Grants open now to help local communities thrive

Local community groups can now apply for Greater Western Water’s (GW) 2026 Thriving Communities grants program designed to empower projects that unite communities, celebrate identity and create lasting positive change across the GWW service region. 

Greater Western Water General Manager Strategy and Partnerships, Kessia Thomson, said the grants were an opportunity for community-led ideas to thrive.

“Our region is vibrant, creative and full of passionate people who want to contribute to making it an even better place to live, work and enjoy. These grants are about giving those ideas the support they need to come to life,” Ms Thomson said.

“We’ve seen some wonderful projects in previous years, from the Lions Club of Riddells Creek establishing a vibrant pollinator garden at the Lions Memorial Park, to Altona Meadows Community Centre’s Green Thumb Girls, who delivered a wellbeing program for women aged over 50.” 

“We’re especially keen to see more applications focused on sustainable water use and caring for Country this year, so if that’s you, we encourage you to apply,” she said. 

Designed to support the region’s growing and diverse population, Thriving Communities offers two levels of funding: grants of up to $5,000, and grants of up to $20,000. 

Grants of up to $5,000 are available to grass roots organisations delivering one‑off community events, activities or place‑making projects that promote equity and inclusion. 

Grants of up to $20,000 are available to non-profit organisations operating in our region for initiatives that create lasting community benefit, build local skills or support sustainable water use. 

Both tiers of grants require projects to be commenced or completed between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027. 

Don’t miss this chance to be a part of Thriving Communities; applications are open now and close 22 April. 

To find out more and to check your eligibility, visit gww.com.au/grants.

Lions Club Riddells Creek Pollinator Garden

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