VIC Men’s Shed Funding Program (2026–27)

Grant amount (per grantee): Up to $100,000.
Matched funding / co-contribution: A 20% co-contribution to total project cost is required (i.e., for every $100 of grant funding, provide $25 from other sources). Up to 50% of the co-contribution may be in-kind, and the remaining must be a cash contribution confirmed in writing
Activity timing: Project must be able to be completed within 2 years, and all funded activities must be completed by 31 October 2028.
Applications close: June 04 2026

The Victorian Government’s 2026–27 Men’s Shed Funding Program provides grants to support the construction, refurbishment, extension or upgrade of men’s sheds in Victoria, as well as the purchase of major shed equipment.

The program aims to strengthen social connection, reduce isolation, and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for men by supporting safe, accessible places where men can work on meaningful projects and engage with their community.

Key Requirements

Respond to program objectives: Applications must respond to at least one objective, such as strengthening social connections and reducing isolation, supporting men’s community participation, increasing shed capacity/activities, building community connections, or increasing participation and diversity.
Meet eligibility criteria: The project must be for a shed located in Victoria, meet the definition of a men’s shed, show community need aligned to the grant amount, include universal design/disability access principles, and have no outstanding reports from prior Men’s Shed Funding Program grants.
Provide co-contribution: A 20% co-contribution is required, with at most half as in-kind and the remainder as cash confirmed in writing; evidence must be provided.
Project readiness for larger grants: If applying for $10,000 or more, applicants must show security of tenure (5+ years lease/licence or ownership), provide a relevant strategic plan, and provide detailed design plans appropriate to the project complexity (including planning/building permit awareness).
Budgeting limits: No more than 10% of the total grant amount sought can be used for project management/administration

What is eligible for funding?

Construct a new men’s shed, including converting an existing building into a men’s shed.
Refurbish, extend or upgrade an existing men’s shed.
Purchase major shed equipment to remain at and be used by the shed (e.g., major machinery/fittings and other major equipment).
Project management/administration costs (up to 10% of the grant amount sought)
Volunteer expense reimbursement directly supporting project delivery (up to 5% of grant amount sought), limited to eligible expense types described in the guidelines.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Applicants must have a valid ABN.
Must demonstrate appropriate insurance cover (grant does not provide insurance).
Must be an eligible incorporated entity, including:
- Incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012, Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), or equivalent state legislation.
- A company incorporated under the Corporations Act and registered as not-for-profit through the ACNC.
- Aboriginal entities that are incorporated (including Aboriginal not-for-profit organisations, Aboriginal community controlled organisations, Traditional Owner groups and land trusts).
- Local government entities.

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.

This grant is open

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