Applications for the next round open February 2025 

 

We're proud to support communities across our service region by making important community projects possible.

 

Eligible community groups can apply for funding between $500 to $10,000 per project. 

Our Community Grants program funds local projects that make our communities better places to live. This includes projects that:

  • help make sure we all know about water and how to use it in the best way possible. 
  • support vulnerable community members 
  • make our environment healthier 
  • help people be more active and connected.
See previous grant recipients

Your project needs to support one of four aims

Water security and knowledge

Projects that help people understand and act on issues relating to long-term water security like water efficiency and integrated water management.

This also includes projects that help people to build their knowledge about water - from the water cycle to its cultural value. 

Environment

Projects that support the health of our local environment. For example, our waterways, beaches or green spaces.

Affordability

Projects that support community members who can't afford basic, daily expenses right now - for whatever reason.

For example, projects that involve employment and business support, meals, accommodation and safety, or financial counselling.

Health and liveability

Projects that help make our communities healthier and better places to live. For example, projects that:

- promote sport and recreation, healthy eating or good mental health

- address issues like homelessness, gambling or family violence.

Community groups eligible to apply

Type of group

You can apply if your community group is: 

  • a registered association
  • an incorporated body
  • a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee
  • an educational facility or institution.

Your group must also have:

  • a bank account in its own name
  • an elected and identifiable committee or similar group clearly responsible for managing the organisation. 

If you’ve received a grant from us before, you can apply again. However, we’ll consider if your past grant project has been delivered.

Group location

Your group must be in South East Water's service area, or support another community group delivering services in our service area.

See if you're in our service region.

Who is not eligible

You are not eligible if you are:

  • an individual
  • an unincorporated association
  • a council, unless you’re applying on behalf of an eligible group.

We will not support groups that could expose us to financial or reputational risk.

This includes: 

  • groups with links to tobacco, alcohol, gambling or animal exploitation
  • groups that discriminate against any people, organisations or other groups
  • political parties.

Project activities

  • capital works (construction and installation of facilities and fixtures)
  • events
  • recreational or environmental or educational programs
  • equipment to enable community initiatives.

 

See what projects past winners have done

  • alcohol
  • illegal activity
  • uniforms
  • activities that would be considered part of a groups usual operational costs or wages related to usual operations
  • sponsorships of any type including individual, group or event
  • sponsorship that is passed onto a third party
  • excess items surplus to the project
  • donations for fundraising teams or individuals for charity
  • activities that have negative impacts on health or the environment
  • activities that conflict with Victorian Government policy or objectives.
Tips to help you apply

Easy English Community Grant information

Easy English helps to support our customers who have many different abilities and communications needs. It means that all community groups will have access to information that is concise and easy to understand.

Our Easy English Community Grant information is available below.

Learn more