Call for Applications: Community Grants (Australia)

Deadline: 12-Aug-2026

The Mid-Western Regional Council Community Grants Program provides financial assistance to community groups, individuals, and business associations for projects that strengthen local communities and support the goals of the Community Strategic Plan Towards 2040. Funding is available across multiple grant categories, with grants of up to AUD 25,000 depending on the type of project and applicant.

About the Community Grants Program

The Mid-Western Regional Council Community Grants Program provides funding to projects and activities that deliver positive outcomes for communities across the Mid-Western Regional Council area.

The program aims to encourage community participation, support local development, improve community facilities, strengthen local organisations, promote youth achievement, support people with disabilities, encourage sporting excellence, and contribute to the long-term objectives of the Community Strategic Plan Towards 2040.

Funding is offered through several grant streams designed to meet the needs of different community sectors.

Program Objectives

The Community Grants Program aims to:

• Support projects that deliver measurable community benefits.
• Promote transparent and equitable funding decisions.
• Strengthen community participation and engagement.
• Improve local facilities and infrastructure.
• Support youth achievement and community leadership.
• Encourage inclusion of people with disabilities.
• Strengthen business associations and local economic development.
• Assist community organisations in delivering local initiatives.
• Provide clear funding guidelines and acquittal requirements.

Grant Categories

Youth Representative Grants

This category assists young people representing Australia at international competitions or events.

Eligible activities include:

• International sporting competitions.
• Academic competitions.
• Arts and cultural events.
• Other recognised international representative events.

Funding Available

• Up to AUD 2,000 per eligible applicant.

Disability Representative Grants

This grant supports individuals with disabilities who have been selected to compete or participate at state-level or higher events.

Eligible activities include:

• Sporting competitions.
• Academic events.
• Arts competitions.
• Other representative activities.

Applicants must meet the definition of disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

Funding Available

• Up to AUD 2,000.

Business Associations

Funding supports business associations that contribute to local economic development within the Mid-Western Regional Council area.

Eligible associations include those representing:

• Gulgong
• Kandos/Rylstone
• Mudgee

Projects should align with Council’s economic development objectives.

Funding Available

• Up to AUD 10,000 annually.

Note: Administrative wages are not eligible.

Community Groups

Community organisations can apply for projects that improve community wellbeing and protect the natural environment.

Funding is available for:

• In-kind support.
• Community events.
• Community projects.
• Non-capital initiatives.

Funding Available

• In-kind support: Up to AUD 5,000
• Community events: Up to AUD 5,000
• Non-capital projects: Up to AUD 10,000

Administrative wages are not eligible.

Capital Grants

Capital Grants assist organisations undertaking significant infrastructure improvements.

Eligible activities include:

• Building construction.
• Facility upgrades.
• Community infrastructure improvements.

Funding Available

• Up to AUD 25,000
• Maximum contribution is 50% of the total project cost, whichever is lower.

Council does not provide loans for capital projects or donate land for infrastructure development.

Sports Advisory Group Grants

This category supports athletes affiliated with clubs belonging to the Mid-Western Sports Advisory Group.

Applicants must:

• Be a member of an eligible club.
• Represent New South Wales or Australia.
• Receive endorsement from their sporting club.

Funding Available

• Up to AUD 500
• Special circumstances may also be considered.

Other Grants

This category supports projects that do not fit another funding stream but provide community benefits.

Projects must align with Council’s Community Plan and satisfy general eligibility requirements.

Funding Available

• Up to AUD 2,000

General Manager Fee Waivers

Community organisations may request fee waivers for eligible Council services.

Examples include:

• Waste bin hire.
• Movie tickets.
• Pool passes.
• Facility hire.

Funding Available

• Fee waivers of up to AUD 2,500

Rates are not eligible under this category.

Funding Summary

• Youth Representative Grants: Up to AUD 2,000
• Disability Representative Grants: Up to AUD 2,000
• Business Associations: Up to AUD 10,000
• Community Events: Up to AUD 5,000
• Community Projects: Up to AUD 10,000
• In-kind Support: Up to AUD 5,000
• Capital Grants: Up to AUD 25,000 (maximum 50% of project costs)
• Sports Advisory Group Grants: Up to AUD 500
• Other Grants: Up to AUD 2,000
• General Manager Fee Waivers: Up to AUD 2,500

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated not-for-profit organisations.
• Individual applicants.
• Business associations operating within the Mid-Western Regional Council area.
• Community groups supported by an incorporated not-for-profit auspice.

Applicants must:

• Meet previous grant acquittal requirements.
• Have no outstanding debts with Mid-Western Regional Council.
• Submit a complete online application before the closing date.
• Meet the eligibility requirements of the relevant funding category.

Who is Not Eligible?

The program does not support:

• Events eligible under the Events Assistance Program (except the Mudgee, Gulgong, and Rylstone Shows).
• Activities that are primarily the responsibility of another level of government.
• Administrative wage expenses where excluded.
• Loans for capital projects.
• Gifting of Council land for infrastructure projects.

Why This Grant Matters

The Community Grants Program helps strengthen communities by supporting projects that improve local facilities, encourage volunteer participation, promote inclusion, enhance sporting and cultural opportunities, and stimulate local economic development.

The funding enables organisations and individuals to deliver initiatives that create long-term social, environmental, and economic benefits across the Mid-Western region.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Identify the most suitable grant category.
2. Confirm eligibility requirements.
3. Prepare a detailed project description.
4. Develop a realistic project budget.
5. Gather all required supporting documentation.
6. Submit a completed online application before the relevant deadline.
7. If successful, comply with funding agreement and acquittal requirements.

Application Tips

• Select the funding category that best matches your project.
• Clearly explain how the project benefits the local community.
• Demonstrate alignment with the Community Strategic Plan Towards 2040.
• Prepare an accurate and balanced budget.
• Ensure previous Council grants have been fully acquitted.
• Submit all required documents before the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for Community Grants?

Eligible applicants include incorporated not-for-profit organisations, eligible individuals, business associations, and community groups supported by an incorporated auspice.

What is the maximum funding available?

Funding varies by category, with Capital Grants providing up to AUD 25,000, while other categories range from AUD 500 to AUD 10,000.

Can individuals apply?

Yes. Individuals may apply under eligible categories such as Youth Representative Grants, Disability Representative Grants, Sports Advisory Group Grants, and Other Grants.

Can community groups without incorporation apply?

Yes. Unincorporated groups may apply through an incorporated not-for-profit auspice organisation.

Are community events eligible?

Yes. Community events may receive funding of up to AUD 5,000, provided they are not funded through the Events Assistance Program.

Can funding be used for staff salaries?

Administrative wages are generally not eligible under the Business Associations and Community Groups categories.

What happens after receiving funding?

Successful applicants must enter into a funding agreement, complete their project, and submit an acquittal report demonstrating how the funds were spent and the outcomes achieved.

Conclusion

The Mid-Western Regional Council Community Grants Program provides valuable financial support for projects that strengthen communities, improve local facilities, encourage participation, and contribute to sustainable regional development. With multiple funding streams supporting individuals, community organisations, business associations, and sporting representatives, the program offers a wide range of opportunities to deliver initiatives that create lasting benefits across the Mid-Western region.

For more information, visit Mid-Western Regional Council.