New Community Grants Framework to Boost Social Enterprise Sector

The City of Melbourne has revamped its Community Grants and Partnerships Framework to boost funding for the state’s growing social enterprise sector.

Under the new framework, the long-term community fund stream has been replaced with a Social Innovation Partnerships stream that directs funding to initiatives addressing social issues within the city.

Melbourne councillor Beverley Pinder, who chairs the People City portfolio, said this new stream would help fund well-developed program ideas and improve social enterprises’ access to council support for projects.

“There are 20,000 social enterprises in Australia, and this number is continuing to grow. Social enterprises often face financial barriers and this new framework will offer the local government support this sector needs,” Pinder said.

David Brookes, the managing director of Social Traders, said local government support would help provide social enterprises with vital support.

“Social enterprises are businesses that trade to intentionally tackle social problems, improve communities, provide people access to employment and training, or help the environment. Like any trading business, access to multiple sources of capital is essential – especially at an early stage,” Brookes said.

“The City of Melbourne is showing positive leadership by creating support for Melbourne’s social enterprise sector, which has great potential in generating positive and sustainable social change in Victoria.”

The new framework also comprises three other streams: Connected Communities, Community Funding Agreements and Partnership and Professional Development.

Pinder said the new Community Grants and Partnership Framework would invest $2 million annually to a variety of for-purpose groups and initiatives.

“While the community grants program has consistently achieved high-quality outcomes, delivering a new framework is a key part of our commitment to invest in areas that will have the highest social impact,” she said.

“Melbourne is home to a great number of Australia’s philanthropic and charity headquarters and we’re determined to have a nimble and innovative program that responds to community needs.”

Applications for the Social Innovation Partnerships are now open and close on Tuesday 15 January.