Applications Open: Community Grants Program (Australia)

Deadline: 03-Aug-2026

The Community Grants Program 2026–2027 provides funding to help local not-for-profit organisations and community groups deliver projects that improve health, wellbeing, social inclusion, arts, youth participation, environmental sustainability, and community connections across Indigo Shire. Grants of $200 to $4,000 are available from a total funding pool of $50,000 for initiatives that align with Council priorities and create lasting community benefits.

Community Grants Program 2026–2027

The Community Grants Program supports community-led initiatives that strengthen social connections, improve wellbeing, encourage inclusion, and enhance the quality of life for residents across Indigo Shire.

The program provides financial assistance to local organisations delivering projects that respond to community needs while contributing to the Council Plan Strategic Objectives and the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan priorities.

Focus Areas

The program supports projects that contribute to one or more of the following areas:

• Community health and wellbeing
• Social inclusion and community connection
• Mental health promotion
• Arts and culture
• Community arts initiatives
• Youth development and participation
• First Nations recognition and inclusion
• Skill-sharing and lifelong learning
• Environmental sustainability
• Healthy eating initiatives
• Active living and physical activity
• Tobacco and alcohol harm reduction
• Preventing family violence
• Reducing the health impacts of climate change
• Cultural diversity and inclusion
• Community participation and volunteering

Grant Amount

• Individual grants range from $200 to $4,000.
• Total program funding is $50,000.
• Funding supports projects during the 2026–2027 financial year.

Eligible Activities

Funding may support a wide range of community initiatives, including:

• Community events and activities
• Workshops and educational programs
• Arts and cultural projects
• Youth engagement initiatives
• Community wellbeing programs
• Equipment purchases
• Small infrastructure improvements
• Community skill-sharing projects
• Environmental activities
• Projects promoting healthy lifestyles
• Initiatives supporting social inclusion
• Programs recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• Activities that strengthen community participation and volunteering

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be a locally based not-for-profit organisation or community group operating within Indigo Shire or demonstrate clear community benefit within the Shire.
• Be an incorporated organisation, operate under an auspice arrangement, or agree to become incorporated if funding is approved.
• Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) or complete an ATO Statement by Supplier Form.
• Maintain appropriate public liability insurance.
• Obtain all required permits and approvals before commencing the project.
• Contribute to the project through cash, volunteer labour, or in-kind support.
• Demonstrate alignment with at least:
  • One Council Plan Strategic Objective.
  • One Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan Priority.

Ineligible Applicants and Projects

Funding is generally not available for:

• Organisations that do not meet eligibility requirements.
• Projects that do not benefit Indigo Shire communities.
• Activities that fail to align with Council priorities.
• Applications lacking required approvals or supporting documentation.

Applicants should carefully review the official funding guidelines before applying.

Why This Grant Matters

The Community Grants Program helps local organisations:

• Build stronger and healthier communities.
• Increase community participation.
• Improve social inclusion.
• Support youth leadership and engagement.
• Promote local arts and culture.
• Encourage healthy lifestyles.
• Strengthen environmental sustainability.
• Foster community resilience.
• Celebrate diversity and First Nations culture.
• Improve long-term community wellbeing.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the grant guidelines and eligibility requirements.
2. Confirm the project aligns with Council priorities.
3. Discuss the project with Indigo Shire Council staff before applying.
4. Prepare a detailed project description.
5. Develop a realistic project budget.
6. Demonstrate expected community outcomes.
7. Gather supporting documents, including insurance and governance information.
8. Submit the completed application before the closing date.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the community need.
• Demonstrate measurable community benefits.
• Show strong alignment with Council objectives.
• Include a realistic implementation timeline.
• Provide an accurate and transparent budget.
• Highlight partnerships and community collaboration.
• Explain how the project will continue benefiting the community after completion.

Common Application Mistakes

Avoid these common issues:

• Not demonstrating community benefit.
• Weak alignment with Council priorities.
• Missing supporting documents.
• Unrealistic budgets.
• Unclear project outcomes.
• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Failing to obtain required approvals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

Eligible locally based not-for-profit organisations and community groups operating within Indigo Shire or delivering demonstrated community benefit within the Shire.

How much funding is available?

Applicants can request between $200 and $4,000, with a total funding pool of $50,000.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects supporting community wellbeing, arts, youth, health, environmental sustainability, inclusion, cultural activities, community events, equipment purchases, and small infrastructure improvements.

Do applicants need an ABN?

Yes. Applicants should have an ABN or complete an ATO Statement by Supplier Form.

Is community contribution required?

Yes. Applicants are expected to contribute through cash, volunteer time, or in-kind support.

Should applicants speak with Council before applying?

Yes. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their project with Indigo Shire Council staff before submitting an application.

What makes a strong application?

Projects with clear community benefits, measurable outcomes, realistic budgets, strong partnerships, and alignment with Council priorities are more competitive.

Conclusion

The Community Grants Program 2026–2027 offers valuable funding opportunities for community organisations seeking to improve wellbeing, inclusion, participation, and resilience across Indigo Shire. By supporting community-led initiatives that align with local priorities, the program helps create stronger, healthier, and more connected communities while delivering lasting social, cultural, environmental, and health outcomes.

For more information, visit Indigo Shire Council.