Call for Applications: Community Giving Fund (Australia)

The Community Giving Fund provides grants of up to $10,000 to support community-led initiatives that improve social wellbeing, environmental sustainability, inclusion, and community resilience. The fund supports eligible charities, not-for-profit organisations, and Certified Social Traders social enterprises working to create stronger and more connected communities.

About the Community Giving Fund

The Community Giving Fund is a social investment programme designed to support initiatives that address important community needs and contribute to positive social and environmental outcomes.

The fund supports projects that align with community development priorities, including inclusion, wellbeing, environmental protection, cultural participation, and support for vulnerable groups.

Selected initiatives should demonstrate measurable benefits for communities and contribute to creating thriving, resilient, and connected societies.

Purpose of the Fund

The Community Giving Fund aims to:

• Support community-led solutions.
• Address local challenges.
• Improve quality of life.
• Strengthen community connections.
• Promote inclusion and equality.
• Support environmental sustainability.
• Improve wellbeing outcomes.
• Create opportunities for disadvantaged communities.

Funding Amount

Successful applicants can receive:

• Grants of up to $10,000 per initiative.

Funding supports projects that align with the fund’s social investment priorities and deliver meaningful community outcomes.

Key Focus Areas

The fund supports initiatives across several priority areas.

Building Resilient and Prosperous Communities

Projects may focus on:

• Community development.
• Local economic participation.
• Strengthening community capacity.
• Creating opportunities for residents.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships

The fund supports initiatives that:

• Improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Strengthen cultural connection.
• Support community-led solutions.
• Promote social wellbeing.

Environmental Stewardship and Ecosystem Restoration

Eligible projects may include:

• Environmental conservation.
• Restoration of local ecosystems.
• Biodiversity protection.
• Community environmental activities.
• Sustainable practices.

Social Connection and Community Cohesion

The fund supports projects that encourage:

• Community participation.
• Social inclusion.
• Stronger relationships between community members.
• Greater community belonging.

Mental and Physical Wellbeing

Projects may support:

• Mental health initiatives.
• Physical health activities.
• Wellbeing programmes.
• Access to support services.

Support for People Facing Hardship

The fund encourages initiatives that assist:

• Vulnerable individuals.
• People experiencing disadvantage.
• Communities affected by hardship.
• People requiring additional support.

Disability Inclusion and Accessibility

Projects may focus on:

• Empowering people with disabilities.
• Improving accessibility.
• Increasing participation opportunities.
• Supporting inclusive communities.

Arts, Culture and Regional Participation

The fund supports initiatives that:

• Encourage participation in arts and culture.
• Strengthen regional cultural activities.
• Promote creative expression.
• Build community engagement through cultural programmes.

Youth Opportunities

Projects may support:

• Disadvantaged young people.
• Youth development programmes.
• Skills-building opportunities.
• Positive participation pathways.

Gender Equality

The fund supports initiatives that:

• Promote gender equality.
• Increase community awareness.
• Create equal opportunities.
• Address barriers affecting participation.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered charities.
• Incorporated not-for-profit organisations.
• Certified Social Traders social enterprises.

Applicants must:

• Meet all grant eligibility requirements.
• Agree to the Community Giving Fund Terms and Conditions.
• Demonstrate that their project creates community benefits.
• Show alignment with the fund’s priority areas.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The fund does not accept applications from:

• Unincorporated associations.
• Federal, state, or local government organisations.
• Individuals or families.
• Commercial or for-profit businesses.
• Political parties.
• Trade unions.
• Minor sporting teams or clubs.
• Public schools.
• Private schools.
• Independent schools.

Why This Fund Matters

Community-focused funding helps organisations develop practical solutions to local challenges.

The fund contributes to:

• Stronger communities.
• Improved social wellbeing.
• Greater inclusion.
• Environmental protection.
• Support for vulnerable groups.
• Increased community participation.
• Sustainable local development.

Types of Projects Supported

Examples of suitable initiatives may include:

• Community wellbeing programmes.
• Environmental restoration projects.
• Disability inclusion activities.
• Cultural participation programmes.
• Youth support initiatives.
• Indigenous community partnerships.
• Social connection activities.
• Mental health and wellbeing projects.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm that their organisation meets eligibility requirements.
2. Review the Community Giving Fund priorities.
3. Develop a project proposal aligned with community needs.
4. Explain expected outcomes and benefits.
5. Prepare required organisational information.
6. Submit the application according to fund guidelines.

What a Strong Application Should Include

A strong proposal should demonstrate:

• Clear community need.
• Defined project goals.
• Measurable outcomes.
• Community involvement.
• Alignment with priority areas.
• Realistic budget planning.
• Long-term benefits.

Tips for Applicants

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain the community problem being addressed.
• Show how the project creates positive change.
• Include evidence of community support.
• Describe how outcomes will be measured.
• Highlight partnerships where relevant.
• Explain how funding will be used effectively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without meeting eligibility requirements.
• Proposing projects unrelated to community benefit.
• Providing unclear project objectives.
• Missing information about expected outcomes.
• Requesting funding without a clear budget.
• Submitting applications from excluded organisation types.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Community Giving Fund?

The Community Giving Fund provides grants to support initiatives that improve community wellbeing, inclusion, resilience, and environmental outcomes.

How much funding is available?

Eligible initiatives can receive grants of up to $10,000.

Who can apply for the fund?

Registered charities, incorporated not-for-profit organisations, and Certified Social Traders social enterprises can apply.

Can individuals apply for funding?

No. Individuals and families are not eligible applicants.

What types of projects are supported?

The fund supports projects related to community wellbeing, environmental protection, inclusion, Indigenous partnerships, arts and culture, youth support, and gender equality.

Are government organisations eligible?

No. Federal, state, and local government organisations are not eligible.

Can schools apply for funding?

No. Public, private, and independent schools are not eligible applicants.

Conclusion

The Community Giving Fund provides valuable support for organisations working to strengthen communities, improve wellbeing, protect the environment, and create inclusive opportunities. Through grants of up to $10,000, eligible organisations can deliver impactful initiatives that address local needs and contribute to more connected, resilient, and sustainable communities.