Before applying, please read the 2026/27 Darebin Community Grants Program's Information & Guidelines,
*Note: Individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant. Only not-for-profit community groups and organisations can apply.
If your project includes one or more of the activities below, Council requests that you contact the Natural and Civic Spaces department at darebinparks@darebin.vic.gov.au prior to submitting your application. This early consultation will help confirm that the proposal is suitable for Council‑managed land, appropriate, and aligned with Council priorities before submission.
This applies where your project:
- Will take place in public open space
- Is likely to impact public open space (either temporarily or permanently)
- Involves activities such as (but not limited to):
- Tree or vegetation planting
- Habitat creation or restoration
- Earthworks or soil disturbance
- Installation of infrastructure (e.g. signage, fencing, paths, artwork, etc)
- Events or activities that may affect park users, vegetation or amenity
*Public open space includes parks, reserves, creek corridors, and nature strips.
How are applications assessed?
Council assesses each application on its merits. Eligible applications will be assessed using the questions and criteria listed below. The percentage weightings are provided as a guide to the importance of each question in the assessment process:
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Criteria
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Description
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Weighting
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Need
Why the project is needed, important and justified.
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Alignment with funding category and relevant focus area/s.
Evidence of community need and clear articulation of how project activities will lead to intended outcomes.
Demonstrated engagement with, and support of, the local community and partners.
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25%
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Benefit
How the project will benefit the Darebin community and intended participants.
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Demonstrated and measurable benefit to Darebin residents.
Clear evaluation plan outlining objectives, indicators of success and measurement methods and timelines.
Strength, scale and sustainability of outcomes over time.
Use of local suppliers.
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25%
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Delivery
Skills and experience to deliver the project.
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Clear and achievable project plan.
Clear and complete budget with quotes provided for expenses exceeding $1,000.
Demonstrated organisational capability to deliver projects or programs of a similar scale to proposed activity.
Sustainability of the initiative and/or outcomes including plans to diversify funding and reduce reliance on Council grants.
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25%
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|
Equity and Inclusion
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All projects
Demonstration of how the project will promote gender equality and consider the different needs, interests, and circumstances of different genders.
Demonstration of how the project will consider Child Safety and meet legislated Child Safety requirements.
Demonstration of how the project will promote environmental sustainability and/or reduce the impact of climate change.
Projects >$3,000
Demonstration of how the project will provide equitable access to priority groups as outlined in the Towards Equality Framework.
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25%
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