Up to $50,000 supporting small towns across regional and rural Victoria to create vibrant, inclusive, sustainable community spaces through tourism, recreation, and facility improvement projects.
On this page you will find
What is the Tiny Towns Fund (TTF)?
The Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Fund is back for Round 3, supporting small towns across regional and rural Victoria to create vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community spaces.
This round aims to boost local liveability, participation, and economic activity through small-scale infrastructure, placemaking, and community-strengthening projects.
A total of $20 million has been allocated to the program (2023–2027), with funding targeted to towns with populations up to 5,000 people — or up to 5,500 under special consideration. Towns that have not previously received funding under earlier rounds will be prioritised for support.
Tiny Towns Fund level of support
- Minimum grant: $5,000
- Maximum grant: $50,000
- Cap per town: $50,000 across all projects combined
A co-contribution is mandatory. The required amount depends on the applicant type:
- Community organisations: 20% of total project cost (up to 50% may be in-kind).
- Rural councils / Alpine Resorts: 25% (cash only).
- Regional cities & interface councils: 50% (cash only).
In-kind contributions (for community organisations only):
- Professionals: $80–$150/hr
- Skilled labour: $45/hr
- Unskilled labour: $25/hr
- Equipment: Commercial hire rate
Example: For a $10,000 project, a community organisation would contribute $2,000 (e.g. $1,000 cash + $1,000 in-kind).
Co-contributions cannot come from other Victorian Government programs, but may include funds from local government, the Australian Government, business, philanthropy, or utilities.
Tiny Towns Fund important dates
- Applications close: 4 February 2026 (4:00 pm)
- Assessment: February – May 2026
- Funding announcements: June 2026
- Project completion: Within 18 months of funding offer
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Tiny Towns Fund objectives
Specifically, Round 3 seeks to:
- Enhance liveability by improving local infrastructure and public spaces that make towns more attractive, accessible, and safe.
- Foster social connection by creating spaces and opportunities for people to gather, celebrate, and participate in community life.
- Promote inclusion and wellbeing by supporting projects that respond to the needs of diverse community groups — including First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural and LGBTQIA+ communities.
- Strengthen local economies by supporting projects that attract visitors, encourage local spending, and enhance town vitality.
- Build local capacity by encouraging collaboration between community groups, councils, and businesses to deliver shared outcomes.
- Support equitable access to government investment by prioritising towns that have not received previous rounds of Tiny Towns funding.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Tiny Towns Fund support
Funding supports a wide range of local initiatives that improve community connection, liveability, and inclusion.
Examples of eligible projects include:
- Upgrades to community halls, libraries, or multipurpose centres
- Beautification of public spaces (gardens, seating, lighting, signage, murals)
- Creation or enhancement of trails, pathways, and recreation areas
- Cultural, creative, or inclusion-focused spaces
- Accessibility improvements (ramps, toilets, lighting, wayfinding)
- Community infrastructure benefiting First Peoples, CALD, and LGBTQIA+ communities
- Planning, design, or feasibility studies for future projects
Ineligible Expenditures
- Sporting infrastructure (e.g. courts, ovals, pools, or sports lighting) unless part of shared community facilities
- Retrospective works already started
- Operational costs, wages, utilities, or travel
- Equipment purchases, vehicles, or IT hardware
- Marketing or communications campaigns
- Routine maintenance or legal/accounting fees
- Purchase of land or buildings
- Projects reliant on ongoing Victorian Government funding
Other Tiny Towns Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Tiny Towns Fund support
Eligible applicants include:
- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations
- Local governments and Alpine Resorts (Victoria only)
- Committees of Management of Crown Land
- Not-for-profit public companies limited by guarantee
- Registered Indigenous organisations
- Industry or business associations
- Registered Victorian co-operatives
Auspice arrangements are allowed for unincorporated community groups. Only the relevant local council can act as the auspice body and will hold financial and reporting responsibility.
Ineligible applicants:
- For-profit businesses or individuals
- Schools and educational institutions
- State or Commonwealth Government agencies
- Consortia or trusts
- Groups with incomplete or overdue previous Tiny Towns Fund projects
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Tiny Towns Fund assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed against four key criteria:
1. Project Alignment (40%)
- Alignment with program goals (liveability, inclusion, wellbeing, and local economic activity)
- Benefits for First Peoples, accessibility, and underrepresented groups
- Long-term community and economic impact
2. Demand and Need (30%)
- Demonstrated local need, usage, or opportunity
- Level of community engagement and support
- Evidence of project feasibility and sustainability
3. Readiness and Capability (20%)
- Clear and realistic project plan, timelines, and budget
- Risk management and approvals in place or well-advanced
- Proven capacity of applicant to deliver on time and within budget
4. Value for Money (10%)
- Cost-effectiveness and transparency in pricing
- Evidence of genuine co-contribution and absence of duplication with other government programs
Applications that demonstrate strong alignment with inclusion, accessibility, and community outcomes are viewed favourably.
How do I get the Tiny Towns 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 be successful, applicants should demonstrate:
- A clear and measurable community benefit aligned with program objectives
- Genuine community support and collaboration with local stakeholders
- A strong and achievable delivery plan with realistic timeframes and budgets
- Commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability
- Readiness to start within 18 months of approval
- Sound financial management and evidence of required co-contribution
Information to prepare for the Tiny Towns Fund application
Applicants should gather and attach:
- Detailed budget and quotes (include a 3–5% contingency)
- Evidence of co-contribution: bank statement, funding confirmation, or third-party letters
- Approvals and permits: planning, landholder, heritage, or building (if required)
- Letters of support from the community, businesses, or Traditional Owner organisations
- Auspice letter (if applicable) signed by the local council
- Project timeline and risk management plan
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Tiny Towns Fund
Applications must be lodged online through the Regional Development Victoria portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Tiny Towns Fund resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Whenever You’re Ready, Here Are 7 Ways We Can Help You
- Grant Application Readiness
Assess your current position, identify gaps, and prepare your organisation to meet the stringent requirements of competitive grant programs. - Grant Application Strategy
Pinpoint the right grants, align your projects with funding priorities, and establish a roadmap that significantly boosts your chances of success. - Grant Application Search
Let us do the heavy lifting to uncover the most relevant and high-value grant opportunities tailored to your business objectives. - Grant Application Writing
Our expert writers craft persuasive applications that showcase your strengths and align seamlessly with the funder’s goals and criteria. - Grant Application Review
Receive detailed, strategic feedback to sharpen your application, address potential weaknesses, and ensure maximum alignment with assessment benchmarks. - Grant Application Management
End-to-end oversight of your grant journey — from planning and writing to submission and reporting — so you can stay focused on running your business. - Grant Application Courses
Access self-paced online training to build your internal capability and develop the skills needed to navigate and succeed in the grant landscape.
Ready to get started?
Not Ready to Enquire Yet?
We understand that winning grants takes time—something many business owners and directors don’t have. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Insights showcase some of the grant-winning methods we employ at GrantHelper, and they will help you create a stronger grant application.
Explore our Insights page, or our Podcasts page, where you’ll find expert advice, actionable tips, and time-saving strategies to help you get grant-ready.
Alternatively, check out some of the Clients we’ve helped and what they had to say about us.
