Frankston City Council Awards 34 Annual Community Grants
Frankston City Council has awarded almost $130,000 in grants to 34 community organisations to help deliver local services and projects that improve wellbeing, inclusion, and resilience across the municipality.
Investing in Local Solutions
The annual grants, which range between $1,500 and $7,500, support a mix of programs including food relief, inclusive sport, seniors’ activities, arts and culture, Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing, and support services for residents and their pets.
Frankston City Councillor David Asker said Council’s focus was on strengthening local networks that make a tangible difference.
“These 34 organisations share one united goal – to create stronger and fairer communities,” Cr Asker said.
“This funding puts resources in the hands of locals solving local problems, today and into the future.”
Among the recipients, the Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation will use its funding to provide scholarships for students facing financial hardship. Executive Officer Farrah Buckland said the grant would help remove barriers to education and employment.
“These scholarships empower recipients to pursue meaningful learning opportunities, enhance their skills, and build pathways to independence and long-term community wellbeing,” she said.
Boosting Emergency and Inclusion Grants
Urgent Grants
An additional $15,000 has been added to the Urgent Grants Program, enabling community and sporting groups to respond more quickly to unexpected expenses that threaten essential services. Grants of up to $1,000 are available until 6 June 2026, or until funds are exhausted.
Councillor Sue Baker said the expanded program would help frontline organisations continue supporting residents amid cost-of-living pressures.
“Unforeseen costs shouldn’t stop frontline help. This boost to Urgent Grants means local groups can act now – not when funding arrives,” she said.
Child & Youth Inclusion Grants
Council has also allocated an additional $45,000 to its Child & Youth Inclusion Grants, which help cover education and recreation costs for children and young people.
Eligible applicants can receive up to $600 for education-related expenses such as books, uniforms, and devices, and up to $250 – or 85 per cent of activity costs – for sport or music programs.
“No child should be left behind because of financial barriers,” Cr Baker said.
“This funding means more kids can access the right gear, get out on the field, and feel like they belong.”
Applications for both programs can be submitted via the SmartyGrants portal at frankston.smartygrants.com.au.
Strengthening Community Connection
Council has also endorsed a further $25,000 for 2026–27 under its Local Support Package, designed to uplift funding for organisations working in the “Safe, Respectful and Equal Communities” category of the grants program.
The package focuses on initiatives that reduce violence and discrimination and prevent harm from alcohol, drugs, and gambling.
Recipients of this year’s community grants include Animalia Wildlife Shelter, Ballam Park Athletics Committee, Boomerang Bags Frankston, Nairm Marr Djambana, St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, and several local sporting clubs and seniors’ groups.
