Ballarat innovation Grant

The Ballarat Foundation provides a range of targeted grant opportunities to support community driven initiatives across our region. Our grants are designed to empower local organisations, charities and community groups to create lasting impact. Each program is unique but all share the same purpose, to build a stronger, fairer and more connected community across Ballarat and beyond.

Ballarat Innovation Grant

The Ballarat Innovation Grant supports new or significantly improved initiatives that address key social challenges in the Ballarat region. The grant is designed to encourage innovative approaches that test new ideas, improve outcomes and create long term community impact.

Projects must demonstrate a clear element of innovation. This may include developing a new model, adapting an existing approach in a new way, or forming partnerships that create more effective solutions for the community.

Projects must align with one or more of the following focus areas identified through community research and the Ballarat Foundation Vital Signs report:

Mental Health
Initiatives that improve mental health and wellbeing through prevention, early intervention and community led approaches that build connection, resilience and belonging.

Food Insecurity
Projects that move beyond short term emergency relief to address the underlying causes of food insecurity and strengthen sustainable community food systems.

Youth Support
Programs that empower young people aged approximately 12 to 25, particularly those facing barriers to education, employment, participation or wellbeing.

The maximum grant amount is $50,000 excluding GST for a 12 month period, with the possibility of multi year funding for suitable proposals.

Applications are assessed through a two stage process, beginning with an Expression of Interest followed by a full application for shortlisted proposals.