Community food security program – Local grants
Description
The Victorian Government is committing an additional $9 million to deliver a second round of the Community food security program through two streams – Local grants and Coordination grants, to strengthen food relief initiatives across the state.
Requirements Summary
This is a local grant opportunity for not-for-profit groups in Victoria to support food relief and security activities, with funding ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Applicants must be eligible organisations with a valid ABN, be incorporated (or auspiced), and their projects must align with at least one program objective. Applications close on 9 July 2026, and submission is via the DFFH Grants Gateway, requiring all mandatory documents and a clear project plan. There is also a dedicated stream for First Peoples organisations.
Eligibility Criteria
Grant applications must clearly respond to at least one of the stated program objectives related to food insecurity.
The application must be submitted by an organisation meeting the specified eligibility criteria.
The requested funding must be for activities that are deemed eligible under the program guidelines.
Proof of valid public liability insurance must be attached to the application.
Each organisation is permitted to submit only one application.
Organisations must be based in Victoria or servicing Victoria’s cross-border communities.
Applicants must possess a current Australian Business Number (ABN).
Applicants must not have any outstanding final reports from previous Victorian government-funded grants.
Must be an incorporated not-for-profit organisation, registered with Consumer Affairs Victoria (or equivalent) as an incorporated association, or registered with ASIC as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
Includes Aboriginal not-for-profit organisations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Traditional Owner groups, and land trusts.
Must be an incorporated social enterprise with a clear mission related to food relief or food security, reinvesting most profits into achieving its mission.
Must be a Victorian local government entity or public health service.
If not incorporated or without an ABN, must identify an auspice organisation that meets eligibility criteria and agrees to enter a funding agreement.
Timeline
Online information session on the grant application process.
Online information session on the grant application process.
Closing date for submitting grant applications.
Priority Cohorts
The Community food security program – Local grants supports local food relief and food security activities that help Victorians access healthy and culturally appropriate food.
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