Gardiner Foundation Community Collaborative Grants

Who can apply

To be eligible for a grant, organisations must be either:

• A) Non-profit (with either an Incorporation Certificate and/or an ABN) servicing Victorian communities where the dairy industry is a primary economic and social activity (refer to eligible LGAs in the Defining Dairy Communities section); OR
• B) A Social Enterprise, Mutual or Co-op with models of moderate to high benefit for dairy communities.

Weighting will be given to enterprises with annual revenue of $500K or less that demonstrate collaboration through formal partnerships, including partnering with larger organisations to provide in-kind support (e.g. staff time, facilities, equipment or pro bono expertise), and/or collaboration with other funders.

Gardiner Foundation believes that dairying communities know best what they need to thrive. These grants therefore support locally-led, co-designed projects that connect community organisations with cross-industry partners (for example, education, health, local government, environment, technology, employment and training) to pool expertise, share resources and accelerate impact, strengthening capability and helping to build a positive, resilient future.

Approaches to adaptation and transitions may include, but are not limited to:

• Land usage change, farm aggregation and succession/sales
• Supporting skilled workforce – culture and ethnicity, proximity, longevity, etc
• Building and improving social infrastructure
• Addressing climate impacts
• Farming and science development

Examples of adaptation and transition strategies relevant to Victoria’s dairying communities include, but are not limited to:

• Changes in land use, including farm consolidation, succession planning, and sales to ensure sustainability and generational continuity
• Strengthening the skilled dairy workforce, with a focus on cultural diversity, retention, local recruitment, and long-term employment opportunities
• Enhancing and expanding social infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of dairying communities
• Responding proactively to climate-related challenges, such as altered seasonal patterns and increased extreme weather events
• Advancing dairy farming practices and scientific innovation to support industry resilience, efficiency, and environmental stewardship

Adaptation and transitions refer to significant changes impacting dairy communities. Projects must benefit disadvantaged or marginalised groups within Victoria’s dairying regions, especially those connected to the dairy supply chain, and deliver clear benefits for the broader community. The extended application period allows for community consultation and the development of locally-driven solutions.

This multi-year funding prioritises ambitious, collaborative projects that demonstrate shared roles, decision-making, and partnerships across sectors, with measurable benefits for the wider community. Proposals showing in-kind contributions (such as partner staff time, pro bono expertise, facilities, or equipment) as well as co-funding or matched cash will be preferred.

Grants of up to $75,000 ($25,000 per year for 3 years) are available for:

• Seed funding
• Project or service delivery
• Data and regional metrics for planning and development
• Coaching, accelerators, and program support
• Events and workshops
• Training and education
• Equipment
• Other activities

Gardiner Foundation will not consider funding for:

• Activities that are partisan or religious in nature
• Activities that are already funded by Gardiner Foundation
• Retrospective activities (activities that have already occurred)
• Fundraising activities for an organisation
• Advocacy and campaigning
• Capital works that do not directly support community wellbeing
• Sporting activities that do not have a focus on alleviating disadvantage
• Any commercial or business activity that detracts from the dairy industry

Multi-year grants will be awarded from a funding pool of $75,000 in each of Victoria’s dairying regions – South-West, North & Gippsland. It is anticipated that 1 grant will be awarded in each region. Multi-year grants of $25,000/year for 3 years are available ($75,000 in total).

Recipients are required to submit a report to Gardiner Foundation every 12 months. The report to Gardiner Foundation will summarising the activities, impact and learnings from the innovation grant in their region.