Place-based Initiatives (Annual) 2026/27

Fill Out
Now
This is a preview of the Place-based Initiatives (Annual) Grants 2026/27 form. When you’re ready to apply, click Fill Out Now to begin.
 

Place-based Initiatives (Annual) Grants

* indicates a required field.

Introduction

Maribyrnong City Council’s Place-based Initiatives (Annual) Grants Program 2026/2027 provides financial and in-kind support via a  competitive grant round. As an applicant you must meet the Eligibility Criteria and address the Funding Criteria. Proposed activities need to align with strategic objectives of the Festivals and Activation Framework 2022–2026 and Creative Maribyrnong 2030. These documents can be found on Council's Festival City website

PLACE-BASED INITIATIVES (Annual) STREAM

Grants are available for place-based activities that creatively activate City of Maribyrnong's public spaces, business precincts and local neighbourhoods.
• Grants of up to $20,000 are available
• Applications are open to not-for-profit incorporated* organisations
• Applications will be accepted until 4pm on Monday 8 June 2026
• Applications are assessed by Council's Independent Peer Panel with funding recommendations made to Council for endorsement
• Funded activities must be delivered prior to 30 June 2027

* Unincorporated not-for-profit organisations or groups can apply through an auspice agreement. Refer to page 5 of the Grant Guidelines.

Before you start

Before you start your application, ensure that you have:

  • Read the:
    - Place-based Initiatives (Annual) Grants Program Guidelines 2026/2027
    - Festivals and Visitation Framework 2022 - 2026
    - Creative Maribyrnong 2030

These documents can be found here: Grants - Maribyrnong City Council

  • If you are a first-time applicant (or if you are unsure of your proposed activity's suitability for this program) ensure you have spoken to contact Council's City Experience and Visitation Team about your intended application prior to applying. See contact details below.
  • Ensure you have obtained relevant quotes and investigated venue availability. You must at least have a tentative booking. If you are planning to use a Council managed space or venue, please check availability and make a tentative reservation: For open spaces such as parks, reserves, Nicholson St Malls or town squares visit: Reserves Manager Login For indoor venues such as Bluestone Church Arts Space, Community Centres etc visit: Maribyrnong City Council | Bookable

For instructions on how to navigate and complete this application form in SmartyGrants, please access the Applicant Guide.

For further information contact Council's City Experience and Visitation Unit:

Call: 03 9688 0200 or email: festival.city@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Applications must be submitted by 4pm, Monday 8 June 2026*

All activities must be delivered prior to 30 June 2027.

*Late applications cannot be accepted

Eligibility

Applicants must meet ALL of the following eligibility criteria:

  • The applicant is a not-for-profit incorporated* organisation
  • The proposed activity must occur within the boundaries of the City of Maribyrnong
  • The proposed activity funding is scheduled to take place prior to 30 June 2027
  • The proposed activity is free to attend or includes significant free programming
  • The applicant must have acquitted ALL previous Council grants and have no outstanding debts to Maribyrnong City Council
  • The applicant (or individuals, organisation or businesses involved in the activity) must NOT have any unresolved compliance matters with Maribyrnong City Council
  • The applicant (or Auspice if applicable) must provide evidence of Public Liability Insurance (PLI) to the value of $20 million

*Unincorporated not-for-profit organisations or groups can apply through an auspice agreement (refer to page 6 of the Grant Guidelines)

Applications that are NOT eligible:

  • Activities that do not align with Council policies and values
  • Multiple applications for the same activity
  • More than one application from the same applicant
  • Activities that have already received funding from Council in the same financial year. For example, Council will not fund the same, or part of the same activity already funded through its Community Grants Program, Business Improvement District Grants or its Love Your West Grants Program in the same financial year.
  • Activities with a primary purpose of promoting religion or politics or are for fundraising purposes
  • Activities that have already received funding from Council in the same financial year. For example, Council will not fund the same, or part of the same activity, through its Community Grants Program, Business Improvement District Grants or Love Your West Grants Program in the same funding cycle.
  • Activities already funded by Council through operational or Triennial Arts Grant funding.
  • Activities which have already started or have been completed
My application meets all of the Eligibility Criteria * Required
Response required.
If you are unsure, or do not meet all of these Eligibility Criteria, please speak to Council's City Experience and Visitation Unit on 03 9688 0200 before continuing with your application