Ararat Wind Farm Sustainable Community Grants Fund Opens for 2026

Community groups across Ararat, Northern Grampians and Pyrenees municipalities have the chance to bring local ideas to life, with the opening of the 2026 Sustainable Community Grants Fund supported by Ararat Wind Farm.

The program, administered by Ararat Rural City Council on behalf of Ararat Wind Farm, supports initiatives that strengthen community connections, encourage environmental sustainability and improve health, education and wellbeing outcomes across the region.

This year, funding of up to $7,500 or $15,000 with a co-contribution are on offer.

The grants fund aims to support projects that:

• Encourage innovative and sustainable community initiatives
• Improve health and education outcomes through local partnerships
• Strengthen social connections and community wellbeing
• Promote healthy and active lifestyles
• Celebrate cultural diversity and creative community activities

Since the program began in 2015, more than $590,000 in grant funding has been invested into local projects.

Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said the program was a way for local not-for-profit community clubs and organisations to progress important projects – both big and small – that help make our municipality a better place.

“Last year projects that successfully received funding in our municipality included electrical works at the Elmhurst Golf Club, a new fridge for the Warrak Hall, and a thermal imaging camera for the Pomonal Fire Bridge,” said Dr Harrison. 

“Funding was also allocated across the other shires to Grampians United Soccer Club for sporting equipment to suit a diversity of players, floor coverings for the Great Western Racing Club and energy efficiency improvements to the St Arnaud City Band hall.

“This shows the types of programs, projects and initiatives that can be funded under by the Ararat Wind Farm, and I strongly encourage not-for-profits across the region to put forward an application for consideration.”

Applications for the 2026 Sustainable Community Grants Fund open on Friday 23 March and close on Monday 13 April.

For further information, contact Phillippa Cairns on 0437 715 673 or email [email protected]

To apply for the grant, see eligibility and other criteria, click here.