Funding opportunity between $10,000 to $80,000 to support impactful community-led projects that strengthen, connect, and prepare communities across the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East precincts.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the SRL Community Projects Fund?
The Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) Community Projects Fund – Round 2: Community Support Grants supports community-led projects that strengthen, connect, and prepare communities across the SRL East precincts — Cheltenham, Clayton, Monash, Glen Waverley, Burwood, and Box Hill — during SRL East construction.
Projects located outside these areas may also be considered if they demonstrate clear benefits to communities within the SRL East precincts.
This funding round aims to build resilience, enhance community connections, promote inclusivity, and create long-term social, cultural, and environmental benefits for affected localities.
SRL Community Projects Fund level of support
- Minimum funding: $10,000
- Maximum funding: $80,000
- Total pool available: Up to $5 million for this round
- Project duration: Must be completed within 12 months of funding announcement.
- Co-contribution: Not mandatory, but strongly encouraged.
- Acceptable forms: Cash or in-kind contributions (e.g., volunteer time, materials, venue hire).
- Favourable consideration: Projects demonstrating meaningful co-contributions may receive priority during assessment.
SRL Community Projects Fund important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
SRL Community Projects Fund objectives and outcomes
Objectives
- Support, strengthen and enhance healthy, safe and sustainable local communities in SRL East precincts during SRL construction.
- Fund community-led initiatives that address current needs and prepare precincts for future change from the new rail line.
- Enable projects that align with Grant Priorities and deliver tangible local benefits.
Expected Outcomes
- Community connectedness and cohesion through events, activities and improved access to community spaces.
- Improved community facilities and places, including accessibility upgrades and active transport options.
- Environmental and sustainability gains through greening, energy or water-saving initiatives, and conservation efforts.
- Inclusion and participation for diverse groups of all ages and abilities.
- Skills, education and leadership opportunities that build local capacity.
- Positive health and wellbeing outcomes through programs and community activities.
Projects and expenditure eligible for SRL Community Projects Fund support
Projects must occur within or directly benefit the SRL East precincts (within ~1.6 km of SRL station sites).
Examples of eligible projects include:
- Events and programs: local festivals, multicultural celebrations, “come and try” community days, environmental workshops, or youth and leadership programs.
- Community facilities and infrastructure: accessibility upgrades, sustainability retrofits, public seating, shade structures, art installations, or bike storage.
- Environmental and heritage initiatives: greening, tree planting, heritage preservation, or educational trails.
- Health and wellbeing activities: fitness programs, social inclusion initiatives, mental health support groups, or skills-building programs.
Ineligible Expenditures
Funding will not cover:
- Ongoing or recurring operational costs (e.g. salaries, rent, utilities, or administration) exceeding 30% of total budget
- Items like uniforms, prizes, phones, laptops, alcohol, awards nights, or member-only activities
- Projects already started, fully funded elsewhere, or those generating private profit
- Core school curriculum activities
- Projects with advertising or promotional costs exceeding 10% of the total budget
- Religious or political promotion
Other SRL Community Projects Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for SRL Community Projects Fund support
Applicants must be:
- An incorporated not-for-profit organisation, or
- An unincorporated community group auspiced by an eligible incorporated organisation.
Additional requirements:
- ABN and Certificate of Incorporation (or auspice agreement)
- Public Liability Insurance
- Evidence of in-principle support from relevant stakeholders, landholders, or councils
- Organisations must be in good standing with any previous SRLA-funded projects.
Ineligible Applicants
- For-profit or private sector entities
- Organisations promoting or profiting from gambling activities
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
SRL Community Projects Fund assessment criteria
Applications will be reviewed by an independent assessment panel convened by the SRLA, with local council and government input.
Weightings:
1. Community Benefit and Impact (40%)
- Demonstrated alignment with SRL Grant Priorities
- Clear evidence of community need and positive outcomes
- Enhances connectedness, inclusion, accessibility, sustainability, or local participation
2. Project Concept and Feasibility (30%)
- Well-defined objectives, timeline, and deliverables
- Realistic scope and achievable outcomes within 12 months
- Sound risk management and implementation plan
3. Budget and Value for Money (20%)
- Transparent budget with quotes for all items over $1,000 (ex GST)
- Evidence of financial prudence, efficiency, and co-contributions
- Plan for covering ongoing or additional costs beyond the grant
4. Organisational Capacity (10%)
- Experience delivering similar projects or activities
- Strong governance, partnerships, and resource planning
- Demonstrated community support and effective auspicing arrangements
Additional considerations include:
- Balanced geographic distribution of successful projects
- Diversity in project types and beneficiaries
- Social procurement initiatives
- Reputational risk assessment
How do I get the SRL Community Projects Fund?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
To strengthen your application, you should demonstrate that your project:
- Directly benefits communities in or near SRL East precincts
- Aligns with one or more SRL Community Priorities
- Addresses a clearly defined community need or opportunity
- Is achievable within 12 months and supported by a strong delivery plan
- Offers value for money and efficient use of resources
- Is backed by partners, community groups, or volunteers
- Meets all compliance and permit requirements (planning, heritage, environmental, OH&S, etc.)
Information to prepare for the SRL Community Projects Fund application
Applicants must include:
- Public Liability Insurance certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation (or auspice agreement with supporting documentation)
- Annual report and financial statements
- Quotes for all items over $1,000 (ex GST)
- Evidence of stakeholder support (e.g. letters from councils, landholders, or community partners)
- Evidence of asset ownership or lease (for upgrades/improvements)
- Proof of co-contributions (if applicable)
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the SRL Community Projects Fund
Applications are submitted online through the SRL website at suburbanrailloop.vic.gov.au/communityfund.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
SRL Community Projects Fund resources
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