Heritage Assistance Fund

The heritage assistance fund provides financial assistance to landowners, companies, or community groups to maintain, repair or conserve a heritage place or for preparation of conservation management plans for a heritage place within the municipality.

Getting public funding for work on private property takes time. To make sure everything is fair and clear, the approval process is strict and can take up to five months.

Round 15 opens on 11 September and applications must be received before 31 October 2025.

Who is eligible to apply?

The fund is open to companies, individuals, community groups and committees who own or manage a heritage place in the City of Melton.

As there are several key requirements that must be satisfied to be eligible to apply for a community grant, you are encouraged to download and read the Heritage Assistance Fund Guidelines(PDF, 8MB).

 Applicants can apply to the fund more than once but not in the same round.

 Please note: Works to heritage places may require a planning permit. Please contact Council to check if you works will require a permit before you complete your application.

 Applicants are encouraged to contact Council's Heritage Advisor to discuss their proposed project for advice and guidance, who can be reached via email at citysupport@melton.vic.gov.au or phone 03 9747 7200.

What funds are available?

The amount of funds approved by Council each year can vary. The fund can provide only 50% of the cost of works proposed, and the other 50% is to be paid by the applicant.

For example: If you apply to the fund for painting works and the quote is for $6,000, Council will not pay more than $3,000 which is 50% of the cost of the project.

Applicants can apply to the fund more than once, but not in the same funding round.

How do I apply?

Applying for the fund is easy:

  • Make contact with Council’s Heritage Advisor so they can assess the project’s eligibility at citysupport@melton.vic.gov.au or call 03 9747 7200
  • Once you know your project is eligible, get two quotes from professional tradespeople and enquire about the need for permits
  • Take a few photos of the place, the issues and the condition of the fabric
  • The owner's consent will be required if the applicant is not the owner

All grant applications are received through an online tool called SmartyGrants.

There are simple steps to apply for funding: 

  1. Select Apply Now
  2. Select 'Start a Submission'
  3. Create Login
  4. Complete Application
  5. Submit

Apply Now ❯

Grant Assessment Criteria

To better understand how your application will be assessed, please refer to the Scoring Matrix.(PDF, 169KB)

 

Approval process and timelines

The table below clearly outlines the application and assessment process and things you will need to consider at each stage.

Milestones  Date Things to know and consider
Letters sent to properties with a current heritage overlay 4 September 2025 Start preparing quotes. Check with Council on your eligibility and the need for a planning permit. Speak to Council’s Heritage Advisor available on Thursdays on 03 5449 0079 or email citysupport@melton.vic.gov.au.
Application period opens 11 September 2025 Lodge applications through Smarty Grants at melton.smartygrants.com.au/HAF2025
Application period closes 31 October 2025 Make sure you have obtained valid quotes and provided adequate documentation for the assessment.
Applications assessed 6 November – 4 December 2025
  • You or your nominated tradesperson may be contacted during this period to clarify quotes and if applicable, permit requirements. Some quotes might need to be modified or require re-quoting.
  • The Heritage Advisor may need to inspect your property or ask for more information about the application.
  • A panel of Council Officers will assess the applications for eligibility, rate the applications against the fund guidelines and score each application.
Council meetings 15 December 2025  The Assessment Panel recommendations will be determined by Council.
Applicants notified 22 December 2025 Applicants will be notified if their application was successful after the Council minutes are released.
Applicants to complete funds agreement January - February 2026 The funds agreement needs to be signed by the applicant and the property inspected by the heritage Advisor before works can commence.
 
More information

Should you have any queries regarding the fund or need assistance with submitting your application, please contact our Strategic Planning team on 03 9747 7200 or email citysupport@melton.vic.gov.au.

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