Cardinia Shire Community Grant Expo

The 2025 Grant Expo is the first to be held in Cardinia and will take place on Wednesday, 12 February, from 4pm to 7pm at the Pakenham Hall, located at 6E Henry Street, Pakenham. This event promises to be an invaluable resource for community members interested in applying for grants. 

Cardinia Shire Mayor, Councillor Jack Kowarzik, invites community members to attend the upcoming Grant Expo to learn more about available community grant opportunities. "We encourage all interested community groups to participate in this unique event," said Mayor Kowarzik. "The Grant Expo demonstrates our commitment to supporting our local community and fostering successful projects across the shire." 

The Grant Expo aims to provide a comprehensive 'one-stop-shop' for local community groups, including Asset Committees, not-for-profit organisations, multicultural groups, sports groups, Neighbourhood Houses, Men's Sheds, and other local groups.  

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with various information stalls and gain helpful grant writing tips. Council representatives will be on hand at dedicated stalls, covering various grant categories, including: 

• Liveability 
• Community and Cultural Wellbeing Grants 
• Festival and Event Grants 
• Arts and Culture Grants 
• Economic Development Grants 
• Open Space/Beautification Grants  
• Risk Management  

Key partner organisations will also attend to provide tailored advice to help navigate the grant process.  

The event will also include two grant writing information sessions at 4:30pm and 6pm, each running for 30 minutes. These sessions will equip attendees with the skills to develop strong grant applications. 

Council Officers will be available throughout the event to brainstorm with community members to discuss potential projects and their alignment with Council plans, providing essential guidance for attendees. 

The expo provides a fantastic opportunity for skill development and project discussions to assist the community in navigating the highly competitive community grant process. Attendance at the event does not guarantee grant approval but will provide community members with the knowledge needed to create compelling applications. 

Community members are encouraged to register their interest in attending via the registration form. To find out more or to register for the Grant Expo, visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/grants