Apply now for Connected Communities Grants Program (Australia)

Deadline: 31-Aug-2026

The Connected Communities Grants Program by Hindmarsh Shire Council provides funding to incorporated community groups and not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects, events, and activities that strengthen community wellbeing, inclusion, participation, and social connection across the Hindmarsh region. Grants of up to $2,000 are available across four funding streams supporting sports, recreation, arts, culture, community events, and essential community resources.

About the Connected Communities Grants Program

The Connected Communities Grants Program, formerly known as the Community Action Grants Program, was established by Hindmarsh Shire Council to strengthen community connections and improve the quality of life for residents across the Hindmarsh Shire.

The programme supports locally led initiatives that encourage participation, celebrate community diversity, promote healthy lifestyles, foster creativity, and create opportunities for residents to connect and work together.

By investing in community organisations and local projects, the Council aims to build stronger, more inclusive, and resilient communities.

Funding Information

Funding is available through four separate grant streams.

Grant amounts include:

• Active Communities: Up to $1,500
• Social Communities: Up to $2,000
• Creative Communities: Up to $1,500
• Resourced Communities: Up to $500

Applicants may submit one application per funding category during each funding round.

Funding Streams

Active Communities

Funding of up to $1,500 is available for projects that encourage active lifestyles and community participation through sport and recreation.

Eligible activities may include:

• Community sports programmes
• Recreation initiatives
• Physical activity programmes
• Health and wellbeing activities
• Inclusive sporting events
• Community fitness programmes
• Participation initiatives

Projects should align with:

• Hindmarsh Shire Public Health and Wellbeing Plan
• Sports and Recreation Strategy
• Fair Access Principles

Social Communities

Funding of up to $2,000 supports projects that strengthen social inclusion and bring people together.

Examples include:

• Community festivals
• Local celebrations
• Community gatherings
• Volunteer appreciation events
• Family activities
• Cultural celebrations
• Community engagement programmes
• Neighbourhood events
• Social inclusion initiatives

Projects should encourage participation and strengthen community connections.

Creative Communities

Funding of up to $1,500 is available for creative and cultural initiatives.

Supported activities include:

• Arts projects
• Community exhibitions
• Cultural events
• Music programmes
• Theatre productions
• Public art
• Workshops
• Creative education
• Heritage activities
• Community arts festivals

Projects should celebrate creativity and encourage community participation.

Resourced Communities

Funding of up to $500 helps community organisations purchase resources needed to deliver local activities.

Eligible purchases may include:

• Equipment
• Community resources
• Event materials
• Small tools
• Programme supplies
• Volunteer resources
• Activity materials

The funding helps organisations improve the delivery of community programmes and services.

Programme Objectives

The Connected Communities Grants Program aims to:

• Strengthen community wellbeing.
• Promote social inclusion.
• Encourage community participation.
• Foster community connections.
• Support volunteer organisations.
• Promote healthy lifestyles.
• Encourage creativity and culture.
• Strengthen local organisations.
• Improve access to community activities.
• Build stronger and more connected communities.

Why This Grant Matters

Community organisations play an important role in improving local wellbeing and creating opportunities for residents to connect.

The programme helps:

• Increase community participation.
• Strengthen local organisations.
• Support volunteer-led initiatives.
• Improve access to recreation and culture.
• Build stronger social networks.
• Promote inclusion and diversity.
• Encourage healthier communities.
• Create vibrant local events.
• Enhance community resilience.

The funding enables grassroots organisations to deliver projects that make a lasting positive impact across the Hindmarsh Shire.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated community groups
• Registered not-for-profit organisations
• Community groups supported through an eligible auspice organisation

Applicants must demonstrate that their project provides a direct social or economic benefit to the Hindmarsh Shire community.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following are generally not eligible:

• Individuals
• Schools
• Projects that do not directly benefit the Hindmarsh Shire community
• Projects already substantially funded by Hindmarsh Shire Council
• Activities considered the responsibility of state or federal governments

Applicants should carefully review the programme guidelines before applying.

Eligible Projects

The programme supports a wide variety of community initiatives, including:

• Sporting programmes
• Recreation activities
• Community festivals
• Cultural celebrations
• Arts programmes
• Community workshops
• Health promotion activities
• Volunteer initiatives
• Youth activities
• Community engagement projects
• Local events
• Resource purchases
• Community development activities

Projects should demonstrate clear community benefit and encourage participation.

How the Program Works

Successful organisations receive funding to implement approved community projects.

The process generally includes:

1. Identify the most suitable funding stream.
2. Develop a project that benefits the Hindmarsh community.
3. Prepare a project budget and implementation plan.
4. Obtain any required permits or approvals.
5. Submit one application per funding category.
6. Deliver the approved project if funding is awarded.
7. Report on project outcomes as required by the Council.

How to Apply

Interested organisations should follow these steps:

1. Confirm organisational eligibility.
2. Select the appropriate grant category.
3. Prepare a project proposal and budget.
4. Demonstrate the project’s community benefit.
5. Obtain any required permits or supporting documentation.
6. Complete the official application form.
7. Submit the application before the funding deadline.

Ensure all supporting documents are included with the application.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

• Clearly explain the community need.
• Demonstrate strong local impact.
• Show how the project encourages participation.
• Present a realistic budget.
• Align the project with the programme objectives.
• Demonstrate organisational capacity.
• Include partnerships where appropriate.
• Show long-term community benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Applying under the wrong funding stream.
• Submitting multiple applications in the same category.
• Providing incomplete supporting documents.
• Failing to demonstrate community benefit.
• Missing required permits.
• Presenting unrealistic budgets.
• Applying as an ineligible organisation.
• Submitting applications after the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Connected Communities Grants Program?

The Connected Communities Grants Program is a community funding initiative by Hindmarsh Shire Council that supports projects, events, programmes, and resource purchases that improve community wellbeing, participation, and social inclusion across the Hindmarsh Shire.

How much funding is available?

Funding is available through four streams:

• Active Communities – up to $1,500
• Social Communities – up to $2,000
• Creative Communities – up to $1,500
• Resourced Communities – up to $500

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include incorporated community groups, registered not-for-profit organisations, and community groups applying through an eligible auspice organisation.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports sports and recreation initiatives, community events, arts and cultural activities, volunteer programmes, health and wellbeing projects, and the purchase of essential community resources.

Can individuals apply?

No. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted by eligible community organisations or auspiced groups.

Can schools apply for funding?

No. Schools are generally not eligible under this grant programme.

How many applications can an organisation submit?

Eligible organisations may submit one application per funding category during each funding round.

Conclusion

The Hindmarsh Shire Council Connected Communities Grants Program 2026 provides valuable funding opportunities for community organisations to strengthen social connections, improve wellbeing, encourage participation, and celebrate local creativity across the Hindmarsh region. Through four flexible funding streams supporting sport, recreation, community events, arts, culture, and essential resources, the programme helps local organisations deliver meaningful initiatives that create stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.

For more information, visit Hindmarsh Shire Council.