Gardiner Foundation Community Grants Program Update

Since 2003, the Gardiner Foundation has proudly invested $2.3 million across 574 community organisations in regional Victoria through our Community Grants Program. This initiative, delivered in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), provided individual grants of up to $5,000, with annual program funding of up to $120,000.

This consistent support has provided significant benefits to the dairying regions of Victoria, resulting in more engaged and participative communities through empowering locals to create more vibrant, sustainable places to live and work. It leaves a strong legacy of revitalised community facilities and enduring program outcomes, enabling wellbeing and social connection across Gippsland, Southern and North Eastern Victoria.

In 2024, the Gardiner Foundation made a strategic commitment to review and revamp its Community Grants Program to serve the needs of regional Victorian dairying communities with a view to the future and enabling enterprises to sustain community development. As a result, we are excited to announce that the first grant round will launch by May 2025.

This marks a new chapter for our grants program, and we look forward to announcing new partnerships that will support and enhance this initiative.

Watch this space for more details on this exciting evolution of our Community Grants Program.

To learn more about past recipients of the Community Grants Prorgam, select the following headings: 

Find out more about the program...

Big boost for Victoria’s dairy communities

For 22 years, the Gardiner Foundation Community Grants program has enabled not-for-profit organisations in Victoria’s dairy communities to create and lead projects that help locals connect and support their regions to be sustainable and vibrant places to live and work.

Grant supports growing more than plants

The Gargarro Botanic Garden Ltd. has received a $5,000 grant to extend the community-run Friends of Gargarro Green Thumbs Nursery, and support volunteers, grow plants for the local botanic garden and support community organisation financial sustainability.

Fish Creek Football Netball Club recipes for recovery cookbook

In the wake of a devastating arson attack that destroyed its beloved clubrooms, the Fish Creek Football Netball Club is turning to the power of community stories and cherished recipes to rebuild.

Strengthening Beech Forest with an historic bakery oven

The Beech Forest & District Progress Association has received a $4,975 grant to go towards rebuilding the historic Beech Forest bakery oven, once the cornerstone of the township’s social and economic life.

Gardiner Foundation Community Showcase Event

Gardiner Foundation is holding a unique event to share the latest trends and insights from your region, network with fellow farmers and community members and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of your community.

Connecting Rural Communities

By Sarah Collier Each year Gardiner Foundation offers community grants of up to $5000 to organisations in Victorian dairy communities. These grants are funded by Gardiner and distributed by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR). Girgarre Community Cottage…