This grant is open
Apply for this grant below:
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Fill out an assesment form today Community Development Fund – Round 3
- Total program funding: $22 million
- Funding streams:
- Stream 1: Project management and upskilling
- Stream 2: Innovation opportunities
- Application process:
- Stream 1 – Direct application
- Stream 2 – Expression of Interest followed by full application
- Program close: 30 June 2026
The Community Development Fund supports the implementation of Local Development Strategy (LDS) priority proposals identified by communities impacted by Victoria’s forestry transition. The program aims to support economic diversification, job creation and long‑term community capability and resilience through locally driven initiatives.
Key Requirements
- Applications must relate to opportunities identified in an approved Local Development Strategy.
- Applicants must engage with a DEECA Community Transition Coordinator prior to commencing the application process.
- Stream 2 applicants must submit an Expression of Interest before being invited to lodge a full application.
- Co‑funding is viewed favourably during assessment but is not mandatory.
What is eligible for funding?
Stream 1 – Project management support and upskilling
- Project management and coordination of Local Development Strategy priorities
- Administration and support for Innovation Working Groups
- Community meetings and engagement activities
- Training, leadership development and business capability building
Stream 2 – Innovation opportunities
- Applied research and development
- Pilot projects, feasibility studies and business cases
- Early implementation of innovation opportunities identified through LDS and Innovation Working Groups
- Infrastructure improvements such as technology, plant, equipment, communications or utility connections
What companies are eligible for funding?
- Local government authorities
- Incorporated community organisations
- Not‑for‑profit organisations
- Industry and business clusters or networks
- Chambers of commerce, business associations and education or research organisations
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.