Council
9 July, 2026
Funding changes to open possibilities
MOYNE Shire Council has made changes to the popular Community Assistance Fund (CAF) in hopes more organisations can benefit from funding designed to strengthen shire communities.
The changes received the tick of approval with unanimous support from the new Community Assistance Fund policy and guidelines at last week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council.
Among the changes is the lower-tier grant category will be increased from up to $3000 in funding to up to $4000.
The maximum council contribution remains unchanged at $15,000, requiring a dollar-for-dollar financial contribution.
The change was proposed after the 2025-2026 funding rounds saw council receive 46 applications through the CAF.
There was a total of 17 applications submitted of up to $3000 and 29 applications submitted in the $3001 and above category.
It was concluded increasing the lower-tier funding category to $4000 would provide community groups with greater flexibility to deliver smaller-scale projects without requiring a higher-tier application.
The report cited Warrnambool City Council offering up to $5000 in Community Project Grants and Minor Capital Works Grants of up to $10,000 as an example of how increasing the minimum threshold can prove beneficial.
There will also be a change to the eligibility criteria which will allow volunteer-led health and emergency services, cemetery trusts, school councils and Returned and Services League sub-branches to apply for funding under the CAF.
Councillor Lloyd Ross, as mover of the motion, said it was a positive for emergency service organisations to now be eligible for funding.
“I note we’ve got a few new additions there with the Country Fire Authority and emergency services so they’re all going to put in for a barbecue,” he said.
“I would like to see some younger groups and maybe youth groups apply.
“Just to mix it up a bit.”
Among the benefits of the changes cited in the report before council was the acknowledgement of current project and delivery costs faced by community organisations and providing greater flexibility for applicants delivering modest community initiatives.
It was also stated the rise in the minimum threshold would reduce pressure on organisations seeking funding without meeting the criteria of high-tier funding while maintaining council’s commitment to supporting community-led initiatives while ensuring the overall maximum contribution remains capped at $15,000.
Councillor Karen Foster seconded the motion, saying the CAF had been progressively simplified over the years to ensure the application process was easy for all.
“I’m happy to support it,” she said.
“In my time on council we’ve tweaked this along the way.
“I think it get a little bit better, a little bit easier and user-friendly each time.”
Round one of the CAF will open next month (August) and close at the end of September, with the applications received to be presented to council for approval at the October Ordinary Meeting of Council.
Round two will open in March 2027, pending remaining funds following the first round, before closing in April for approval at the May 2027 Ordinary Meeting of Council.