From community festivals and environmental projects to equipment upgrades and storytelling initiatives, Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community Grants Program helps turn local ideas into projects that make a real difference.
Now, Council is inviting community groups, volunteers, organisations and residents to help shape the future of the program through a review of its Community Grants Program.
Each year, Bass Coast communities bring people together through projects, activities and events that strengthen local connections and improve community wellbeing. In 2025, the program saw 92 community groups receive a total of $294,000 in funding, including $40,000 dedicated to community-led climate action initiatives.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said the review was an opportunity to ensure the program continues supporting the needs of local communities.
“Community grants are all about helping great local ideas get off the ground. Every year we see clubs, volunteers and community groups doing amazing things for Bass Coast, and we want to make sure the grants program is helping them succeed,” Cr Tessari said.
“If you’ve ever thought ‘that’s too hard’, ‘that’s not for us’, ‘ ‘that’s not what we need’ or ‘where do I even start? we’d like to know. The goal is to make sure we’re supporting the people, projects and initiatives that make Bass Coast even better.”
Council currently offers funding through Quick Response Grants, Community Grants, Climate Action Grants and Major Project Funding, supporting everything from small community projects to larger infrastructure and community initiatives.
Community members can provide feedback online via the survey or attend one of several upcoming engagement sessions.
Importantly, you don’t need to have applied for a grant to participate.
Upcoming engagement sessions
Community Pop-up Session
Wednesday, 23 September, 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Kilcunda Community Centre
Online Ideas Session
Wednesday, 30 September, 7.00pm – 8.30pm
Online
Community Pop-up Session
Thursday, 1 October, 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre
Feedback is open until Sunday 4 October 2026.
