Look Over the Farm Gate Community Event Grants

This program aims to provide funding for community groups to run a single event or a series of events in their community to address mental health.

There is currently one grant program open for the following communities: drought-affected communities in East Gippsland and Northern Victoria. Applications from neighboring shires will also be considered.

Grants of up to $1,500 are available.

The application deadlines are:
- Pre-event: Applications must be submitted at least six weeks before event and must begin advertising the event at least four weeks before event.
- Post-event: Applicants must mail feedback forms to VFF within one week after event and must complete the online acquittal within two weeks after event.

Eligible applicants include any community groups, Shire Councils or VFF branches in the eligible communities.

For the purpose of Look Over the Farm Gate, 'community group' is defined as a local, grassroots society, association or club engaged in charitable or other community-based activity operating under Australian law and not for the purpose of making a profit. The aim of the group is to work for the public benefit. Community groups may include those who are incorporated, unincorporated, co-operatives or registered charities. Examples of community groups LOTFG is targeting are, but not limited to:
- Rotary clubs
- Lions clubs
- Women’s associations
- Men’s sheds
- Sporting and cultural clubs
- Neighbourhood or community houses

All community groups must be located in South West Victoria, have their own ABN (Australian Business Number) and a bank account in the community group's name.

Eligible events include:
- Community barbeque
- Regular fitness meet-ups
- Community tree planting
- A family movie night
- Whatever the community needs to come together and take a break

Please refer to the website for the complete list and examples of eligible events.

The main assessment criteria include the:
- Event will be held in an eligible community.
- Event provides an opportunity for farmers and community members to take a break and reconnect with their community.
- Event addresses and promotes positive mental health and wellbeing.
- Purpose of the event(s) are clear and achievable.
- Proposal articulates how the event will benefit the community.
- Event is aligned with Look Over the Farm Gate’s values and goals.
- Proposed budget is realistic.

The following are ineligible for funding:
- Normal operational costs.
- For profit organisations.
- Existing activity or programs.
- General fundraising appeal.
- Deficit funding.
- Duplication of existing services, programs or events in the target community.
- Projects that do not align with Look Over the Farm Gate’s values and goals.
- Projects outside the fire-affected communities of south west Victoria.
- Projects that do not benefit fire-affected farmers, families and communities.
- Alcohol can be present at Look Over the Farm Gate events, however the purchase of alcohol will not be reimbursed with Look Over the Farm Gate grant funding.