Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Micro Grants Program provides up to $2,000 in financial assistance to eligible community groups and associations delivering projects, activities, and events that respond to recognised community needs within the Bundaberg Regional Council area. The programme supports local development, community participation, and sport and recreation outcomes aligned with regional strategic priorities.
The funding opportunity is designed to help not-for-profit community organisations deliver small-scale initiatives that create positive social, cultural, recreational, and community benefits across the Bundaberg region.
Overview of the Micro Grants Program
The Micro Grants Program supports community-based organisations implementing projects that address identified local needs.
The programme focuses on initiatives that:
- Strengthen community connections.
- Support local participation.
- Improve community wellbeing.
- Encourage sport and recreation activities.
- Deliver meaningful outcomes for residents.
- Support priorities identified in regional development strategies.
The programme is administered by Bundaberg Regional Council.
Purpose of the Micro Grants Program
The main purpose of the programme is to provide accessible funding for community groups delivering valuable local initiatives.
The programme aims to:
- Support projects identified as community priorities.
- Encourage community-led solutions.
- Increase participation in local activities.
- Strengthen community organisations.
- Improve social connections across the region.
Projects should demonstrate clear benefits for the Bundaberg community.
Strategic Alignment
Funded projects should align with recognised community needs identified in:
- The Community Development Strategy 2024–2028.
- The Bundaberg Region Sport and Recreation Strategy.
Applicants should demonstrate how their project contributes to local community development or sport and recreation outcomes.
Funding Amount and Grant Details
The Micro Grants Program provides:
- Maximum funding available: Up to $2,000 per application.
Additional funding conditions include:
- Funding is available once every second financial year.
- Projects that received funding in the previous financial year are not eligible for additional support during that period.
- Funding is subject to available programme budgets.
Application Rounds and Timeline
The programme operates through twelve funding rounds each financial year.
Application schedule:
- Applications open: First day of each month.
- Applications close: Last Friday of each month.
- Assessment: Begins at the start of the following month.
- Outcome notification: Within ten working days after the funding round closes.
Applications are accepted until the allocated budget has been exhausted.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include not-for-profit community groups and organisations located within the Bundaberg Regional Council area.
Applicants must:
- Be a not-for-profit organisation.
- Operate within the Bundaberg Regional Council area.
- Provide evidence of not-for-profit status.
- Hold current public liability insurance.
- Have the majority of members residing within the council area.
- Have successfully completed any previous Council grant acquittals.
Auspicing Requirements
Eligible organisations may support other groups through auspicing arrangements.
Rules include:
- An eligible organisation may auspice one additional application per funding round.
- The auspicing organisation must meet programme requirements.
- A special exemption may apply for eligible peak bodies supporting affiliated Bundaberg-based branches.
The auspicing organisation is responsible for managing funding and reporting obligations.
Eligible Projects and Activities
The programme supports community projects and events that address recognised local needs.
Eligible activities may include:
- Community development initiatives.
- Local events.
- Sport and recreation activities.
- Community participation projects.
- Activities that improve local connections.
- Projects supporting community wellbeing.
Projects should demonstrate a clear benefit to residents of the Bundaberg region.
Successful Applicant Requirements
Successful applicants must:
- Use funding only for approved project activities.
- Complete the project according to the application.
- Meet programme conditions.
- Provide required reporting or acquittal information.
- Acknowledge Council funding support in publicity materials.
Funded activities cannot occur within ten working days after the grant round closes.
Funding Restrictions
Grant funding cannot be used for certain expenses.
Ineligible costs include:
- General operating expenses.
- Council fees and charges.
- Fundraising items.
- Insurance costs.
- Repairs caused by design faults.
- Litigation-related projects.
- Relocation expenses.
- Retrospective funding.
- Land purchases.
- Building purchases.
- Recurrent funding needs.
- Clothing or uniforms.
- Ongoing staff salaries.
Funding should directly support eligible community project activities.
Ineligible Applicants
The programme does not support:
- Individuals.
- Private ventures.
- Commercial organisations.
- Political organisations.
- Schools.
- Universities.
- For-profit groups.
Organisations that have not properly acquitted previous Council grants are also ineligible.
Additional Ineligible Activities
Funding cannot support:
- Projects outside the Bundaberg Regional Council area.
- Cash prizes.
- Personal benefit projects.
- Commercial activities.
- Projects without confirmed capital funding where capital support is required.
How to Apply for the Micro Grants Program
Applicants should follow a structured application process.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Before applying, organisations should confirm that they:
- Are a recognised not-for-profit group.
- Operate within the Bundaberg Regional Council area.
- Have required insurance coverage.
- Have completed previous grant obligations.
Step 2: Identify a Community Need
Applicants should explain:
- The issue or need being addressed.
- Who will benefit from the project.
- How the project supports local priorities.
Step 3: Develop the Project Proposal
Applications should include:
- Project description.
- Objectives.
- Expected community outcomes.
- Project timeline.
- Delivery approach.
Step 4: Prepare a Budget
Applicants should provide:
- Detailed project costs.
- Funding requested.
- Other financial contributions.
- Explanation of how funds will be used.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Applicants should submit the completed application before the monthly closing date.
Applications should include:
- Organisation details.
- Eligibility evidence.
- Project information.
- Budget information.
- Supporting documents.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve their proposals by:
- Clearly explaining community benefits.
- Demonstrating alignment with Council strategies.
- Providing a realistic budget.
- Showing community participation.
- Explaining measurable outcomes.
- Planning projects within eligible timeframes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying for ineligible expenses.
- Submitting incomplete applications.
- Failing to demonstrate community need.
- Requesting funding for ongoing operational costs.
- Applying before previous grants are properly acquitted.
- Planning activities outside the approved timeframe.
- Forgetting Council acknowledgement requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Micro Grants Program
What is the Micro Grants Program?
The Micro Grants Program provides financial support to eligible community groups delivering projects and events that address recognised community needs in the Bundaberg Regional Council area.
How much funding can organisations receive?
Eligible applicants can receive up to $2,000 per application.
How often can organisations apply?
Funding is available once every second financial year for eligible organisations.
Who can apply for the grant?
Not-for-profit community groups and organisations based in the Bundaberg Regional Council area can apply if they meet eligibility requirements.
How often are applications accepted?
Applications are available through twelve funding rounds each financial year, with a new round opening every month until funds are exhausted.
Can one organisation submit multiple applications?
An eligible organisation may submit its own application and may also auspice one additional application per funding round.
What expenses are not covered?
Funding cannot support operating expenses, insurance, salaries, clothing, fundraising costs, commercial activities, retrospective expenses, or projects that do not benefit the Bundaberg community.
Conclusion
The Micro Grants Program provides valuable financial support for community organisations delivering small-scale projects that improve participation, connection, and wellbeing across the Bundaberg region. By supporting locally driven initiatives, the programme helps strengthen community development and recreation outcomes.
Eligible not-for-profit organisations with projects that address recognised community needs are encouraged to apply for funding support of up to $2,000.
For more information, visit Bundaberg Regional Council.
