Google reviews badge
VIC Our Town Fund

VIC Our Town Fund

  • Councils and alpine resorts: up to $200,000 in total, for one project or spread across several projects or towns
  • All other eligible applicants: up to $50,000, with a $50,000 cap per town across all community applications
  • The minimum grant is $5,000 (excluding GST)
  • Required contribution:
    • Community groups and other applicants: 20% of the total budget, and up to half of that can be in-kind
    • Rural councils and alpine resorts: 25% of the total budget, in cash only
    • Regional city councils: 50% of the total budget, in cash only
  • $6.5 million available in total
  • Applications close 2 February 2027
Get In Touch

The Our Town Fund gives community groups, councils and alpine resorts in regional Victoria $5,000 to $200,000 for infrastructure and facility projects in towns of up to 12,000 people. Projects might include hall and library upgrades, playgrounds, parks, public art, tourism attractions, community gardens and accessibility improvements. Applications close at 4:00 pm on Tuesday 2 February 2027.

The fund is run by Regional Development Victoria (RDV), part of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions. It aims to make regional towns more liveable, attract visitors and investment, and help more residents take part in community life.

Key Requirements

Location requirements

  • The project must be in a town of up to 12,000 people, in one of Victoria’s 48 regional council areas or an alpine resort
  • Projects in larger towns, the major regional cities or their suburbs aren’t eligible
  • Eligibility depends on where the project is, not where the applicant is based
  • Projects in cross-border towns that benefit NSW or SA communities are considered case by case

Contribution requirements

  • Every applicant must contribute the required share of the budget and provide evidence they have the funds, such as a bank statement or a letter from the CEO or president. Without this evidence, the application may be ruled ineligible
  • Contributions can come from councils, community groups, businesses, philanthropic organisations, utilities or Australian Government grants
  • Other Victorian Government funding and the value of land can’t count towards the contribution
  • Councils can’t count in-kind contributions

Delivery requirements

  • Projects can’t start until a grant agreement is signed
  • Projects must be finished within 18 months of the grant agreement
  • Trade work must be done by qualified tradespeople who meet all permit and legal requirements
  • If several groups in the same town apply, RDV encourages them to work together on one strong application, because of the $50,000 cap per town

RDV recommends talking to your local office before applying. Eligible council areas and the contribution rules are set out in the Our Town Fund Program Guidelines.

What is eligible for funding?

Infrastructure and facility projects such as:

  • refurbishing and upgrading halls, libraries, community centres and hubs
  • improving shared, publicly accessible spaces at sporting precincts, such as meeting rooms, kitchens, outdoor areas and public amenities
  • public space and streetscape improvements, including public art, street furniture, drinking fountains, greenery, park upgrades and dog parks
  • tourism attractions such as splash parks, hiking trails, paths and playgrounds
  • spaces for community art, creativity and culture
  • community gathering spaces such as community gardens, amphitheatres and BBQ areas
  • safety and accessibility improvements in shopping strips and town centres, including accessible paths and lighting
  • upgrades that support inclusion of First Peoples, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ communities and culturally diverse communities
  • planning and feasibility work that leads to community infrastructure projects
  • recovery projects after bushfires, storms, industry closures or job losses

Projects that build on an earlier government-funded stage are eligible, as long as the new funding only covers new work.

What isn’t funded
Sporting facilities and infrastructure, such as sports courts and grounds, pools, cricket nets, equestrian facilities, scoreboards, sports lighting, change rooms and fencing for sport. Also excluded:

  • costs incurred before the grant agreement is signed, and projects already underway
  • projects already funded by other Victorian Government programs
  • one-off purchases of appliances or furniture, unless part of a wider upgrade
  • vehicles, trailers, mowers, computers and other mobile equipment
  • land or buildings
  • operating costs, memberships, routine legal or accounting fees
  • websites, marketing, clothing, catering, travel and sporting equipment
  • projects that would need ongoing Victorian Government funding

What companies are eligible for funding?

Organisations with an ABN that operate in Victoria and are one of the following:

  • a regional Victorian council
  • an incorporated association registered with Consumer Affairs Victoria
  • a Crown land Committee of Management
  • a Victorian alpine resort
  • a public company limited by guarantee with a not-for-profit purpose
  • an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation registered under the CATSI Act
  • a co-operative registered in Victoria

The applicant doesn’t need to be based in the same town as the project.

Unincorporated groups, government agencies, for-profit companies, individuals, sole traders, trusts, cemetery trusts, partnerships, schools, TAFEs and universities can’t apply. Nor can joint ventures or consortia, except local government partnerships.

Frequently asked questions

How much do I need to contribute?
Community groups contribute 20% of the total budget, and half of that can be in-kind. Rural councils and alpine resorts contribute 25%, and regional city councils 50%, both in cash only.

Can a sporting club apply?
Yes, if it’s an eligible organisation, but not for sport infrastructure. Improvements to shared, publicly accessible community spaces at sporting precincts can be funded.

Can more than one group in the same town apply?
Yes, but community applications from the same town share a $50,000 cap. RDV encourages groups to work together on one strong application.

Can volunteer work count towards our contribution?
For community groups, yes. In-kind contributions such as donated skilled labour can make up to half of the required contribution. Councils can’t use in-kind contributions.

How long do we have to finish the project?
Within 18 months of signing the grant agreement. Grant agreements are expected to be signed in July 2027.

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 a professional government grant writer consultant. Avant Group is Australia’s largest independent grants advisory firm. With funding capped at $50,000 per town for community groups and strict contribution rules, a well-evidenced, clearly costed project that shows strong community need can set your application apart. Find out more about our government grant writing and consulting service here. 

How can I get help understanding if I’m eligible for this grant? 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.