Ten community organisations will share more than $114,000 through the Ballarat Foundation's 2026 Grants Program, supporting projects that reduce disadvantage and create positive outcomes across the Ballarat region.

Announced at Hugh Williamson House, this year's Community Impact Grants and Peter Amor Sports Participation Grants will support a diverse range of initiatives focused on mental health, young people, food insecurity and strengthening community connections.

Ballarat Foundation CEO Andrew Eales said the grants were only possible because of the generosity of donors who continue to invest in local solutions to local challenges.

"The generosity of the Ballarat community makes it possible to support these projects which we believe are going to have a meaningful and positive impact across the city."

Ballarat Foundation Allocations Committee Chair Jacki Whitwell said the quality and diversity of this year's applications reflected the strength of the local community sector.

"The quality and diversity of this year's grants demonstrates the strength of our community sector. These organisations are delivering practical, local solutions that will improve the lives of people across Ballarat, and we're proud to support their work."

The Community Impact Grants Program is made possible through the generosity of the Ballarat Foundation's sub-fund donors, including The Courier Charity Fund, Wendouree-Delacombe Fund, Stewart Family Fund, Ballarat Connected Communities Fund, James Petrie Fund, Adroit Risk and Insurance Fund, Janine Owen Fund, Advanced Cabinetry Fund, Integra Group Fund, Feed Ballarat Fund, Young Ambition Fund and the Canny Family Fund. 

2026 Community Impact Grant recipients

Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council - Building Culturally Responsive Mental Health Care in Ballarat

This project will improve access to culturally responsive mental health care by strengthening collaboration between multicultural communities and local service providers.

Ballarat Community Health - Veg Out! Growing Little Food Explorers

This project will help children develop lifelong healthy eating habits through hands-on gardening, nutrition education and food-growing experiences.

Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand - MPOWER Ballarat

This project will support women experiencing financial hardship to build confidence, strengthen financial capability and improve long-term economic wellbeing.

Uniting Vic.Tas - Meals for Change

This project will provide nutritious meals alongside opportunities for people experiencing disadvantage to build skills, confidence and social connections.

Royal South Street Society - Creative Futures Youth Leadership & Pathways Program

This project will help young people develop leadership skills, confidence and pathways into creative industries through participation in the performing arts.

Ballarat Community Health - Cooking Together Tubs – Equipping Kindergartens to Deliver Healthy Food Experiences

This project will provide kindergartens with portable cooking resources that encourage children and families to learn about healthy food through shared cooking experiences.

The Salvation Army - Karinya Thrive

This project will support women and children escaping family violence by providing opportunities to build confidence, wellbeing and social connection.

Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre- Together Growing and Learning in our Gardens

This project will bring people together through community gardening, creating opportunities to learn new skills, improve wellbeing and strengthen neighbourhood connections.

2026 Peter Amor Sports Participation Grant recipients

Ballarat Gold Swimming Club - Ballarat Gold Swimming Club Hardship Support Program

This project will establish a hardship support fund to help young people experiencing financial hardship remain involved in swimming by subsidising squad training fees and reducing barriers to participation.

Ballarat Lawn Tennis Club - Introduction to Tennis for Financially Disadvantaged Children

This project will provide children experiencing financial disadvantage with tennis coaching, equipment and a 12-month club membership, creating opportunities to build skills, confidence and ongoing participation in the sport.

Congratulations to all of this year's recipients. Together, these projects will make a meaningful difference to the lives of people across the Ballarat region by strengthening communities, reducing disadvantage and creating opportunities for people to thrive.