Iron Talisman Civic LabApply for Funding

How It Works

A supportive pathway from idea to delivery, with evidence at every step.

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Our Process

  1. Explore: Check streams and see past projects.
  2. Shape: Use our templates to define outcomes, risks, and budget.
  3. Review: Independent panel assesses against published criteria.
  4. Deliver: You lead; we mentor and unblock.
  5. Share: Publish results and lessons in plain language.
  • Week 0–1: Idea clinic
  • Week 2–3: Submit proposal
  • Week 4: Decision
  • Week 5–12: Delivery and check-ins
  • Week 13: Story and results published
  • Applicant: delivery lead and community engagement
  • Iron Talisman: mentoring, risk support, reporting
  • Partners: site access, specialist input, approvals
  • One-page proposal
  • Simple budget
  • Risk and site permissions (if needed)
  • Community support notes

Eligibility & Assessment

  • Clear public benefit and inclusion
  • Feasible, time-bound plan
  • Appropriate risk controls
  • Reasonable costs

Impact potential (40%), Feasibility (30%), Inclusion (20%), Learning (10%).

Most applications receive a decision within four weeks.

FAQs

Do I need a sponsor? Not for microgrants; pilots may require a partner.

Can we apply as a school? Yes, projects must offer community benefit.

What if we’re new to grants? That’s who we’re here for — we’ll coach you.

Key Dates

  • Quarterly panels: March, June, September, December
  • Youth stream opens: February and August
  • Placemaking pilots: rolling intake

Join our reminder list and never miss a round.

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Success Stories

“We went from idea to funded pilot in a month — the templates and coaching removed the guesswork.”

Ruth Wallace, Northcote VIC

“Their accountability framework made our council briefing simple and persuasive.”

Diego Santoro, Community Partner

Application Support

  • Mondays 11:00–13:00 — Phone
  • Thursdays 15:00–17:00 — Video

Phone: +61 3 7034 8120

Email: [email protected]

Address: Level 2, 245 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Guidance docs: Outcome Map (PDF) · Risk Checklist (PDF) · Budget Template (Sheet)

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