Grants of between $10,000 to $150,000 to support organisations in overcoming structural barriers to achieve good health and wellbeing for young Victorians and their families.
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 Growing Healthy Communities Grants (GHCG)?
The Growing Healthy Communities Grant, offered by VicHealth, aims to support organisations in overcoming structural barriers to achieve good health and wellbeing for young Victorians and their families. This grant aligns with VicHealth’s Strategy 2023-33, focusing on health-promoting programs and innovations that address health inequities among various communities.
GHCG level of support
The grant offers funding across three tiers:
- Tier 1: $10,000 – $35,000 to enhance the quality or reach of existing initiatives.
- Tier 2: $35,001 – $50,000 for piloting new projects or expanding existing ones.
- Tier 3: $50,001 – $150,000 to support growth and scale of proven projects, fostering sustainable impact.
GHCG important dates
- This is closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
GHCG objectives
The grant aims to create opportunities for children and young people by addressing the following challenges:
- Creating Active, Inclusive, and Connected Neighbourhoods: Through sport, recreation, arts, and community programs using local places and spaces.
- Strengthening Local Food Systems: By creating new or improved places for communities to access, grow, and share healthy, local, and culturally appropriate food.
- Improving Cultural Safety: By creating better and fairer health outcomes for young people through internal capability building and community-facing projects.
Projects eligible for GHCG support
Projects that may be funded include, but are not limited to:
- Initiatives in sport, recreation, and the arts that promote physical activity and social connection.
- Community gardens, local food hubs, urban farms, and composting programs.
- Cultural awareness and competency training, community outreach, and engagement projects.
Funding is available for essential goods or services directly related to the project, such as:
- Participant or volunteer support expenses.
- Short-term project staffing or sub-contracting.
- Organisational capacity building.
- Minor capital works and infrastructure.
- Equipment and materials directly facilitating project outcomes.
Funding is not available for:
- Health service delivery or medical treatments.
- Reimbursement for past expenses.
- One-off events without sustained benefits.
- Projects targeting deliberate harm or involving striking/kicking with intent to injure.
See the guidelines for full details of projects eligible for GHCG support.
Other GHCG important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for GHCG support
Eligible organisations include:
- Not-for-profit organisations.
- Sporting, community, cultural, and recreational organisations.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations.
- Victorian Local Government Entities.
Organisations must have an active ABN and meet specific registration criteria. For-profit entities, individual/sole traders, or those with ties to the tobacco industry are ineligible.
See the guidelines for full details of organisations eligible for GHCG support.
GHCG assessment criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Community Need (20%): Addressing a demonstrated need in the community.
- Likely Benefit (20%): Clear benefits and alignment with grant focus areas.
- Capacity to Deliver (20%): Feasibility and organisational capability.
- Value for Money (20%): Financial viability and appropriate use of funds.
- Impact (20%): Demonstrated and potential reach of the project.
For Tier 2 and Tier 3 applications, additional criteria include:
- Sustained Impact (10%): Potential for positive community impact beyond the funding period.
- Partnerships and Alliances (10%): Collaboration with appropriate partners.
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the GHCG?
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 as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the GHCG application
Prepare the following information for your application:
- Organisational details including ABN and registration information.
- Project description, including objectives, activities, and expected outcomes.
- Budget and financial details.
- Documentation supporting community need and project feasibility.
- Details of any partnerships or collaborations.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the GHCG
Applications must be submitted through the VicHealth Stakeholder 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.
GHCG resources
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