VIC – Tiny Towns Fund (Round 3)

  • Funding up to $50,000 (GST exclusive) is available
  • Applications open until 4 February 2026.
  • $20 million funding pool over four years (2023–2027)

The Tiny Towns Fund is a Victorian Government initiative designed to support small communities with populations of up to 5,000 people. Round 3 provides grants between $5,000 and $50,000 for projects that enhance liveability, strengthen community connections, and attract visitors to regional Victoria and outer metropolitan interface areas. Eligible projects include upgrades to community halls, libraries, playgrounds, splash parks, bike trails, and public art installations.

The program aims to address gaps in community infrastructure, foster economic development, and promote social inclusion for diverse groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians, people with disabilities, and culturally diverse communities. Applicants must contribute financially to the project, as outlined in the guidelines.

Key Requirements

  • Enhance Community Infrastructure
  • Deliver upgrades to facilities that improve liveability and social cohesion.
  • Support Economic Development
  • Encourage tourism and local business growth in small towns.
  • Promote Inclusion and Accessibility
  • Ensure projects benefit diverse communities and improve accessibility

What is eligible for funding?

Projects may include community hall upgrades, playgrounds, splash parks, bike trails, public art, and shared spaces at sporting facilities (excluding major sporting infrastructure).

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible entities include not-for-profit organisations, incorporated associations, co-operatives, and Indigenous organisations. Applicants without incorporation or ABN may apply via auspice arrangements.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

  • Industry analysis presentation
  • Competitor Analysis Presentation
  • Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
  • 3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
  • 3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
  • End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
  • CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
  • Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
  • Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.