Gardiner Foundation has opened two grant programs, investing in locally led initiatives to strengthen connection, resilience and long-term prosperity across Victoria's dairying regions.
The Community Collaborative Grants and Community Development Grants are open simultaneously, offering funding across different scales and project types, from small community-building activities through to multi-year collaborative initiatives.
Gardiner general manager, Community and People Development, Jenny Wilson said the two programs reflect Gardiner's commitment to vibrant, well-supported dairy communities.
"Strong communities underpin a strong dairy industry. These grants back local organisations to deliver practical projects that bring people together and build stronger, more connected regions," she said.
Community Collaborative Grants
Up to $75,000 over three years
The Community Collaborative Grants program supports multi-year initiatives that respond to the significant transitions occurring within dairy communities, including climate pressures, workforce challenges, changing demographics and industry evolution.
Delivered in partnership with Australian Communities Foundation, grants of up to $75,000 over three years ($25,000 per annum) are available for seed funding, service delivery, training and education, workshops and events, regional data and planning, and other community-led activities.
The 2026 round builds on the inaugural program, which supported three projects across Victoria:
- Murray region: Alpine Valley Dairies, Safe Farms, Strong Communities, a three-year farm safety and training initiative.
- Gippsland: Catholic College Sale for an expanded Agricultural Program connecting students with dairy through hands-on learning, industry engagement and climate-focused pasture trials.
- South West: Food and Fibre Great South Coast for a farmer-led innovation network focused on climate and production challenges.
"What stood out in the first round was the strength of local leadership and the willingness of organisations to collaborate around shared challenges and opportunities.
“We're looking forward to seeing the next generation of ideas and partnerships come forward," Ms Wilson said.
Expressions of interest close 5pm Tuesday, July 7. For more information: https://communityfoundation.org.au/grant-rounds/gardiner-foundation-2026-community-collaborative-grants/
Community Development Grants
Up to $10,000
The Community Development Grants program supports smaller, place-based projects that foster social connection, wellbeing and resilience in dairy communities. Following a successful inaugural round in 2025, which invested $150,000 into local projects, the program returns for its second year.
Grants of up to $10,000 are available for initiatives that promote social interaction, enhance wellbeing, enable digital inclusion and improve access and mobility for people in Victoria's dairying regions.
The program is delivered in partnership with the South West Community Foundation, Gippsland Community Foundation, Border Trust and Greater Shepparton Foundation.
Applications close June 30. For more information: https://gardinerfoundation.com.au/community-development/community-grants/