VicForests Community Support Program

This program aims to assist local community groups deserving of financial assistance.

Grants of up to $2,000 are available.

Eligible applicants are local community groups, including the following:
- Community groups whose services and programs will directly benefit local community members.
- Community groups and organisations based within at least one of the regions in which VicForests operates.
- Community groups who support VicForests’ operations and its aim of a sustainable native forestry industry.

Examples of eligible groups which may apply:
- Local schools
- Sporting organisations
- Youth organisations
- Local charities
- Other local not-for-profit organisations

Eligible activities include those activities that contribute the greatest benefits to their local communities and are aligned to VicForests’ corporate objectives.

The main assessment criteria include:
- Is this a genuine need?
- Is the community organisation located in an area that VicForests operates?
- How will the project benefit the local community?
- How does the application fit with other projects already supported by VicForests?

The following are ineligible for funding:
- Individuals.
- Commercial businesses.
- Community groups whose aims, objectives or beliefs are not in accord with VicForests' activities or VicForests' aim of contributing to a sustainable native forestry industry.
- Projects not based in VicForests' Central Highlands, East Gippsland, West Gippsland or West Victoria regions.
- Retrospective costs for project programs or events that have already taken place.
- Travel or accommodation costs for interstate or overseas travel.
- Staff salaries or the employment of consultants to deliver projects/services.
- Political, religious or spiritual organisations where their key focus is to promote their beliefs.
- Community groups who already receive ongoing funding support from VicForests.
- Applicants who have not completed all details of the application form.
- Applications for funding which will not be spent within the 2018-19 financial year.
- Applications which arrive after the closing date.
- More than one application from a single community group.