Benalla Rural City Council is committed to supporting our community by providing a wide range of funding opportunities. Through these grants, we aim to foster inclusion, connection, and development across the region. Explore the different types of grants below to find the right support for your project or event.

Quick Response Grants

Need swift support for your event or project? Quick Response Grants offer funding of up to $750 for eligible activities. Applications are reviewed monthly, so plan ahead to allow plenty of processing time.

Key Information:

• Eligibility: Check the Quick Response Grants and Community Grants Guidelines for more details.
• Timelines: Applications open all year.

Apply for a Quick Response Grant

Stay updated for future opportunities and prepare your applications ahead of time using the Quick Response Guidelines.

Event Funding Program

Planning a significant event? Funding is now open for events across Benalla Rural City.

Minor Events – up to $1,500
Major Events – up to $3,000

Key Information:

• Eligibility: Read the Event Funding Program Guidelines for details.
• Application Period: Open all year until the funding pool is fully utilised.

Apply for Major Event Funding

For more information contact Council’s Events Team on 03 5760 2600.

Social Connection Grants – Now Closed

Social Connection Grants support local community groups and organisations to deliver activities, events and programs that help people feel more connected, included and supported.

Grant categories
First Nations Social Connection Grants – Up to $5,000 Supports projects, events or activities that build connection, inclusion and belonging for First Nations communities. Open to local groups and organisations, particularly those led by or working closely with First Nations people.

Social Connections Grants Two tiers are available to support a wide range of community‑led initiatives:
Tier 1: Digital Support Grants – Up to $1,000 Supports groups facing barriers to accessing digital technology, helping them stay connected and engage with their members.
Tier 2: Community Activity & Event Grants – Up to $5,000 Supports community projects, events and activities that bring people together and encourage social connection.

Key Information:

• Eligibility: Check the Social Connection Grants Guidelines or First Nations Grants Guidelines for criteria.
• Application Deadline: 11.59pm Sunday, 7 June 2026.

Apply now to create opportunities for our community to come together.

Apply for a Social Connection Grant

Apply for a First Nations Grant

Community Grants – Now closed

Both Major and Minor Community Grants are open once a year for a limited time frame and have closed for 2026.  Applications are assessed by an internal panel of three Council staff members. The panel’s recommendations are then presented to a Council Meeting for consideration and final determination by Councillors.

Community Grant Applications closed at midnight on Sunday 26 April 2026.

• Organisations may apply for both Major and Minor community grant but can only receive funding from one program during the funding period. 
• Organisations can only receive Major Community Grant Funding once every three years. 

Community Grants – Major

Community Grants – Major offer up to $7,000 for major projects that benefit Benalla Rural City residents by fostering healthy, vibrant, and sustainable communities.

Community Grants – Minor

Community Grants offer up to $3,000 for minor projects that benefit Benalla Rural City residents by fostering healthy, vibrant, and sustainable communities.

Stay updated for future opportunities and prepare your applications ahead of time using the Community Grants Guidelines.

Discover More Funding Opportunities

Looking for additional funding options? The Benalla Funding Finder connects community groups, businesses, not-for-profits, and individuals to over 1,400 funding opportunities. Explore more today!

Access the Funding Finder: Benalla Funding Finder

Benalla Rural City Council partners with GrantGuru to provide this resource and make funding more accessible.

Need Assistance?

For further information or help with your application, contact the Community Development team on 03 5760 2600.

Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community.