Whittlesea council has allocated $524,000 in grants and funding support to community groups and not-for-profit organisations.
The community grants were awarded to six of the 13 organisations and groups that applied in September 2025.
Whittlesea mayor Cr Lawrie Cox said he was proud of the program that has been running since 2023.
“We are able to continue to support our community in delivering a huge range of events, programs and initiatives.”
Cr Cox said the council was investing in activities that keep the community connected, active and strong.
Three approved small grants totalled over $7,000 and three medium grants came to just over $40,500.
Councillor Martin Taylor said he was grateful for the feedback from 90 people who attended grant writing workshops in September.
“It very significantly assists them to make an application for a grant,” Cr Taylor said.
Council also continued to fund the six neighbourhood houses in the municipality awarding them $40,000 each.
Cr Cox said councillors were aware of the neighbourhood houses’ ongoing campaign for state government funding.
“Our neighbourhood houses spread throughout Whittlesea do a wonderful job for the community on what is a small budget,“ he said.
At the 16 December council meeting, councillor Michael Labrador requested the breakdown of the neighbourhood houses service agreement be presented in a future council briefing.
“I know that they’re struggling at the moment, financially,” he said.
Council also has a service agreement with Whittlesea Community Connections which received $120,000.
A one-off sum of $60,000 was awarded to Energy Smart Homes for its Solar Savers program, and almost $60,000 was awarded to Whittlesea Cruise Nights and Mission Smile for their shared Diwali and Whittlesea colour carnival events.
Cr Cox encouraged businesses to apply for the 2026 business-to-business grant program which offers up to $10,000 to help local businesses grow.
“We know the program delivers in helping establish or grow businesses that employ locally and are located in our city.”
Round 2 applications are now open, more information is available at whittlesea.vic.gov.au/businessgrant.
