General
What is the Regional Infrastructure Fund?
The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) 2022-23 seeks to assist the growth of rural and regional Victoria by providing grants for infrastructure projects that have the potential to stimulate economic and community development.
RIF 2022-23 will focus on funding activities that create and retain jobs in regional areas and support regional economies and communities. Projects should also support one or more aspects of economic transition, diversification and recovery efforts, improve community access and usability of precincts, towns or regions or increase economic and social benefits through investment in strategic and public enabling infrastructure are encouraged.
In 2022-23, RIF will be delivered as a contestable fund, where projects are assessed and then scored against a merit criterion to identify the most suitable projects, rather than a competitive round.
Applications
When do applications open and close for the Regional Infrastructure Fund 2022-23?
Applications are now open and close at 11:59pm on 17 August 2022. Late applications will not be accepted.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to assist in the timely assessment of applications.
How much funding can I apply for?
Grant funding of between $20,000 and up to $3 million (excluding GST) per project may be requested by an applicant. A lower grant amount than requested may be offered to a successful applicant.
In determining RIF funding, previous Victorian Government contributions from all sources may be taken into consideration.
Where can I apply for the grants?
The full application process is outlined on the Regional Infrastructure Fund page and in the program guidelines.
When will I be notified of an outcome?
Applicants should expect to learn the outcome of their application by October 2022.
Projects
When will my project need to be completed by?
There is currently no date for which projects funded under the Regional Infrastructure Fund 2022-23 must be completed.
Will I be required to report on the progress of my project?
Successful applicants will be required to cooperate with any evaluation activity undertaken during and/or after completion of the project for use in program evaluation reviews and Regional Development Victoria (RDV) marketing materials.
After completion of the project, applicants must submit annual evaluation reports assessing the project’s success in meeting its stated objectives, outputs and outcomes. Depending on the significance of the project, these evaluation reports may be required for up to three years following completion of the funded project.
It is the responsibility of successful applicants to put in place adequate collection arrangements to capture the appropriate data in relation to outputs and outcomes.
