| Eco Warriors Australia |
Binak Habitat Pods - Temporary Homes for Wildlife |
The group is seeking funding to deliver five workshops with students from five primary schools, in partnership with Wurundjeri Narrap Rangers and a Traditional Owner representative from ERA. Students will learn traditional weaving techniques using aquatic species to build Binak habitat pods. These culturally informed workshops will promote Indigenous knowledge and provide refuge for small wildlife in degraded creek and wetland areas at Spadonis Reserve, Yering. |
$9,975.00 |
| Each |
Rural Rainbows social group for Yarra Ranges LGBTQIA+ young people and allies |
Rural Rainbows delivers three peer-led support groups for LGBTQIA+ youth (ages 12–25), providing safe, inclusive spaces that foster connection, wellbeing, and confidence. Hosting 4–5 sessions monthly—with activities like games, movies, art, guest workshops, and event access—the program is co-designed by LGBTQIA+ Peer Leaders and EACH staff, celebrating diversity and inclusion. Created in response to local need, it reduces isolation and stigma while empowering young people to engage with and shape their communities through authentic representation. |
$6,000.00 |
| Mooroolbark Community Garden |
Growing Hope, Harvesting Health |
Mooroolbark Community Garden is enhancing community connections through inclusive food-growing activities and workshops that support socially isolated individuals. Featuring raised beds, fruit trees, a fenced early learning centre, compost hub, and accessible spaces, the garden promotes food security, environmental education, and a strong sense of belonging—creating a sustainable, welcoming space for all. |
$5,810.00 |
| Yarra Valley ECOSS |
ECOSS Crops for Community Program |
ECOSS Crops for Community is a free, inclusive gardening and food relief program where volunteers of all abilities grow organic produce for local initiatives like Koha Café and Oonah Indigenous Tuckerbag. Through weekly hands-on gardening, participants build skills, improve wellbeing, and support food security across the Yarra Valley. The program fosters community connections and aims to create a sustainable model of empowerment through growing and sharing food. |
$10,000.00 |
| Upper Yarra Secondary College |
Indigenous@UYSC Art Project |
As the Marrung Lead and Secondary Teacher at Upper Yarra Secondary College, I hope to support our Indigenous students to complete a design that represents our schools Acknowledgement of Country that we have written together. This design would be presented on the water tank in the year 7 area, as the students were inspired to paint a water tank after working on the Water Tank Project and finishing the beautiful Graham Patterson design at Gladysdale.
Although after talking to YR Council members, I think the community would benefit more if the Gym which is parallel to Riversdale Road were painted. |
$7,500.00 |
| The Parents Hub (formerly Blair Gowrie House Playgroup) |
Reset & Reconnect |
Rest & Reconnect is a year-long wellbeing initiative by The Parents Hub in Mooroolbark, supporting solo parents, carers, and disconnected mothers. Through community meals, wellness events, Pilates sessions, and market mornings, it fosters connection, health, and resilience. Backed by strong partnerships and aligned with Council wellbeing goals, the project builds on The Parents Hub’s trusted local presence. |
$5,550.00 |
| Melba Support Services |
Art therapy pilot in Lilydale for people with disability. |
Melba Support Services and CATA will run a 20-week art therapy pilot in Lilydale for people with disability. Weekly sessions use visual art, movement, drama, and music to foster wellbeing and explore identity. A final exhibition at Anderson Street Church will showcase participants’ creative journeys. |
$10,000.00 |
| Monbulk and District Community Opportunities Working Group |
Monbulk Intergenerational Project |
The Monbulk Intergenerational Project, a partnership between MADCOW and Monbulk College, connects Year 11 Vocational Major students with residents of Sylvan Glades Retirement Village. Designed to tackle social isolation and mental health challenges across generations, the program offers students real-world experience in community planning while providing seniors meaningful engagement, mutual learning, and reduced loneliness—all to strengthen community ties in Monbulk. |
$5,000.00 |
| Repower The Dandenongs |
Repower Festival 2026 |
Plan and deliver Repower Festival 2026—a family-friendly event celebrating a sustainable future. The day features food, activities, and conversations with local vendors on renewables, batteries, electrification, and resilience. An EV Expo will be held in the car park. |
$5,000.00 |
| Women's Health East |
Warburton/Redwood Playgroup |
Warburton/Redwood Playgroup is a place-based program supporting socially isolated mothers of preschoolers in the Upper Yarra Region. Held at ADRA Community Care Centre, sessions combine play and connection with structured workshops to promote wellbeing. Community leaders will receive support to help sustain the project beyond funding. |
$6,000.00 |
| Seville Community House |
Wellness Ways: A Holistic Health Program for Adults |
Seville Community House presents Wellness Ways—a term-based health program for adults in the Yarra Ranges. Featuring low-cost or free taster sessions in movement, nutrition, mindfulness, and creative expression, it’s delivered with local health partners to support wellbeing and connect participants to ongoing care. |
$5,500.00 |
| Warburton Bowls Club |
2026 Arts & Community Series |
Warburton Bowls Club will host the 2026 Arts and Community Series—two evening events showcasing local artists, creators, and producers. Designed to foster connection beyond work-family circles, the series celebrates community and encourages resident-led participation. |
$5,000.00 |
| Combined Probus Club of Olinda Inc |
Empowering our future selves |
Part 1: Weekly Pilates led by a qualified physiotherapist from Form & Practice, Olinda improves flexibility, balance, strength, and social cohesion. Part 2: Enhancing our website to attract new members and support ongoing intellectual and social engagement. Part 3: Offering free one-year memberships to new members of Olinda Probus to encourage growth and inclusion. |
$3,200.00 |
| Access Health and Community |
Belgrave Play and Connect |
AccessHC, Belgravia Leisure, and Belgrave Tennis Club present Belgrave Play and Connect—a community initiative offering free and low-cost recreational activities across Belgrave and the Yarra Ranges. Highlights include Borthwick Park events, social sports, family fun, a digital activity booklet, and Belgrave Pool programs. Permanent features like a student-designed scavenger hunt and a sports library for free equipment hire will encourage ongoing participation and playful connection. |
$7,000.00 |
| Little Yarra CFA |
Ready Together – Little Yarra CFA Community Awareness Project |
Little Yarra CFA is increasing awareness and fire preparedness through events at Gladysdale Primary School, Powelltown Market, and our Gladysdale Fire Station. These interactive sessions educate families about our brigade’s role and promote safety, connection, and inclusion across the community. |
$1,600.00 |
| Anchor Community Care |
Lilydale Youth Foyer - Life and Living Skills Program |
The Life and Living Skills program, run year-round by Lilydale Youth Foyer, empowers young people with practical knowledge and confidence. Through youth-led activities across six focus areas, participants strengthen housing readiness, education and career pathways, social skills, resilience, health and safety awareness, and financial capability—key foundations for thriving adulthood. |
$10,000.00 |
| Selby Community House Inc |
Selby Youth Group 2026 |
Hangout Haven, run by Selby Community House, supports Yarra Ranges Tweens and Teens through weekly meetups, outdoor adventures, environmental learning, and workshops. It fosters connection, personal growth, and a safe, inclusive space to ease the transition from primary to secondary school. |
$8,000.00 |
| Kalorama Collective Inc |
Kalorama 2026 Picnic and Xmas Movie Night |
In November and December 2026, The Kalorama Collective will host free community events—the Kalorama Picnic and Xmas Movie Night—to support Kalorama, Mt Dandenong, and surrounding Yarra Ranges areas, including those still impacted by the 2021 storm. Featuring local music, small business promotion, and collaboration with community groups, these events foster connection, resilience, and emergency preparedness. |
$6,000.00 |
| Healesville Arthritis Self Help Peer Support Group (HASH) |
AGEING LIKE A FINE WINE |
HASH, in partnership with Healesville Probus, Seniors Clubs, and local groups, presents Ageing like a Fine Wine—an ongoing wellbeing program supporting seniors in Healesville and surrounds. Through talks, outings, and tours, the initiative promotes healthy eating, physical activity, mental stimulation, sleep, and joy. With support from the local Comic and Zine Festival, it fosters emotional wellbeing and social connection. |
$5,000.00 |
| Healesville Community Emergency Group |
Preparing our community for natural disasters |
Healesville Community Emergency Group, with support from local partners, will run year-round events to educate residents on preparing for natural disasters. Through guest talks, small-group property visits, and resources like brochures, the initiative empowers the community to protect themselves and build resilience. |
$5,100.00 |
| Foothills Community Care Inc. |
Mum’s Connection Space Arts Connection Project |
As part of the growing Mum’s Connection Space program, we’ll run a fortnightly art group for women and children, offering a safe, trauma-informed environment for creativity, confidence-building, and connection. Led by skilled facilitators, the arts-based sessions promote wellbeing, self-expression, and positive parent-child relationships, addressing rising demand for supportive activities for vulnerable families. |
$10,000.00 |
| Yarra Junction Community Group |
Good Neighbour Month |
Yarra Junction Community Group presents Good Neighbour Month—a celebration of kindness and connection across Yarra Junction and surrounds. Activities include poetry and song writing contests, student art and stories, a graffiti wall, and zine-making for teens. The month concludes with an inclusive community meal, supported by Relationships Australia, to reduce isolation and strengthen local bonds. |
$7,000.00 |
| Lilydale Community House Inc |
Cook, Chat, Eat and Repeat |
The program includes two weekly activities: Soup & Stories, where participants cook, share, and connect over fresh soup, and Cooking for One, which teaches individuals to prepare healthy solo meals they can recreate at home. Excess food from both programs is distributed to those in need through food relief. |
$5,000.00 |
| Tecoma Uniting (TUC) |
Voices From The Edge (VFTE) |
The Voices From The Edge subcommittee of Tecoma Uniting Church will co-design a community arts event in August 2026, celebrating and amplifying voices from marginalised groups including First Nations, Queer, Disability, and Refugee communities. Featuring spoken word, music, conversations, and art, the event fosters connection, understanding, and allyship. |
$6,450.00 |
| Koha Community Cafe Inc |
Monday Morsels |
Monday Morsels, initiated by volunteer Nina, offers nutritious breakfasts using surplus produce from Koha’s Free Food Pantry in an inclusive community setting. The gatherings promote budget-friendly cooking and social connection. With support from Monday Morning participants, the project aims to grow and become self-sustaining through donations and initial funding. |
$6,740.00 |
| Mountain Men Inc |
Mountain Men group activities |
This grant seeks to fund our regular, ongoing suite of programs that are delivered all year-round. It also allows for some administration costs (such as website hosting, Post Office box rental, etc.). |
$6,000.00 |
| Belgrave Food Garden |
Growing Belgrave: A Hub for Food, Learning & Connection |
The Belgrave Food Garden aims to continue with its activities including regular working bees, workshops and educational talks, and a very popular organic growing course. The activities conducted support local microbusinesses, build skills within the community's population and promote a resilient, connected community. |
$3,850.00 |
| Belgrave Tecoma Township Group |
Youth Way Project |
BTTG would like to conduct Youth Way Project, an art and community improvement project supporting youth in Belgrave and Tecoma. The project will include covering a lane way wall with attractive artwork, reflecting the creativity and talent of the township. Our intention is to have this space filled with designs developed and delivered by the young people of the area, individuals who may have limited opportunity for public exposure of their talents elsewhere in collaboration with local artists mentorship. |
$7,600.00 |
| Benwerren |
Benwerren School Holiday Programs 2026 |
Benwerren's School Holiday Program welcomes families with young children who have attended during times of crisis, offering craft and adventure for kids, pampering for mums, and shared family activities. Run by volunteers and incorporating local experiences, the program strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories. |
$6,000.00 |
| Big Little Buddies Inc. |
Younger & Older making Music and Memories: Intergenerational Music Program (Chirnside Views) |
We’re launching a 40-week intergenerational music program at Chirnside Views Aged Care in 2026, connecting aged care residents, pre-schoolers, and caregivers. Developed using Griffith University’s evidence-based practices, the weekly sessions foster community connection, reduce isolation, and promote physical, mental, and social wellbeing for vulnerable groups. |
$7,500.00 |
| Dandenong Ranges Music Council |
Music for All |
Grounded in equity, inclusion, and respect, this pilot project offers free group instrumental tuition and instrument loans to children experiencing disadvantage, disability, or special needs. Participants can learn flute, clarinet, saxophone, or trombone in small classes. The grant will fund teacher fees and instrument repairs from the DRMC library. Running from March to December, the program will feature mid-year and end-of-year concerts, with the goal of establishing a permanent tuition initiative. |
$5,000.00 |
| Mountain Gate Opportunity Shop Inc |
Tecoma Op Shop Inclusive Volunteering Support Project |
Tecoma Op Shop will launch the Inclusive Volunteering Support Program to empower individuals facing disability, mental health challenges, or social isolation. A Volunteer Inclusion Coordinator will lead tailored training and mentoring, providing practical and emotional support. The initiative fosters inclusion, confidence, and community connection through meaningful volunteer opportunities. |
$5,000.00 |
| Mooroolbark Soccer Club |
All Nations Women and Girls Football Tournament showing casing VPSC vs All Abilities team game |
Mooroolbark Soccer Club, in partnership with Victoria Police Soccer Club, will host the second All Nations football tournament—a 16-team event promoting female participation and inclusion in sport across the Yarra Ranges. Featuring competitive matches and an inclusive exhibition game, the project removes barriers like cost, travel, and prior experience to foster wellbeing and community connection. This funding supports the expanded event, building on the inaugural 8-team tournament, which will be self-funded and evaluated. |
$6,000.00 |
| HICCI |
HICCI Connections |
HICCI Connects addresses community connection—a priority in Council’s Health and Wellbeing Plan—by updating service brochures, reprinting the Emergency Contacts guide, continuing free weekly meals, delivering mandatory first aid training for volunteer drivers, and hosting a Volunteer Recognition Celebration. |
$7,400.00 |
| The Scout Association of Australia, Victorian Branch - Montrose Scout Group |
Montrose Shock Station: Community Lifesaving Project |
Montrose Scout Group, with Community First Responders Australia, will deliver Montrose Shock Station—a safety initiative featuring a public defibrillator registered with Ambulance Victoria and inclusive CPR/defib training. Trained locals will join the GoodSAM app as a Cardiac Arrest Response Team, boosting emergency readiness and empowering the Montrose community to act confidently in critical moments. |
$10,000.00 |
| Friends of Kalorama Park |
Nature Connection - Kalorama Park |
The objective is to continue to facilitate bridging connections between locals and with
their environment, to increase people's wellbeing as well as rehabilitate the environment. We conduct a fun run, families can attend a wildlife and bushcraft education day, locals come to a classical music and mindfulness day in the park. |
$5,000.00 |
| Japara Neighbourhood House |
LinkedUp Sport and Recreation Participation |
LinkedUp Sports & Recreation Skills Program supports women aged 25–55 in Yarra Ranges—particularly Kilsyth, Montrose, Mooroolbark, Lilydale, and Mount Evelyn—through inclusive “have-a-go” sessions and club-hosted social gatherings. By tackling barriers like low confidence, childcare, and isolation, the program creates accessible entry points into sport. LinkedUp connects women with local clubs, services, and networks to close the participation gap and build community resilience, aligned with the Yarra Ranges Wellbeing Strategy. |
$9,000.00 |
| Upwey Mens' Shed Inc. |
UMS Membership Recruitment & Participation Program |
The program offers general interest activities—such as excursions, exercise physiology sessions, and first aid training—to foster community engagement and support participants' physical and mental wellbeing. By encouraging involvement in local activities, it aims to advance mental health and reduce social isolation. Training will be supported by visual aids including whiteboards, flip charts, and IT equipment. |
$5,000.00 |
| Millgrove Residents Action Group |
Events & Information VMS Trailer |
The aim of the project is to purchase a new Variable Messaging Sign (VMS) and trailer which will support timely information to the public about MRAG's Millgrove community events, such as the community garden, markets, open day, etc and provide vital safety information in the event of a disaster, such as the activation of the Community Resilience Recovery Hub and location. |
$1,500.00 |
| Discovery Community Care Inc |
Seed to Harvest |
Seed to Harvest will expand Discovery Community Care’s garden into a vibrant community hub. The project focuses on improving the space, engaging youth and people with disability, and piloting a plant-growing initiative to support local op-shops. All produce will be used in DCC’s meals and food relief programs, with income reinvested to amplify impact. |
$8,000.00 |