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Our grants
Two ways we back young people.
The Foundation awards two sets of grants: the Award of Excellence for young adults, and School Encouragement Grants for Year 12 students.
Award of Excellence
Our grants recognise excellence in a chosen field of interest, whether this is academic, sporting, environmental, artistic or vocational. Grants may be used to fund expenses such as:
- Costs associated with education or training
- Travel to and attendance at a conference or event
- Tools and equipment
- The pursuit of academic projects
We especially welcome initiatives that aim, or have the potential, to improve the lives and experiences of people within Melbourne's north-west, which:
- Meet an identified local community need, and/or
- Promote and enable community access, participation and/or inclusion, especially for diverse, disadvantaged or marginalised communities.
Grants of up to $10,000 are available each year.
Eligibility
Who can apply
To be eligible for a Moonee Valley Foundation grant, you must meet all of these criteria:
- Be part of the north-west community, i.e. live, work, play or play sport in the region.
- Be between 17 and 32 years of age.
- Be able to use the funding within two years of receiving the grant.
Selection criteria
How we decide
Written applications and personal interviews are assessed on:
- Community benefit of the activity.
- Demonstrated excellence in your field of endeavour, e.g. academic or competition results, extra-curricular activities, professional recognition or community involvement.
- Importance of the proposal to your chosen field of endeavour.
- Personal presentation skills and your ability to advocate for your application and field of endeavour.
Key dates
When to apply
You can submit an Award of Excellence application at any time of year. The closing date is 31 May every year.
- Any time
Apply online for the Award of Excellence.
- 31 May
The closing date each year. Get yours in by this date.
- June
Finalists are interviewed by a board panel.
- August
Grant presentations. Winners are required to attend.
Interview and presentation dates are to be announced. School Encouragement Grants run separately: nominations open in September and close in November each year.
School Encouragement Grants
Applications open in September each year and close in November.
School Encouragement Grants are awarded to Year 12 students at participating colleges in the Northern and Western regions of Melbourne. Colleges can nominate students to receive the encouragement award in recognition of their resilience, determination or courage.
Each student is eligible for a $200 grant. Payments are made before 31 December.
For teachers: download the nomination form, fill it in and email it to info@
Got a goal? Let's get it funded.
Check you're eligible in three quick questions, then apply online. Your answers save as you go.