Yarra City Council has awarded a total of $965,376 and an additional 110 grants through the latest round of its Annual Grants program for 2023.

Yarra’s Annual Grants program provides funding for a wide range of projects and programs being delivered by some of Yarra’s leading not-for-profit organisations and grassroots community organisations, as well as to individual artists for community-led projects.

Yarra Mayor Cr Sophie Wade said the program continues to strengthen the community by providing a flexible and responsive source of funds for local initiatives.

“This year’s recipients are doing incredible work for the Yarra community, and I look forward to seeing these diverse and important projects come to life,” Mayor Wade said.

“For Yarra’s nearly $1 million investment, more than $4.5 million worth of projects will be delivered across the community. The Annual Grants program provides a flexible and responsive source of funds for a variety of exciting local initiatives,” she said.

Funding is used to support projects that deliver outcomes aligned with Yarra’s Council Plan and target the areas of highest need within the community. A total of 172 applications were received across twelve grant streams, ranging from community housing to festivals and events.

Successful grant recipients funded through this year’s program include:

• Community Free Haircuts, who provide free haircuts for those experiencing disadvantage in the Yarra community, particularly those living in public housing
• Friends of Merri Creek Labyrinth, who restore the biodiversity of the area along the Marri Creek Trail through indigenous plant revegetation
• Ngarrimili, who co-run the creative space Young Aunties Haus and is a safe space for First Nations women and young people that fosters the next generation of creatives and entrepreneurs
• Zonta Club of Melbourne on Yarra, who produce breast care cushions to support patients recovering.

Yarra’s Annual Grants are part of a larger grant program that totals more than $2.4million each year.

For more information on Yarra’s grants program, including a full list of successful projects, visit our grants page.