DSE Home > Parks & Reserves > Cultural Heritage > Grant Programs

Department of Sustainability and Environment grants

At present, there are no grants for heritage conservation projects offered by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). However, funding for projects relevant to historic places on public land may be available through other departmental grant programs. Contact your nearest DSE office to enquire about DSE grant opportunities that may be relevant to historic places on public land.

Other grant programs and opportunities

There are a number of grant programs available for heritage projects, including conservation and interpretation of historic places and objects. These grant programs are administered by the Commonwealth government, the Victorian government, municipal councils, and non-government organisations, such as philanthropic trusts.

A comprehensive guide to Commonwealth government grant programs is available via GrantsLINK, a web site devoted to information on a wide range of grant programs for community projects. Information on state government programs may also be available. The web address is: www.grantslink.gov.au

The Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) has a web site that provides up to date information on a range of grant programs, some of which can assist heritage conservation projects, in particular, Heritage Victoria’s grant programs. Check the "Grants" web pages of the DPCD web site and Heritage Victoria’s web pages for more details. The web addresses are: www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/home/grants and www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/heritage.

For information of local government grants, contact your local council or check the relevant web site.

Non-government organisations, including philanthropic trusts, may provide grants for community groups that can assist heritage projects. The focus of these grant programs may change from time to time, so it is useful to check the relevant web sites regularly.

Note, this year, the Ian Potter Foundation is offering grants of up to $20,000 to enable community or interest groups- particularly smaller Heritage Trust Groups - to prepare Conservation Management Plans that record significant built heritage and identify viable end uses for the asset. Check the Ian Potter Foundation web site for more details on eligibility and the closing date for applications.

Brief guide to agencies and grant programs

The following information provides a brief guide to agencies and grant programs contributing to heritage conservation projects during 2011. This list is not exhaustive and regular monitoring of relevant web sites is recommended.

Commonwealth Government Programs

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

Program - heritage programs (various)

Check the Department's web site under 'Heritage' for up to date information on grants and assistance.

Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Program - Saluting Their Service Commemoration Program

Saluting Their Service aims to highlight the sacrifice and service of Australia's servicemen and women in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations since Federation and to promote appreciation and understanding of the role that those who have served have played in shaping the nation. Modest grants are available for projects including restoration of monuments, events and activities. The maximum grant is $4,000.

Applications are accepted from Community and ex-service organisations, local government authorities, and other organisations such as museums and schools. Contact the
Department of Veterans' Affairs, GPO Box 9998, Melbourne, VIC 3001

Application forms are available from DVA offices, the DVA Forms system on the DVA website and Federal Members of Parliament.

Victorian Government Programs

Heritage Victoria

Program - heritage programs (various)

Funding programs are available to assist owners and managers of recognised and protected heritage places and objects. Check the Department of Planning and Community Development - Heritage Victoria web site for up to date information on grants and assistance.

Web site: www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/heritage

Parks Victoria

Program: Healthy Parks Healthy People Grants for community groups

Check the Volunteers web pages on the Parks Victoria web site for up to date information on grants and assistance.

Contact:
For further information contact your local Parks Victoria office on 13 1963 or visit the Parks Victoria web site to download application forms and guidelines.

Department of Planning and Community Development

Check the 'Grants' web pages on the Department of Planning and Community Development web site for up to date information on relevant grants and assistance. Useful programs may include:

Program - Community Support Funding

Program - Restoring Community War Memorials

Contact details can be obtained from the Grants web pages on the Department of Planning and Community Development web or you can write to Department of Planning and Community Development
GPO Box 2392, Melbourne VIC 3001. In addition you can ring the Grants Information Line: 1300 366 356

Local Government

Municipal Councils (various)

Program - Local heritage funding programs

Some municipalities in Victoria administer their own local heritage funding programs. For example, the Melbourne City Council manages the Melbourne Heritage Restoration Fund, which aims to conserve and restore the heritage of the City of Melbourne for the enjoyment of the wider community. Generally, assistance takes the form of low-interest loans from a central revolving fund but it may include small grants for works or the development of conservation management plans. Grants normally apply to owners of buildings/places protected under local planning controls.

Contact your local council for information on heritage grants and assistance.

Program - Heritage Advisory Service

Many local councils offer a free heritage advisory service to owners of buildings and places protected under local planning controls. This may take the form of practical advice on proposed conservation projects or works to repair places.

Program - Community grants

Most local councils offer community grants that may contribute to works and improvements at heritage properties managed by community groups.

Non-government organisations

A number of philanthropic organisations provide grants for cultural and environmental projects that may include heritage projects.

Ian Potter Foundation

Program - Environment and Conservation Grants 2011

Small grants of up to $20,000 may be available to enable community or interest groups- particularly smaller Heritage Trust Groups - to prepare Conservation Management Plans that record significant built heritage and identify viable end uses for the asset.

Check the Ian Potter Foundation web site for more details on eligibility and the closing date for applications.

Web site address: http://foundation.ianpotter.org.au/environment-amp-conservation

Australia’s Open Garden Scheme

Program –Community Garden Grants (ongoing)

Community Garden Grants are designed to inspire enthusiasm for gardening and improve the environment in local communities. The program supports heritage-related projects, which in the past have included tree surgery, restoration of hard landscaping and research into historic gardens.

The grants program is usually announced in early June each year. However it is recommended that community groups check the website for updates from time to time.

Check the Australia’s Open Garden Scheme website for details: www.opengarden.org.au

The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR)

Programs - various community infrastructure grant programs

The Foundation works towards assisting regional, rural and remote communities to respond to social, cultural and economic change. It administers a number of funding programs and grants.
Check the FRRR web site for current grant programs at www.frrr.org.au