Applications for Tiny Towns funding closing soon

Funding is available for 'tiny towns' throughout Victoria. Picture: ON FILE

Yarra Ranges Council is encouraging community-based not-for-profits in small towns to apply for the State Government’s Tiny Towns funding.

The Tiny Towns Fund provides funding for community infrastructure, facilities and capacity-building projects in communities with populations of up to 5000 in regions including the Yarra Ranges.

Local community groups and Councils can apply for grants between $5000 and $50,000 for projects that increase liveability, local opportunities and prosperity, create better public places, build community capacity or increase visitation.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Sophie Todorov, said the funding provided a rare opportunity for local groups to kick-start projects and initiatives locally.

“We’re lucky to have plenty of grant opportunities available in the Yarra Ranges and around Victoria, but very rarely does funding of this size appear – which means this is a great chance for community members with great ideas to put their hands up and make it happen,” Cr Todorov said.

“We have 55 towns and suburbs in the Yarra Ranges, and a lot of them would classify as Tiny Towns for this funding.

“We also have a vibrant and dedicated network of local not-for-profits, who I’m sure have no shortage of project ideas and proposals that could flourish with this funding.

“If this sounds like something your group, or your community would be interested in, I urge you to look at the State Government’s Suburban Development website and start working on an application today.”

This round of funding closes at 5pm on Sunday, 25 February. This is the first year of funding, with three additional rounds of funding to be made available in coming years.

Only incorporated not-for-profit organisations and Councils can apply for this funding.