Is the Lewis Community Signage Grant a council or government grant?

No. It's an in-kind grant from Alpha Lewis Signs, a family signage business in North Melbourne. Groups receive signage rather than money and can apply alongside council and government grants.

Is the Lewis Community Signage Grant really free?

Yes, up to the grant value of $2,500. Groups can pay the difference at normal rates for anything extra, or scale the job to fit.

A vector logo (AI, EPS or vector PDF) helps. If you don't have one, Alpha Lewis Signs will work out what's possible.

Can a sports club that isn't a registered charity apply?

Yes. Most community sports clubs are not-for-profits. Groups that aren't incorporated can apply through a larger organisation, such as a school, club or neighbourhood house, that applies on their behalf.

What does Alpha Lewis Signs ask in return?

Permission to photograph and share the project, a short quote from the group, and a mention when the group posts about it.

Who decides who receives the grant?

The Lewis family, who run Alpha Lewis Signs. They look at how many people the group serves, how much the signage would help, and whether the group is ready to go.

Free signage for local community groups.

Q: Can we apply again next year?

Yes, if you're not successful. Past recipients wait two years before applying again.

We've been making signs in Melbourne since 1969. Twice a year, we give signage to a local community group that needs it. Clubs, schools, neighbourhood houses and community programs can apply.

Get notified when it opens

What you can get

We run the grant twice a year, and each round one group receives up to $2,500 of signage, designed, made and installed by our team. That could be a sign for your clubrooms, banners for match days, wayfinding for your centre or graphics for your front window.

Free signage for sports clubs, schools and community groups

Sports clubs

Club signage from 3D lettering above the clubroom door to wall graphics in the change rooms. Sponsor boards, fence signs and match day banners for the ground, and signwriting for the club van.

Schools and kindergartens

An entrance sign that welcomes families, wayfinding and braille signs around the grounds, and frosting for classroom windows. A mural or wall graphics can brighten a corridor or play area, and interpretive signs suit a kitchen garden.

Community groups

Shopfront and window signage, or a lightbox so people can find you after dark. Wall graphics and floor decals inside, banners and corflutes for events, and signage for the community bus. A dated reception desk can be refreshed with Cover Styl film.

Who can apply

Not-for-profit groups that serve the local community, from grassroots sports clubs (junior clubs especially) and schools, kindergartens and parent groups, to neighbourhood houses, community centres, community arts groups, youth programs, local charities and volunteer groups.

The signage needs to be installed in one of these council areas:

City of Melbourne
Maribyrnong City Council
Moonee Valley City Council
Merri-bek City Council
City of Port Phillip
Yarra City Council
Brimbank City Council
Hobsons Bay City Council

You'll need permission to install at your site (from your landlord, council or school), or be able to get it before we start.

Not eligible: businesses, individuals, political groups or campaigns, signage for places of worship, council or government-run facilities, and groups we've done paid work for in the last 12 months. Community groups based in council-owned buildings can apply, with the council's permission to install.

How it works

Tell us your story

Apply by 31 March 2027. It takes about 10 minutes.

We review every application

We read every one, and we may visit your site.

We pick one group

We announce the recipient in early May 2027.

We make it happen

We design your signage with you, make it in our North Melbourne workshop and install it.

Key dates

First round 2027

Applications open

1 February 2027

Applications close

31 March 2027

Recipient announced

Early May 2027

Signage installed

May to July 2027

Second round 2027

Applications open

1 August 2027

Applications close

30 September 2027

Recipient announced

Early November 2027

Signage installed

November 2027 to January 2028

Apply for the grant

It takes about 10 minutes, and you don't need any grant-writing experience. Applications for the first round close 31 March 2027.

1. Who are you?

Group nameABN or incorporation number, or the organisation applying on your behalfYour name and what you do in the groupEmailPhoneWhere will the sign live?

2. The good stuff

Tell us about your group and why new signage would make a difference (around 150 words)How many people come through your doors each year?What sign have you got in mind, and where would it go? (a rough idea is fine, we'll help with the rest)Got a photo of the spot? Pop it here (optional)Any deadline we should know about? (season opener, open day, a big birthday) (optional)

3. Nearly done

Have you got the OK from whoever owns the site?Do you have a logo?How did you hear about the grant?Publicity consentIf we're picked, you can show off our new signage on your website and socials.Agreed to grant rulesI've read and agree to the grant rules

Thanks for applying. We'll be in touch by early May 2027. If you have questions in the meantime, call us on 03 9329 1244.

Something went wrong and your application didn't send. Please try again, or call us on 03 9329 1244.

Applications open 1 February

Leave your details and we'll email you when applications open.

Thanks, we'll email you when applications open on 1 February.

Something went wrong and your details didn't send. Please try again, or call us on 03 9329 1244.

Common questions

Is this a council or government grant?

No. It's an in-kind grant from Alpha Lewis Signs, a family signage business in North Melbourne. You receive signage rather than money, and you can apply for it alongside council and government community grants.

Can our sports club use the grant for sponsor or clubroom signage?

Yes. Clubroom signs, sponsor boards, banners and ground signage are all good uses, as long as the club is a not-for-profit and the signage is installed in one of the eight council areas.

Is it really free?

Yes, up to the grant value. If you want more than that, you can pay the difference at our normal rates, or we'll help you scale the job to fit.

What's included?

Design, production and installation. Permits, traffic management, power connection and ongoing maintenance aren't included.

Do we need a logo?

It helps if you have your logo as a vector file (AI, EPS or vector PDF). If you don't, tell us and we'll work out what's possible.

Our sports club isn't a registered charity. Can we apply?

Yes. Most community sports clubs are not-for-profits, and that's all you need. If your group isn't incorporated, you can apply through a larger organisation, such as your school, club or neighbourhood house, that applies on your behalf.

What do you ask in return?

Permission to photograph and share your project, a short quote from your group, and a mention when you post about it.

Can we apply again next year?

Yes, if you're not successful this round. Past recipients need to wait two years before applying again.

Who decides?

The Lewis family, who run Alpha Lewis Signs. We look at how many people your group serves, how much the signage would help, and whether you're ready to go.

Questions?

Call 03 9329 1244 or email info@alphalewissigns.com.au.