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The project

The Grants and Sponsorship Policy will provide clear guidance for how the City delivers grants and sponsorship. It will help ensure these programs are fair, equitable, transparent, and accountable.

The new Grants and Sponsorship Policy will replace the existing Community Grants Policy, which is due to expire in December 2026.

The new Policy will provide a comprehensive, organisation-wide approach to the administration and governance of grants and sponsorship programs across the City.

​​The Policy applies to:

  • All City staff who administer grants and sponsorship on behalf of the City of Greater Bendigo

  • Councillors who may approve grants and sponsorship budgets and contributions

  • Eligible organisations, businesses and individuals that may receive grants or sponsorship from the City

We will review the Policy every 4 years.

Policy Summary

The Policy includes:

  • The purpose of the policy
  • The Scope of what the policy applies to
  • Definition of terms used in the policy
  • The principles that underpin the policy
  • Specific components of the policy
  • Roles and responsibilities
The Principles of the policy are:

  • Transparency and fairness

    The City will run grant and sponsorship programs in an open and fair way, with clear rules and consistent decision-making

  • Community benefit

    Funding will support projects and activities that demonstrate a positive impact to the local community

  • Innovation

    The City supports new and creative ideas that help meet community needs in better ways

  • Equity and accessibility

    Funding opportunities will be accessible to a wide range of community groups, individuals and businesses, including people who may face barriers to participation

  • Strategic and needs-based

    Funding will be provided to projects that align with the City’s priorities and identify community need

  • Accountability and good governance

    The City will have clear processes in place around grants and sponsorship administration and risk management

  • Sustainability

    The City will support projects that create long-term benefits for the community and make good use of resources

  • Value for money

    The City aims to achieve the best community benefit for the money provided for grants and sponsorship

Following the community feedback period for the draft policy, we will be asking for your feedback on the draft Community Grants Program. This second round of feedback will open in November 2026.

Have your say

Read the Policy and provide your feedback below.

Frequently asked questions

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    Draft policy opens for community feedback

    Monday 17 August 2026

  • Timeline item 2 - incomplete

    Draft policy closes for community feedback

    Monday 14 September 2026

  • Timeline item 3 - incomplete

    Community feedback reviewed

    September 2026

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    Draft program opens for community feedback

    Friday 20 November 2026

  • Timeline item 5 - incomplete

    Draft program closes for community feedback

    Friday 18 December 2026

  • Timeline item 6 - incomplete

    Draft Policy presented to Council

    December 2026

  • Timeline item 7 - incomplete

    Community informed of the outcome

    January 2027

Contact us

Have questions or want to learn more about this project, contact us below:

Contact Information
Name Vanessa Wait, Coordinator Community Strengthening
Email communitypartnerships@bendigo.vic.gov.au