambool Community Garden - $2,500
    Community local species planting days to strengthen biodiversity corridors
  • Portland Family History Group - $1,000
    Purchase of digital recording equipment to support the Voices of the South West oral history project
  • Hamilton-Coleraine Railway Line Committee - $3,000
    Improved safety practices on the Hamilton-Coleraine Rail Reserve
  • Btr Together - $2,000
    Equipment for an all-abilities Lakes Edge Adventure Playground alongside Lake Hamilton
  • Rotary Club of Warrnambool - $2,000
    Support for student participation in the nation-wide Science and Engineering Challenge
  • Road Safety Education - $3,000
    RYDA road safety education for high-risk young Warrnambool drivers
  • Western District Health Service - $2,500
    Support for the Live4Life: Crew Leadership and Participation mental health promotion program
  • Warrnambool & District Community Hospice - $2,400
    Support for education and training sessions in hospice work
  • Southwest Sport - $2,500
    Elevating & Empowering Women in Sport Leadership Forum

International aid grants

  • The Bandari Project - $2,000
    Essential school supplies for disadvantaged children in Tanzania
  • Bali Smiles via Hamilton House - $2,000
    Complete construction of two water wells to secure the supply of water, and construct a communal kitchen

School grants

  • Warrnambool College - $1,000
    Carbon offset tree planting
  • Heywood and District Secondary College - $1,000
    Outdoor shared table for Paddock to Plate classes
  • St Patrick’s Primary, Koroit - $1,000
    Support for the Picnic in the Paddock community event