The Framework guides City of Melbourne’s delivery of funding through the Community Grants and Partnerships Program, ensuring that supported projects empower diverse people and communities to become engaged, to connect and to take local action. The Framework aligns with priorities within the Council Plan and other key strategies including the Inclusive Melbourne Strategy.
City of Melbourne is committed to empowering groups and individuals to take action and respond to needs and opportunities within their communities. The Community Grants and Partnerships Framework supports this commitment by providing funding for community initiatives and events that address key social priorities and enable communities to thrive. Supported initiatives and events can be led by individuals, volunteer groups, not-for-profits and purpose-oriented for-profit organisations.
The Community Grants and Partnerships Framework enables Council to:
- Empower our communities to identify and respond to local areas of need
- Activate community participation and connection
- Partner with community organisations to deliver shared outcomes
- Build capacity within the community sector.
The following best practice principles and practices underpin the Community Grants and Partnerships Framework and inform the priorities for funding:
| Principle | Practice |
|---|---|
| Impact | We take a purposeful and strategic approach to funding projects that deliver meaningful social impact in line with municipal priorities. |
| Partnership | We know we can’t solve tough problems alone. We use our funding to establish partnerships with organisations and individuals who share our ambitions for our communities. |
| Innovation | We discover new solutions to changing community needs and foster innovative approaches to addressing our social challenges. |
| Transparency | We are transparent in our funding priorities, processes and decisions. |
| Responsiveness | We listen to our communities and adapt our funding focus areas and processes to be relevant, timely and proportionate. |
