Apply now for Community Partnership Grants (Australia)

The Southern Grampians Shire Council Community Partnership Grants Program provides funding to not-for-profit organisations and community groups in Australia to support local projects, events, and infrastructure development. Grants support areas such as community wellbeing, tourism, environment, heritage, and local infrastructure, with funding of up to $15,000 per year. The program operates through competitive rounds and prioritises projects that benefit the Southern Grampians Shire.

What is the Community Partnership Grants Program?

The Community Partnership Grants Program is a funding initiative by the Southern Grampians Shire Council designed to support community-driven development.

It provides financial assistance to:

• Not-for-profit organisations
• Community groups and clubs
• Local committees

The goal is to strengthen communities across the Southern Grampians Shire by funding projects that improve social, economic, environmental, and cultural outcomes.

Key Objectives of the Program

The program is structured around five core strategic objectives:

Social and Community

• Promote health, safety, and wellbeing
• Encourage active and connected communities
• Support inclusive participation in community life

Business, Economy and Tourism

• Strengthen the local economy
• Support tourism development
• Encourage diverse economic opportunities

Community Infrastructure and Assets

• Improve public infrastructure and facilities
• Develop high-quality community spaces
• Address local infrastructure needs

Environment

• Protect natural landscapes
• Promote sustainability and environmental care
• Support clean and green initiatives

Leadership and Governance

• Encourage transparent decision-making
• Promote strong financial management
• Strengthen community engagement and communication

What Types of Projects Are Funded?

The program supports a wide range of community initiatives, including:

• Club building repairs and upgrades
• Purchase of equipment, furniture, and safety gear
• Community signage and promotional materials
• Environmental protection and sustainability programs
• Heritage preservation projects
• Local events and festivals
• Arts and cultural development activities
• Tourism promotion initiatives
• Infrastructure improvements

Funding Categories

The program is delivered through multiple grant streams:

Community Strengthening Grants

Support projects that enhance community wellbeing, inclusion, and participation.

Community Infrastructure Grants

Support upgrades and improvements to community facilities and public infrastructure.

Arts and Culture Development Grants

Support creative projects, cultural programs, and artistic development.

Environmental Sustainability Grants

Support initiatives that improve environmental outcomes and sustainability practices.

Heritage Grants

Support preservation and promotion of local heritage assets and history.

Tourism and Events Grants

Support events, festivals, and tourism-related activities that attract visitors and strengthen the local economy.

Funding Amount and Conditions

• Maximum funding: Up to $15,000 per financial year
• Co-funding requirement: Applications over $3,000 must show matching cash contribution
• Funding is competitive and subject to available budget

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit incorporated organisations
• Community groups and clubs
• Organisations based in or benefiting the Southern Grampians Shire

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• At least 40% of members or participants must be volunteers
• Must meet insurance and compliance requirements
• Project must directly benefit the municipality

Who is NOT Eligible?

The program does NOT support:

• Political activities or campaigns
• Gambling-related projects
• Alcohol, tobacco, or vaping purchases
• Routine operating costs (rent, wages, utilities)
• Fundraising activities
• Projects already started or completed
• Privately owned for-profit businesses

Why This Program Matters

The Community Partnership Grants Program plays a key role in regional development by:

• Strengthening local community networks
• Supporting infrastructure improvements
• Enhancing tourism and economic activity
• Promoting environmental sustainability
• Preserving cultural and heritage assets
• Encouraging volunteer participation and civic engagement

It ensures local communities have resources to deliver meaningful, long-term impact projects.

How the Program Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Identify Project Category

• Choose the most relevant grant stream
• Ensure alignment with program objectives

Step 2: Develop Project Plan

Include:

• Project description
• Community benefit outcomes
• Budget breakdown
• Timeline and delivery plan

Step 3: Confirm Eligibility

• Ensure organisation is eligible
• Confirm volunteer requirement (40% minimum)
• Check insurance and compliance conditions

Step 4: Prepare Application

• Complete application form
• Attach supporting documents
• Provide evidence of matching funds if required

Step 5: Submit Application

• Submit within the grant round timeline
• Late applications may not be considered

Step 6: Assessment Process

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Community benefit
• Alignment with council priorities
• Feasibility and sustainability
• Budget justification

Step 7: Funding Decision and Delivery

• Successful applicants receive funding agreement
• Projects must be delivered as approved
• Reporting may be required after completion

Application Timing Guidance

• Apply 6–12 months before project start date
• Early preparation improves approval success
• Ensure time for competitive assessment process

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without meeting eligibility criteria
• Requesting funding for operating costs
• Submitting incomplete budgets or plans
• Starting the project before approval
• Failing to show community benefit
• Not providing matching funding when required

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define community impact
• Align project with multiple council objectives
• Provide realistic and detailed budget planning
• Demonstrate strong volunteer involvement
• Include evidence of community support
• Ensure project is ready for delivery

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to $15,000 per financial year.

2. Who can apply?

Not-for-profit organisations, community groups, and clubs in Southern Grampians Shire.

3. Are matching funds required?

Yes, applications over $3,000 must include matching cash contributions.

4. Can individuals or businesses apply?

No, only eligible not-for-profit and community organisations can apply.

5. What types of projects are funded?

Projects related to community development, infrastructure, environment, heritage, tourism, and events.

6. When should applications be submitted?

Ideally 6–12 months before the project begins.

7. What expenses are not covered?

Operating costs, political activities, gambling, alcohol, tobacco, fundraising, and already-started projects are not eligible.

Conclusion

The Southern Grampians Shire Council Community Partnership Grants Program is a structured funding initiative designed to strengthen communities through targeted support for infrastructure, events, environment, heritage, and economic development. By providing up to $15,000 in competitive grants, it enables not-for-profit organisations to deliver impactful projects that improve quality of life across the Southern Grampians Shire.