Deadline: 28-Aug-2026
The Bundaberg Regional Council Community Services Program provides financial assistance of up to $5,000 to eligible local not-for-profit community groups and organisations that improve community wellbeing across the Bundaberg Region. The program supports community development, community events, and sport and recreation projects that create positive social outcomes.
The funding program helps strengthen community participation, support local initiatives, improve access to services, and enhance the long-term sustainability of community organisations within the Bundaberg Regional Council area.
Overview of the Bundaberg Regional Council Community Services Program
The Bundaberg Regional Council Community Services Program is a community grant initiative designed to support projects that contribute to the quality of life of residents across the Bundaberg Region.
Eligible organisations can apply for funding assistance of up to $5,000 per application. Funding is provided to support projects that deliver measurable community benefits and align with Council priorities.
The program focuses on three major funding categories:
- Community Development Grants
- Community Events Grants
- Sport and Recreation Grants
Successful projects should demonstrate community value, sustainable outcomes, and alignment with identified local priorities.
Funding Categories Explained
Community Development Grants
Community Development Grants support innovative projects that improve community wellbeing, inclusion, education, welfare, and support services.
Priority is given to projects that address recognised community needs identified in the Community Development Strategy 2024–2028.
Eligible projects may include initiatives that:
- Improve community connections and participation.
- Support vulnerable or disadvantaged community members.
- Increase access to education, support, or community services.
- Address identified social challenges within the Bundaberg Region.
Community Events Grants
Community Events Grants provide financial support for community-focused events that contribute to local engagement and participation.
Projects should align with the Bundaberg Regional Council Corporate Plan and Operational Plan.
Eligible events may include:
- Community celebrations.
- Local cultural events.
- Public engagement activities.
- Events that encourage community participation and connection.
Sport and Recreation Grants
Sport and Recreation Grants support organisations that encourage active participation and improve community sporting opportunities.
Funding may assist projects that:
- Increase participation in sport and recreation activities.
- Improve or upgrade sport and recreation facilities.
- Strengthen fundraising and organisational capability.
- Improve long-term sustainability of sporting organisations.
Priority is given to projects that align with recognised needs identified in the Bundaberg Regional Sport & Recreation Strategy.
Why the Community Services Program Matters
The program plays an important role in supporting local organisations that deliver valuable services, activities, and opportunities for residents.
The funding helps community groups:
- Deliver projects that improve local quality of life.
- Increase participation in community activities.
- Support stronger social connections.
- Improve access to sport, recreation, education, and community services.
- Build sustainable community initiatives.
Projects that create long-term benefits and do not depend on continuous Council funding receive stronger consideration during assessment.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Bundaberg Regional Council-based not-for-profit community group or organisation.
- Provide evidence of not-for-profit status.
- Hold current Public Liability Insurance.
- Have the majority of members living within the Bundaberg Regional Council area.
- Have successfully completed acquittal requirements for any previous Council grants.
Eligible organisations may also:
- Submit their own application and auspice one additional application during each funding round.
- Receive support through an auspice exemption if they are a peak body located outside the Bundaberg Local Government Area and are supporting an affiliated Bundaberg-based branch.
Who Cannot Apply or Receive Funding
Funding is not available for:
- Individuals.
- Commercial businesses or profit-making ventures.
- Organisations that have not completed previous Council grant acquittals.
- Projects that do not benefit the Bundaberg Regional Council community.
- Activities that have already received funding during the previous financial year.
What Activities Can Receive Funding?
The Community Services Program supports projects that provide clear community benefits.
Examples of supported activities include:
- Community development initiatives.
- Local community events.
- Sport and recreation participation programs.
- Facility improvement projects.
- Projects that increase community involvement and social connection.
- Short-term project positions created specifically for the funded activity.
What Activities Are Not Funded?
The program does not provide funding for general organisational costs or ongoing expenses.
Ineligible expenses include:
- Utilities.
- Rent.
- Insurance costs.
- General maintenance.
- Meals.
- Accommodation.
- Ongoing operational expenses.
- Council fees and charges.
- Cash prizes.
- Fundraising items.
- Retrospective funding for completed projects.
- Land or building purchases.
- Relocation expenses.
- Clothing or uniforms.
- Projects involved in litigation.
- Repairs caused by design faults.
- Projects without committed capital funding.
- Ongoing staff salaries.
Staff costs may only be considered when positions are created specifically for the duration of an approved funded project.
How to Apply for the Community Services Program
Organisations should follow these steps when applying:
1. Check Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, applicants should confirm that they:
- Are an eligible not-for-profit organisation.
- Operate within the Bundaberg Regional Council area.
- Have required insurance coverage.
- Have completed previous grant acquittals if applicable.
2. Prepare Project Details
Applicants should provide:
- A clear description of the project or event.
- The community need being addressed.
- Expected benefits and outcomes.
- A detailed project budget.
- Information showing alignment with Council priorities.
3. Submit the Application
Applications must include all required supporting documents and demonstrate how the project will benefit the local community.
4. Wait for Assessment and Approval
Council reviews applications based on:
- Community benefit.
- Strategic alignment.
- Project feasibility.
- Sustainability.
- Organisational capability.
5. Complete the Funded Project
Successful applicants must:
- Meet all funding conditions.
- Use funds only for approved purposes.
- Complete the project within the required timeframe.
- Acknowledge Council’s contribution in publicity materials.
Important Funding Conditions
Applicants should understand these key conditions:
- Funding is limited to a maximum of $5,000 per application.
- Successful organisations may receive funding only once every second financial year.
- Previously funded events or activities from the previous financial year cannot receive additional support.
- Funds are released only after funding conditions are satisfied.
- Council may withdraw funding if conditions are not completed by the required date.
Tips for a Successful Grant Application
Applicants can improve their application by:
- Clearly explaining the community need.
- Showing measurable benefits for residents.
- Providing a realistic and complete budget.
- Demonstrating project sustainability.
- Explaining how the project aligns with Council strategies.
- Including supporting documents.
- Submitting the application before the deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Requesting funding for general operating expenses.
- Applying for completed or retrospective projects.
- Leaving sections of the application incomplete.
- Not providing evidence of eligibility.
- Failing to explain community outcomes.
- Ignoring funding guidelines and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bundaberg Regional Council Community Services Program?
The Community Services Program is a Council funding initiative that provides financial assistance to eligible not-for-profit organisations delivering community, event, sport, and recreation projects.
How much funding can organisations receive?
Eligible applicants can receive up to $5,000 per application.
Who is eligible to apply?
Bundaberg Regional Council-based not-for-profit community groups and organisations that meet eligibility requirements can apply.
What types of projects are supported?
The program supports community development initiatives, community events, and sport and recreation projects that provide benefits to local residents.
Can funding be used for rent, insurance, or utilities?
No. General operational expenses such as rent, utilities, insurance, and maintenance are not eligible.
Can staff wages be funded?
Ongoing staff salaries are not eligible. However, project-specific positions created only for an approved funded project may be considered.
When are grant funds released?
Funding is released after successful applicants complete all required Council funding conditions.
Conclusion
The Bundaberg Regional Council Community Services Program helps local not-for-profit organisations deliver projects that improve community wellbeing, participation, and connection. With grants of up to $5,000 available across community development, community events, and sport and recreation categories, the program supports initiatives that create lasting benefits across the Bundaberg Region.
Organisations planning to apply should ensure they meet eligibility requirements, prepare a strong project proposal, demonstrate community impact, and align their application with Council priorities.
For more information, visit Bundaberg Regional Council.