The Grants Program
Villa Dalmacia Grants Program Guide
The Villa Dalmacia Grants Program supports local communities in Western Australia, with a particular focus on communities of Southern European descent. The program provides funding for initiatives that promote community welfare, social inclusion, and cultural heritage.
The program aligns with the charitable purposes of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and supports a broad range of individuals, families, and community groups across Western Australia.
Why Apply?
Grants should focus on one or more of the following priority areas:
01.
Improving Community Welfare
Funding for projects that address essential community needs, including health, education, wellbeing, and social support.
02.
Enhancing Social Inclusion
Initiatives that reduce isolation and improve participation, particularly for people experiencing vulnerability, including older adults, refugees, and people with disability.
03.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Support for activities that celebrate, preserve, and share the cultural heritage of Southern European and other culturally diverse communities within Western Australia.
04.
Supporting Marginalised Groups
Projects that uplift financially disadvantaged individuals, people at risk of homelessness, and those living with chronic or terminal illness.
Grant Details:
Total Funding Available
$120,000 per year
Grant Amount
$10,000 to $50,000 (In exceptional circumstances, grants above $50,000 may be awarded)
Application Period
Applications open 1 May and close 31 May each year.
Grant Awards
Successful applicants are notified in June each year.
The Grant Process
- Grant applications are live from May 1st to May 31st Every year,
- Applications are submitted online via the VDA Grants Portal
Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness
Eligible applications are assessed against published criteria
Successful applicants are notified and enter into a grant agreement
Funds are released according to the agreed payment schedule
Recipients provide progress and final reports
Who Will Benefit?
The Villa Dalmacia Grants Program supports projects that are delivered in, or provide a clear benefit to, Western Australian communities. Funding may support the following groups:
Projects that preserve, promote, and celebrate Southern European culture and heritage within Western Australia.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities
Initiatives that address social isolation, strengthen cultural connection, and promote community cohesion.
Families and Individuals, including:
- Early Childhood (under 6 years)
- Children (6–15 years)
- Youth (15–25 years)
- Adults (25–65 years)
- Older Adults (65+ years)
Marginalised and Vulnerable Groups
Including migrants, refugees, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, individuals experiencing financial hardship or homelessness, and people living with chronic or terminal illness.
People with Disabilities
Programs that promote accessibility, inclusion, independence, participation, and improved quality of life.
At-Risk Groups
Including victims of crime or domestic violence, unemployed persons, veterans and their families, and others experiencing social or economic disadvantage.
Environmental Initiatives
Community-led projects that protect, restore, or enhance the environment and promote sustainable practices within Western Australia.
Charitable and Community Organisations
Western Australia–based organisations delivering projects that benefit local communities. Projects involving overseas activity will only be considered where there is a clear and direct benefit to Western Australian communities.
General Community
Projects that improve welfare, education, health, social cohesion, or community wellbeing within Western Australia.
Guide for the Villa Dalmacia Grants Program
The Villa Dalmacia Association (VDA) delivers an annual grants program to support community-led initiatives across Western Australia. This guide outlines the policies and procedures governing the program to ensure transparency, accountability, and measurable community impact.
Grant Program Overview
The grants program funds initiatives that strengthen communities, enhance wellbeing, and celebrate cultural heritage. VDA works in partnership with local organisations to maximise reach, sustainability, and impact.
Objectives
- Support Community Projects
Fund initiatives that enhance welfare, health, education, and cultural participation. - Promote Social Inclusion
Reduce isolation, particularly among older adults and culturally diverse communities.
Enhance Cultural Heritage
Preserve and celebrate Southern European culture and traditions within Western Australia.
Funding Details
- Total Annual Budget: $120,000
- Grant Range: $10,000 to $50,000
(Higher amounts may be approved in exceptional circumstances) - Grant Cycle: Annual
- Application Period: 1 May – 31 May
Grant Awards: June
Policies
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Individuals, incorporated organisations, and community groups based in Western Australia
- Applicants delivering projects that benefit Western Australian communities
Ineligible Applicants
- Government agencies
- Schools and hospitals
- Organisations receiving government funding for the same project or activity
Conflict of Interest
- VDA Board members are not eligible to apply and must declare any actual or perceived conflicts of interest
- Applications are assessed by an independent evaluation committee to ensure fair and unbiased decision-making
Procedures
Application Procedure
- Applications open 1 May and close 31 May each year
- Applications must be submitted online using the official application form
- Applicants are notified of outcomes in June
Assessment Procedure
- Initial eligibility screening by the Grant Administrator
- Independent assessment by the Evaluation Committee
- Final approval by the VDA Board of Directors
Awarding Process
- Successful applicants are notified in June
- Grant recipients must enter into a formal grant agreement
- Funds are disbursed in line with the agreed payment schedule
Roles and Responsibilities
Board of Directors
- Provide strategic oversight and final approval
- Ensure conflicts of interest are appropriately managed
Grant Administrator
- Manage applications and administration
- Act as the primary point of contact for applicants
- Engage with community stakeholders and partners
Evaluation Committee
- Independently assess applications
- Make funding recommendations
- Ensure transparent and unbiased evaluation
Reporting and Accountability
- Annual progress reports may be required for up to three years
- A final report and financial acquittal is required at project completion
- Financial audits may be undertaken where appropriate
- VDA publishes an annual summary of funded projects and outcomes
Community Engagement and Partnerships
VDA actively engages with community stakeholders to ensure the grants program remains responsive to evolving community needs. Partnerships with local organisations are encouraged to strengthen outcomes and long-term impact across Western Australia.
Am I Eligible? (Quick Guide)
You may be eligible to apply if:
- ✅ You are based in Western Australia
- ✅ Your project will be delivered in, or clearly benefit, Western Australian communities
- ✅ You are an individual, incorporated organisation, or community group
- ✅ Your project aligns with community wellbeing, inclusion, culture, or environmental outcomes
You are not eligible if:
- ❌ You are a government agency, school, or hospital
- ❌ You are receiving government funding for the same project
Applications open 1 May and close 31 May each year. Grants are awarded in June.