The Social Inclusion Ballarat Fund provides funding for community-led projects that strengthen social connections and reduce social isolation across the Ballarat community. The Fund is administered by Social Inclusion Ballarat, a Social Inclusion Action Group made up of community members with lived experience of social exclusion.

You can apply if you:

• Are an incorporated not-for-profit organisation or
  
• Are a community group that can be auspiced by an incorporated organisation or
  
• A for-profit business as long as the project delivered does not generate revenue.
  
• If you have appropriate Public Liability Insurance (or are covered by another organisation’s insurance)
  
• Operate in Ballarat and/or deliver a project that benefits the Ballarat community
  
• Have the capacity to manage the project, budget, and reporting requirements

That’s okay. Non‑incorporated community groups can still apply by partnering with an auspice organisation. The auspice organisation must be an incorporated organisation that agrees to take full legal and financial responsibility for the project and provide a letter confirming this arrangement.

Projects must align with at least one of the Fund’s priorities:

• Research – understanding how people with lived experience of loneliness want to engage
• Safe Places – making spaces more inclusive and welcoming
• Community Connection – low‑cost or no‑cost programs that connect people through shared interests

Projects should actively consider accessibility, cultural safety, and the needs of under‑represented groups and reduce barriers to participation.

The application process is the same for both the General and First Nations stream of the fund. However, the first Nations stream of funding can only be allocated to projects delivered by (preferred) or targeting First Nations community. The assessment process is the same for both streams except that decisions for funding the First Nations stream are made by a separate panel consisting of First Nations community members.

Any groups of the community that experience isolation, loneliness or mental ill-health at a higher rate, or are at greater risk of isolation. This list is long but some of these populations include:

• Young people (under 25) and older people (over 55)
• People at risk of developing mental ill-health
• Parents of young children and single parents
• People on low incomes or who are unemployed

Evidence of why and how a population will be targeted should be outlined in your application.

Under the General Stream, grants range from $5,000 to $40,000. For grants over $10,000, funding is paid in two parts, linked to milestones negotiated before a funding agreement is signed.

Funding may be used for:

• Program delivery and facilitation
• Community workshops or events
• Materials and supplies
• Accessibility improvements
• Outreach and engagement
• Staff or volunteer training
• Evaluation or research
• Minor capital works
• Salaries will be considered provided sustainability beyond funding ending is accounted for (up to 50% of total funding).
• Rent will be considered for programs or organisations looking to establish in Ballarat, not for existing and continuing rental agreements.

Prevention means activities designed to stop mental health issues from happening in the first place by reducing risk factors and strengthening connection & support across the community.

Early intervention means providing a form of treatment or therapy once early signs of mental health conditions are showing.

Projects that focus on mental ill-health prevention will be looked at more favourably within this fund.

No. Each applicant is eligible to receive one grant per funding round.

The Fund does not support:

• Retrospective funding for projects already started or completed
• Activities focused on fundraising, politics, or religious ceremonies
• Projects that promote alcohol, gambling, tobacco, vaping, or unhealthy food
• Projects already receiving State Government or Council funding
• Projects that duplicate existing services
• Purchase of land or general maintenance costs

The documents you need to supply will depend on the details of your application.

Required documents may include:

• Certificate of Public Liability Insurance
• Quotes (written or screenshots) of any budget items over $500
• Proof of Incorporation (Certificate of screenshot of Incorporation status)
  
• Auspice letter (if applying as an unincorporated group or individual)
• Written permission from asset owners or shared facility users (if capital works project)

A standard minimum of 20 million dollars of public liability insurance is required.

Applications are assessed by Social Inclusion Ballarat members, not City of Ballarat staff, using criteria such as:

• Alignment with funding objectives and priorities
  
• Community need and expected impact
• Accessibility and inclusion
• Community involvement and input
  
• Feasibility, sustainability, and clear budgeting
• Measurable outcomes and evaluation approach

Any changes to your project, including timelines or activities, must be requested in writing and approved before changes occur. Unapproved changes may require repayment of the funding.

Projects must be completed and acquitted by July 2027

Successful applicants must:

• Sign a funding agreement
• Complete milestone reporting if required
• Submit a final report within two months of project completion
• Provide financial acquittal, outcomes, and supporting materials
• Return any unspent funds

Support is available to make the process accessible, including:

• Community drop-in sessions
• One‑on‑one application assistance
• Flexible submission options (this can include the SIAG team supporting you to complete your application using verbal, video, or other input)

For questions, support, or help with your application, contact:
Email: siag@ballarat.vic.gov.au

Or book in a time with the SIAG team to discuss or support you application here.