Applications now open for Cardinia Shire’s Heritage Grants and Beautification Grants!

Council is offering grant opportunities designed to support the preservation of heritage sites and the restoration of public open spaces.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Jack Kowarzik explained these grant programs provide vital funding support for community groups and individuals that are investing in the maintenance and continual improvement of places that make Cardinia Shire a vibrant and unique place to live, work and play.

"It’s that time of year where we get to open our grant programs and support our local community volunteers with their special projects. Council strongly believes in supporting our local volunteers and we’re always very proud of the efforts they put into enhancing our Shire,” Mayor Kowarzik said.

“I urge any community groups and individuals interested in upholding the value of our historically significant places and the enjoyment of our public open spaces to check if their projects are eligible and submit a funding application."

Applications are now open for the following grant categories:

The Heritage Grants program supports local community to restore and conserve places of heritage value that are covered by a heritage overlay in the Cardinia Shire Planning Scheme. Under the program, matched funding (dollar-for-dollar) is available for eligible projects of up to $5,000 for public property and up to $2,500 for private property.

The funds are available for private sites, and places open and accessible to the public, including commercial premises and other significant sites. Gardens, trees and hedges identified as having heritage significance, and covered by a heritage overlay, are also eligible.

Applications are open until 3pm on Friday 30 May 2025.

Find out more about eligibility, including instructions to check if your place or site is covered by a heritage overlay, and for more information, visit: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/HeritageGrants

The Beautification Grants program supports eligible community groups and individuals to undertake landscape enhancement projects on public open space.

The program provides matched funding (dollar-for-dollar) of up to $2,000 for eligible projects that aim to enhance and beautify local open space areas across the Shire. Grant funding is available to help cover the costs of purchasing plant material, stakes, tree guards and mulch as well as other landscaping materials, such as street and park furniture, and the labour used for site preparation, planting and ongoing maintenance.

Applications are open until 5pm on Friday 9 May 2025.

For more information about project eligibility, timelines and how to apply, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/BeautificationGrants

To learn more about Council’s community grant opportunities visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/Grants

For enquiries, please call Council’s Customer Support team on 1300 787 624.