Online Grants Now More Accessible with SmartySearch

Published on 17 July 2026

Community groups, organisations and residents will now have a simpler way to find funding opportunities, with Southern Grampians Shire Council launching the SmartySearch online grants search portal. 

SmartySearch is an intuitive online tool that helps community members discover funding opportunities from a wide range of providers, all in one place. 
 
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said the new portal is a step forward in making grant opportunities more accessible for the community. 

“The community has been asking for a simpler way to find grants, and SmartySearch delivers just that,” Cr Heslin said.    

“Finding the right grant can often be time consuming, with funding opportunities spread across multiple websites. SmartySearch brings together relevant local, state and federal grants in one searchable portal, making it easier to explore available funding opportunities, save time, and access the information needed to bring projects to life.”  

SmartySearch replaces the previous GrantGuru portal on Council's website, offering an updated, user-friendly search experience with improved functionality and a simpler way to explore available funding. 

“Another key benefit of SmartySearch is that no login or account is required, making it quick and accessible for everyone to use,” concluded Cr Heslin.  

The new SmartySearch portal is available for use on Council's Grants webpage. Community members are encouraged to explore the platform and contact Council's Grants Team if they have any questions or would like assistance. 

The grants team can be contacted on 5573 044 during business hours or via email at communitygrants@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au.  

To help users get started, a short demonstration video on how the portal functions can be accessed online. A frequently asked questions (FAQ) is also available to help users get the most out of SmartySearch. 

Happy grant searching! 

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