The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) has opened applications for its latest Growing Healthy Communities Grants, offering a total of $4.7 million in funding to support community-led health promotion initiatives benefiting young people and families across Victoria.
The grants support a wide range of local initiatives—community markets, physical activity programs for youth, creative transformations of local public spaces, and more—designed to enhance mental wellbeing, foster social connection, increase inclusion, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Eligible organisations—sporting, cultural, recreational, creative, community, local government, and other not-for-profit groups—may apply for funding of up to $150,000. VicHealth further intends to bolster the capacity of funded organisations by providing networking opportunities, support tools, and training to ensure sustainable local health promotion efforts.
VicHealth CEO Prof. Anna Peeters AM emphasised that the program empowers community-led solutions, stating: “Healthy food, physical movement and social connection are some of the most powerful tools we have to prevent chronic disease… These grants help transform neighbourhoods into places where health and wellbeing can thrive”.
Mary-Anne Thomas, Member for Macedon and Minister for Health announced the Growing Healthy Communities grant round in Macedon, encouraging local organisations to apply.
“The Growing Healthy Communities grants provide an opportunity for community-led organisations to build more active, inclusive and connected neighbourhoods” Ms Thomas said.
“Community organisations play a critical role in driving positive health outcomes and we look forward to supporting their important work in Macedon.”
Projects must take place between March 2026 and March 2028, with applications open now and closing on 30 October 2025. Funding guidelines are available at vichealth.au/GHCR2MP.
This article is based on a media release from the office of Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas.
