State planning minister Justin Madden said $41,000 had been granted to Franklinford's heritage-listed hall for essential repairs and maintenance.

Franklinford Hall committee secretary and Progress Association member Mel Bird said the grant was exciting for the community and had inspired the already dedicated volunteers to do more towards returning the building to its former glory.

The hall provides a meeting place and venue for social events for community members.

"The former Franklinford Common School was built in the mid-1860s and is still at the heart of the community life today," Mr Madden said.

"It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as one of the few schools of its kind still surviving in its original rural setting."

Hepburn Shire mayor Bill McClenaghan said the hall represented the history of the small rural area and the community had been enriched and empowered by the grant, which would help the committee of volunteers to manage and maintain the building.

More than 75 people attended a Christmas party at the Franklinford Hall earlier this month.