Mobilise your street. Fund bold local ideas.
We help neighbours turn good intentions into measurable outcomes — fast grants, practical support, and transparent reporting.
- Microgrants that unlock action within weeks, not months
- Mentoring and tools to deliver safe, scalable community projects
- Clear reporting so funders and residents see real outcomes
Mobilising neighbours, funding ideas, delivering lasting community impact
What We Do
Iron Talisman Civic Lab is a community innovation studio. We resource local people to solve local problems, then help successful pilots grow responsibly.
Seed Funding
Microgrants for grassroots projects that improve safety, belonging, sustainability, and local economies. Straightforward criteria and swift decisions.
Hands-on Mentoring
Practical coaching on budgeting, stakeholder engagement, procurement, permits, and risk — from kickoff to completion.
Evidence & Evaluation
Lightweight measurement frameworks that show outcomes residents can trust and councils can act on.
Transparent Delivery
Open criteria, independent review, and publishable summaries so the community sees where money goes.
- Clear, accessible process for first-time applicants
- Support for compliance without heavy paperwork
- Collaboration with councils, schools, and local groups
Programs & Support
Neighbourhood Microgrants
Up to small-dollar funding for practical ideas such as pocket park activations, tool libraries, accessibility improvements, and youth-led placemaking. Quick approvals and clear guidelines.
Rapid Pilots
Short, testable pilots for street safety, waste reduction, and social connection. We help you design experiments, set metrics, and learn quickly.
Mentoring & Training
From budgeting to risk management, our team equips organisers with templates, checklists, and coaching calls that reduce stress and unlock momentum.
Impact Reporting
Simple dashboards and narrative summaries that make outcomes legible to residents, partners, and funders — without the jargon.
Our Impact
We exist to prove that small, well-supported ideas can transform the places we share. By combining microgrants with mentoring and transparent evaluation, we help neighbours move from talking to doing. Our approach is inclusive by design — prioritising projects that lift participation, reduce harm, and leave communities more capable than before.
- Inclusion first
- Evidence without bureaucracy
- Shared stewardship of public spaces
- Fiscal transparency and accountability
215+ projects supported
93% on-time delivery
12 municipalities engaged
1,800+ volunteers mobilised
- Safer crossings and calmer streets near schools
- Greener laneways with resident-led maintenance
- New social ties between renters, owners, and local traders
Community Voices
“The mentoring made all the difference. We turned a rough idea into a weekend pilot that cut litter by 38%.”
Jasmine Lee, Footscray VIC
“Clear criteria, fast approvals, and they actually pick up the phone. Our street now has monthly meetups.”
Patrick O’Connell, Brunswick VIC
“As a council officer, I value their transparent reporting — it builds trust with residents and councillors alike.”
Rita Khan, City Partnerships, Melbourne VIC
Latest Initiatives & Updates
Laneway Greening Sprint
Ten microgrants helped residents co-design planter systems that improve cooling and biodiversity.
Safe-to-School Trials
Pop-up crossings tested during school drop-off improved compliance and reduced near-misses.
Repair & Share Tool Library
Local volunteers launched a lending system that saved households money and reduced waste.
- Call for youth-led placemaking projects now open
- Evaluation template 2.1 released with new equity metrics
Stay in Touch
Subscribe for program openings and community results. Email us and ask to join the list.
Contact Our Team
+61 3 7034 8120
Level 2, 245 Little Collins Street,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia