We’re here to help. A range of financial and counselling support is available for communities and local government.
For community groups
Nature-led Recovery Grants
The Nature-led Recovery Grants are now open.
Visit our Environment and Biodiversity page to read the guidelines, see if you're eligible and apply.
Local Economic Recovery (LER) Local Community Project Grants
The Local Community Project Grants will fund local projects vital for community recovery in bushfire-affected regions.
Visit the Local Economic Recovery page for more information on the program.
Bushfire Recovery Grants for Community Facilities
The Bushfire Recovery Grants for Community Facilities will support community groups to build, upgrade or repair important local facilities that everyone can use.
Examples of projects that could be funded through the community facilities grants include repair of playgrounds, skate parks, pavilions or other outdoor facilities, repair of community halls or buildings, including kitchen or bathroom upgrades, and energy efficiency and general repairs for facilities that have been damaged or destroyed.
Grants of up to $50,000 are on offer.
Grant funding cannot be used for offsetting salaries, operating costs for existing staff, feasibility studies, business plans and third-party sponsorship.
To view grant guidelines, visit Bushfire Recovery Grants for Community Facilities.
For local government
Bushfire Recovery Grants for Local Government Authorities and Community Service Organisations
Recovery Grants for Local Government Authorities and Community Service Organisations will help councils, charities and community organisations support recovery, redevelopment and resilience after the 2019–20 Victorian bushfires, and to build capacity and preparedness for the future.
Examples of projects supported under the initiative could include economic development initiatives, local business skill and capacity building, the employment of a community recovery officer to boost service delivery on the ground, and the delivery of recovery services for groups with different needs such as the elderly or multicultural communities. Activities that build resilience for future disasters will also be supported.
Charities, not-for-profits and other local community service providers across Victoria – as well as 18 Local Government Authorities and 4 Alpine Resorts – will be eligible to apply. Grants of up to $500,000 are available.
For more information on this grant, visit Bushfire Recovery Grants for Local Government Authorities and Community Services .
The support is available in the local government areas of:
- Ararat
- Alpine
- Ballarat
- East Gippsland
- Glenelg
- Golden Plains
- Greater Bendigo
- Indigo
- Mansfield
- Moyne
- Northern Grampians
- Pyrenees
- Southern Grampians
- Strathbogie
- Towong
- Wangaratta
- Wellington and Wodonga
- alpine areas of Falls Creek, Mount Buller, Mount Hotham and Mount Stirling
Reviewed 21 April 2021