If you've ever wondered what happens when a water company hands local groups some cash and simply asks, "what would actually help your community?", Melbourne's north and east just gave eighteen very good answers!

So, What Did Yarra Valley Water Actually Fund?

Yarra Valley Water has awarded nearly $180,000 to 18 community-led projects through its 2026 Community Grants Program, now in its second year. The funding stretches across the utility's whole service area, from the Yarra Ranges to Darebin.

Managing Director Natalie Foeng said the response to this year's program showed how passionate local communities are about creating positive change, and that every project funded would create a ripple effect well beyond the grant itself. It's a nice reminder that some of the best environmental work doesn't happen in a boardroom. It happens in school vegetable patches and community sheds.

From Backyard Chickens to Big Lessons in Water

Take Coldstream Primary School, one of this year's recipients. Its $3,000 grant will connect a rainwater tank to the school's vegetable garden and its much loved chicken coop, affectionately known as Cluckingham Palace.

Acting Principal Liam Sommers said students would now be able to see sustainability in action rather than just learning about it in the classroom, watching firsthand how collecting and reusing water can make a real difference to their gardens and their chickens. 

Recycled Sneakers, Rescued Creeks and a Safer Shower

Three other recipients show just how far a grant can stretch.

Whittlesea charity Boots For All will install a closed-loop wash system to clean and prepare up to 10,000 pairs of reusable sports shoes for people who need them, while saving more than 150,000 litres of water each year in the process. Chief executive Joanne Rockwell said the project would help keep more shoes out of landfill and reduce the charity's environmental footprint, calling it a great example of sustainability and community impact going hand in hand.

Meanwhile, in Monash, the Friends of Damper Creek Conservation Reserve will use its funding to restore vegetation and strengthen habitat links for local wildlife, while in Darebin, Jika Jika Community Centre will install a water-efficient shower to give people experiencing homelessness, volunteers and community members a safe, dignified facility.

Small Grants, One Big Ripple Effect

These four projects are just a taste of the 18 being funded this round, with schools, scout groups, neighbourhood houses and emergency services volunteers all sharing in the support.

It's the kind of story that makes you want to check what is happening in your own postcode. Small grants, handed to people who already know their community best, adding up to useful outcomes for people, waterways and local biodiversity across Melbourne.

Ready for another feel-good story? Check out our blog here about the Queensland recycling strategy aiming for less landfill by 2035!

With love,
Ellie x

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yarra Valley Water's Community Grants Program?

It's a funding program, now in its second year, that supports community organisations, schools and local groups across Yarra Valley Water's service area to deliver projects that use water wisely, strengthen communities and care for the environment.

How much funding did Yarra Valley Water award in 2026?

Yarra Valley Water awarded nearly $180,000 across 18 community-led projects in its 2026 Community Grants Program.

Which areas does the Yarra Valley Water Community Grants Program cover?

The program covers Yarra Valley Water's full service area, spanning the Yarra Ranges to Darebin, and including Hume, Whittlesea, Monash, Maroondah, Whitehorse, Manningham, Merri-Bek and Banyule.

How will Boots For All use its Yarra Valley Water grant?

Boots For All, based in Whittlesea, will use its grant to install a closed-loop wash system that cleans and prepares up to 10,000 pairs of reusable sports shoes for people in need, while saving more than 150,000 litres of water each year.

What did Coldstream Primary School's grant fund?

Coldstream Primary School received a $3,000 grant to connect a rainwater tank to its vegetable garden and chicken coop, giving students a hands-on way to learn about sustainable water use.