Help Guides:
Smartygrants Help Guide for Applicants
Smartygrants Applicants FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
How do I apply for a Grant?
Select the relevant stream and apply through the link.
Applications are made through SmartyGrants - an online grant management program. Applicants are required to register or log in to SmartyGrants to start a submission. Attachments can be uploaded in acceptable formats (refer to Applicant’s Help Guide) and recommended size is 5mb, however 25mb is the limit.
Applications can be saved without submission, allowing a work-in-progress. When the application is complete, select SUBMIT. Applicants will receive a confirmation email from SmartyGrants when submitted.
The APPLY NOW link is available along with further information on each funding stream's page.
Can I apply for more than one Grant?
No. One application only may be submitted per organisation, regardless of the funding stream. It is important to select the most relevant stream to apply to: Community Grants, Event Grants or Business Grants.
How do I know which Grant to apply for?
Each grant stream is explained in the Guidelines, highlighting eligibility of who can / cannot apply for each type of grant and project activities that may be funded.
Select the grant stream that best matches the project or event you are applying for:
- Community Grants
- Events Grants
- Business Grants
If you have a query after reading the Guidelines, contact the Grants & Development Officer on (03) 5232 9400 or inq@colacotway.vic.gov.au
Can I submit an application this year if I received funding last year?
Yes, if the previous project is complete and the grant is acquitted.
Please Note: applicants that have an outstanding acquittal from a previous grant round will not be eligible to apply for any future grant round. Contact the Grants Officer to discuss if your current project will not be completed prior to the application closing date.
When will I hear the outcome of my grant application?
Council will endorse the grant allocations at the Council meeting on 24 June 2025. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application. Key dates are listed under the tab above.
What is an Auspice arrangement?
If your group is not incorporated (and not a Community Asset Committee (CAC) on behalf of Council), you need to arrange for a legally constituted organisation (incorporated organisation) to handle any funds that are received from the grant program for your group; this is called an Auspice.
What do I need to prepare for an acquittal report?
Receipts are required to cover the value of the grant and your matching cash contribution. Keep receipts for all eligible purchases made. Refer to back to your application in SmartyGrants to check what the funds are approved to be spent on. Photos of Before (if applicable) and After will be required. Use this opportunity to showcase your project or event. Recognition of Council's funding support is required, and copies to be included in the Acquittal Report.
Who can I contact for queries and further assistance with my application?
Contact the grants team on inq@colacotway.vic.gov.au or 5232 9400.
Hints & Tips
Tips for Writing an Application:
Top Tips for Grant Writing(DOCX, 339KB)
Tips for Completing the Budget:
Fact Sheet - Tips for completing the budget Grants Program(PDF, 533KB)
Example of a Funding Agreement:
Funding Agreement Example 2023 - 2024(PDF, 64KB)
Acknowledgement & Promotion Guide:
Acknowledgement Promotional Guide Colac Otway Shire Grants Program(DOCX, 30KB)
Hints & Tips Submitting Acquittal Photographs
Hints & Tips Submitting Acquittal Photographs(DOCX, 518KB)