Equipment Grants stream exciting addition to Community Grants program

Published on 20 July 2026

Mount Alexander Shire Council is excited to announce the addition of an Equipment Grants stream to the Community Grants program.

The new stream will offer grants of up to $2,000 for purchases of essential equipment that enable community groups to operate safely, sustainably and inclusively.

The stream will compliment the original Community Grants program, now called the Project Grants stream, which will offer grants of up to $3,000 for new and innovative community projects, programs and activities.

In the last round of Community Grants, Council supported 18 groups to deliver a range of projects including a playgroup revival, a theatre program for students and building homes for bushfire-affected wildlife.

Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Mayor, Cr Toby Heydon, said that Council is proud to further support local groups with a new grants stream.

“The Equipment Grants stream is an exciting addition to our program because we’ll be able to support more groups and a wider variety of projects,” said Mayor Heydon.

“We know that a lot of groups need new or upgraded equipment to continue delivering their essential programs.

“This new stream will mean that volunteer-based groups can continue to operate safely, sustainably and inclusively.

“I encourage anyone thinking of applying to come along to one of our drop-in sessions.

“It’s a great way to talk through the eligibility of your project, ask questions and get help with the application process.

“We always have fantastic community projects come out of this program and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes through in this round.”

Applications for both the Equipment Grants and Project Grants streams open on Monday 3 August and close on Monday 24 August.

Grant drop-in sessions

Council officers from the Community Grants team and the Event Grants team will be available to answer your questions and provide one-on-one guidance about your grant application and its eligibility.

Newstead drop-in session

When: Tuesday 11 August, 10.30pm to 12.00pm
Where: Newstead Mechanics Hall

Castlemaine drop-in session

When: Tuesday 11 August, 4.00pm to 5.30pm
Where: Castlemaine Town Hall foyer

Important dates

Community Grants

Equipment Grants stream and Project Grants stream
Applications open: Monday 3 August, 9.00am
Applications close: Monday 24 August, 4.00pm

For help with your Community Grants application or to discuss your project, contact the Community Grants team by calling 5471 1700 or emailing grants@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Event Grants

Applications open: August
Applications close: September

For help with your Events Grants application or to discuss your project, contact the Events Grants team by calling 5471 1700 or emailing events@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

To learn more and apply, visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Grants.