Heritage Assistance Grant

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

Applications are assessed through a fair and transparent process.  Depending on the funding round, the assessment and approval can take up to five months.

Round 15 is now closed.

Who is eligible to apply?

The Heritage Assistance Grant 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 for the Heritage Assistance Grant, you are encouraged to download and read the Heritage Assistance Grant Guidelines(PDF, 8MB).

 Applicants can apply for the Heritage Assistance Grant more than once but not in the same funding 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 grant funding is available?

The amount of grant funding available each year is determined by Council. The Heritage Assistance Grant can provide up to 50% of the cost of proposed works, and the other 50% is to be paid by the applicant.

For example: If you apply for grant funding 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 may apply for the Heritage Assistance Grant more than once, but not in the same funding round.

How do I apply?

Applications are now closed.

Applying for the Heritage Assistance Grant is easy:

  • Contact Council’s Heritage Advisor to discuss your 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

Applications must be submitted online through SmartyGrants.

Grant Assessment Criteria

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

 

Grant 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 Heritage Assistance Grant Guidelines and score each application.
Council meeting 23 Feb 2026  The Assessment Panel recommendations will be presented to Council.
Applicants notified 27 Feb 2026 Applicants will be notified if their application was successful after the Council minutes are released.
Applicants to sign Grant Agreement February - March 2026 The Grant Agreement must be signed by the applicant and the property inspected by the heritage Advisor before works can commence.
 
More information

If you have any questions, or need assistance with your application, please contact our Strategic Planning team on 03 9747 7200 or email citysupport@melton.vic.gov.au.

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