2026 Small Grant PrograM - Building Connection Across the G21 Region

Building stronger communities through social cohesion

Strong communities are built through connection, participation, and a sense of belonging.

For the PMF Foundation’s 2026 Small Grants Program, we focused on Community and Social Cohesion, supporting locally led projects that bring people together, foster inclusion, and improve social wellbeing across the G21 region.

The program was open to organisations delivering activities across the City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe, Golden Plains Shire, Surf Coast Shire and Colac-Otway Shire. We were looking for projects that demonstrated a clear community need, had the potential to create meaningful social impact, and could contribute to stronger, more inclusive and resilient communities.

We are delighted to provide $120,000 in total funding, with six organisations each receiving a $20,000 grant.

Meet our 2026 Small Grant recipients

The Good Neighbourhood Project
Supporting initiatives that strengthen neighbourhood connections and create opportunities for people to build relationships and a greater sense of belonging in their local community.

Outpost Geelong
Supporting community connection and inclusion through initiatives that provide opportunities for people to participate, connect, and access support.

Lazurus
Supporting people experiencing disadvantage and creating pathways to greater connection, participation and wellbeing.

Torquay Food Aid
Supporting local people and families experiencing food insecurity, while creating a welcoming and accessible community support network across the Surf Coast.

Common Ground
Supporting initiatives that bring people together, strengthen inclusion, and create opportunities for connection and participation within the community.

Surf Coast Community Group – Spring Creek Community Land Project
Helping the local community explore the future potential of this important piece of land and develop a clear vision and business case for the next stage of the project.

Together, these six organisations are responding to local needs in different ways, but share a common goal: creating communities where people feel included, supported, valued and able to participate.

We are proud to support their work and look forward to seeing these community-led projects develop over the coming year.