Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy will get the financial backing of top Liberal donor the Cormack Foundation, which says it will avoid the state party's administrative wing.
Cormack released a statement on Monday saying it won't direct any donations to the Victorian Liberal Party until it sees changes to the party's financial management.
"There are many ways to support Matthew Guy that don't mean going through the state party," a Cormack spokesman told AAP. "We're confident we'll find the right path."
The move is the latest salvo in an ongoing battle between party president Michael Kroger and the foundation over control of Cormack's $70 million war chest.
Cormack Foundation was established by Liberal administrators to handle the proceeds from the sale of radio station 3XY in the late 1980s.
After former state director Damien Mantach stole more than $1.5 million, an administrative overhaul was recommended and Cormack pulled funding until those changes happened.
Meanwhile, Mr Kroger was angered by past donations from Cormack to political parties that tried to defeat the Turnbull government.
Last week, the Federal Court found the Liberals were entitled to 25 per cent of the organisation's shares and Cormack has proclaimed independence from the party.
"Accordingly, Cormack Foundation will resume its normal activities including making donations supporting liberal and free enterprise causes consistent with the company's objectives," Cormack said its statement.
Mr Guy told reporters on Monday the party needs to have a good relationship with Cormack.
"I don't want to tell them where they should put their money. That has now been all resolved legally and it's up to them what they do," he said.
"I think the party will accommodate any changes that need to be made, and I'm sure Cormack will also want to have a good relationship with the Liberal Party."
Mr Kroger said in a statement he was glad funds were flowing again to Mr Guy's campaign.
"This is an extremely welcome development and will help us rid Victoria of the Andrews Government which is the most extreme in our history," he said.
Mr Kroger also said all relevant governance changes had been made and he looked forward to discussing the changes with Cormack.
The appointment of an independent finance committee chair would be made within the next month following a recent decision of the state council to make that change, he said.
Australian Associated Press
