Council's community grant applications are assessed three times a year with rounds closing at the end of February, June and October. This is the last community grants round assessed and completed under the current Council assessment criteria, with the new reviewed Community Grants Program soon to commence.

This current round of grants received 12 applications at a total amount requested of $26,976.50 with the assessment committee recommending that $25,176.50 in grants be distributed in this round due to a shortfall of matching funds in the applications from the Ararat Pony Club and the Ararat Blue Yang project.

Grants approved include: Ararat Pony Club - $ 1,500 for an endurance ride event; Ararat Red Cross Unit - $400 for the 100th year celebrations in October; Willaura and District Kindergarten - $594.50 for the Willaura Kids Fest, a fundraiser involving a magic performer and activity stations, to be held in September; Grampians Soaring Club - $1,657.50 to replace floor coverings at the clubhouse; Grampians Soaring Club - $ 2,917 to install a solar system on the club house hangar roof; Tatyoon Recreation Reserve - $2,400 to install a new wood heater and purchase of vacuum cleaner and dim sim steamer for the hall; St Andrews Kindergarten - $1,895 for a fun run for all ages to be held during the Golden Gateway Festival; Elmhurst Playgroup - $500 for the playgroup's 30th birthday celebrations and open day in September; Ararat Eisteddfod - $5,000 for the 59th annual Eisteddfod; Ararat - Blue Yang $1,950 for an Ararat Road Safety Project and purchase of bikes and helmets; Warrak Hall Committee - $1,362 to install a reverse cycle split system in the hall.

In addition Council has approved in principle the grant application assessment committee's recommendation for the Willaura Recreation Reserve Committee of Management grant for $5,000 towards the purchase of a mower, subject to the successful obtainment of additional grants from Foundation of Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) $5,000 and Pacific Hydro $5,000 and on the attainment of a further two quotes for the mower.

The Willaura Recreation Reserve Committee of Management will also be advised that the mower is to be used on the Willaura Recreation Reserve grounds only due risk and governance implications.