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CFAs: Southern Midlands Community Small Grants (Australia)

Deadline: 04-Aug-2026

The Southern Midlands Council Community Small Grants Program provides funding to support local community initiatives that benefit residents within the Southern Midlands municipality.

The program aims to strengthen:

Program Objectives

Community Capacity Building

  • Strengthen local organisations
  • Improve volunteer participation
  • Support leadership and skills development

Social Wellbeing

  • Enhance community connection
  • Support inclusive activities and events
  • Improve mental and social wellbeing

Access to Services and Facilities

  • Improve accessibility of community spaces
  • Upgrade local facilities and infrastructure
  • Support equitable access to services

Safety and Infrastructure Improvements

  • Minor capital works on community facilities
  • Safety enhancements
  • Equipment and accessibility upgrades

Funding Overview

  • Maximum grant amount: $3,000
  • Supports small-scale, local community projects

Eligible Activities

Funding may be used for:

  • Community programs and events
  • Workshops, seminars, conferences, and forums
  • Equipment purchases
  • Accessibility improvements
  • Minor infrastructure upgrades
  • Safety improvements
  • Organisational capacity building initiatives

Consumable Equipment Rule

  • Applicants must contribute at least 50% of consumable equipment costs

Eligible Applicants

Eligible organisations include:

  • Incorporated not-for-profit community groups
  • Voluntary associations
  • Groups operating under an incorporated auspice body
  • Education providers (only if community benefit is demonstrated and activities are open to the public)

Geographic Requirement

Applicants must:

  • Be based in the Southern Midlands area, or
  • Deliver projects within the Southern Midlands local government area

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

  • Financial viability
  • Capacity to deliver the project
  • Current public liability insurance
  • Clear community benefit

Project Timeline

  • Projects may begin from: 31 August 2026
  • Final acquittal due by: 30 June 2027

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated on:

Community Impact

  • Demonstrated benefit to local residents
  • Participation outcomes
  • Alignment with local needs

Accessibility and Inclusion

  • Accessibility improvements
  • Inclusive participation strategies

Collaboration and Support

  • Community partnerships
  • Local stakeholder engagement

Project Quality

  • Feasibility and planning strength
  • Organisational capacity
  • Risk management

Sustainability and Value for Money

  • Long-term benefit to the community
  • Efficient use of funds
  • Cost-effectiveness

Application Process

Step 1: Identify Community Need

  • Define local issue or opportunity
  • Ensure alignment with community priorities

Step 2: Design Project

  • Outline activities and outcomes
  • Plan accessibility and participation approach

Step 3: Prepare Budget

  • Include grant request up to $3,000
  • Include required 50% contribution for consumables (if applicable)
  • Ensure realistic costings

Step 4: Confirm Eligibility

  • Check incorporation or auspice arrangements
  • Ensure insurance and financial readiness

Step 5: Submit Application

  • Provide project details, budget, and expected outcomes
  • Demonstrate community support

Step 6: Assessment and Approval

  • Review by Council Officers and Councillors
  • Final approval by Southern Midlands Council

Step 7: Delivery and Reporting

  • Implement project after 31 August 2026
  • Complete acquittal by 30 June 2027
  • Acknowledge Council funding support

Common Mistakes

  • Weak demonstration of community benefit
  • Missing public liability insurance
  • Poor budget planning or missing 50% co-contribution rule
  • Projects outside Southern Midlands area
  • Unclear delivery timeline or outcomes

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Clearly define local community impact
  • Show strong participation and inclusion strategy
  • Align project with Council priorities
  • Demonstrate organisational readiness
  • Provide realistic and detailed budget planning

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is this grant program for?

  • Supports community projects in Southern Midlands
    • Focus on wellbeing, accessibility, and local engagement
    • Strengthens community organisations and infrastructure

How much funding is available?

  • Up to $3,000 per project
    • Supports small-scale community initiatives
    • May include infrastructure and equipment

Who can apply?

  • Eligible applicants include:
    • Incorporated not-for-profit community groups
      • Must be community-based
    • Voluntary associations
      • Must operate locally or through auspice
    • Education providers (conditional)
      • Must deliver community-wide benefit

What can funding be used for?

  • Community programs and events
  • Equipment and resources
  • Minor infrastructure upgrades
  • Accessibility improvements
  • Workshops, seminars, and forums

What are the key requirements?

  • Must operate in Southern Midlands area
  • Must have public liability insurance
  • Must demonstrate financial and delivery capacity
  • Must show clear community benefit

What is the project timeline?

  • Start date: 31 August 2026
  • Completion and acquittal deadline: 30 June 2027

Conclusion

The Southern Midlands Council Community Small Grants Program 2026 supports local organisations in delivering small-scale but high-impact community projects. With funding of up to $3,000, it strengthens social wellbeing, accessibility, and local infrastructure while encouraging participation and collaboration across the Southern Midlands community.

For more information, visit Southern Midlands Council.