Social Investment Partnerships Grants

About the program

The Social Investment Partnerships Program supports the development and delivery of projects and programs that address key social issues, provide equitable opp​ortunities for people, and enable our diverse communities and neighbourhoods to thrive. It aims to ensure that all people can participate in social, cultural, economic and civic life, and contribute to a more sustainable, socially just and resilient city.

The program supports not-for-profit organisations, social enterprises and B Corporations delivering projects that will benefit the City of Melbourne community, in line with the assessment criteria. Eligible projects can receive funding of $25,000 to $80,000 per year for up to two years through the program.

The Social Investment Partnerships Program allows the City of Melbourne to:

• Directly address municipal inclusion priorities and facilitate sustained social change.
• Respond to council social priorities aligned with the Future Melbourne 2026 Plan Vision, Council Plan 2021-25, and the Inclusive Melbourne Strategy 2022–32.
• Address current and emerging social issues and support responses that have the potential to provide long term solutions.
• Advance sustainable outcomes for our community through collaborative partnerships.
• Support the needs of local communities and enable our neighbourhoods to be resilient, connected and engaged.
• Support the development and delivery of the work of social enterprises and initiatives that advance inclusion.

Priority project areas include those that support our city to:

• Address loneliness and isolation.
• Address digital literacy and access.
• Address discrimination and improve access, equality and equity.
• Uphold social justice and human rights.
• Improve physical and mental wellbeing.
• Address homelessness and pathways to housing including affordable housing.
• Contribute to community safety.
• Increase community participation and ensure diverse views and voices are heard.
• Create pathways to employment and build capacity through education, training and other initiatives.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply for funding through the Social Investment Partnerships Program, applications must meet the following criteria:

• Applicant organisations must be a not-for-profit constituted body, a certified B Corporation or a social enterprise that meets the Social Traders definition of a social enterprise.
  • B Corporations must provide matched financial contribution. For example, if you are applying for $50,000 funding from the City of Melbourne the applicant must also contribute $50,000 to the project.
• Applicant organisations must be located within, or be delivering the project within, the City of Melbourne municipality and the project must be targeted to benefit people (the community) who live in the City of Melbourne.
• The proposal must align with the purpose of the program responding to and guided by key City of Melbourne plans including:
  • Council Plan 2021–25 
  • Inclusive Melbourne Strategy 2022–32.

Application assistance

The application process has concluded and we are no longer accepting submissions. If you encountered any challenges accessing the online form or using technology during the open period, please contact us for assistance via email at commstrength@melbourne.vic.gov.au or by phone at 03 9658 9901.