Call for Projects: Small Grants Program (Australia)

Deadline: 31-Jul-2026

The South Gippsland Shire Council Small Grants Program provides financial support for community organisations and volunteer groups delivering projects that create positive outcomes for residents across the South Gippsland region. The program offers grants between $100 and $1,000 to support local initiatives that improve community wellbeing, strengthen participation, and enhance cultural, recreational, and social opportunities.

The program supports community-led projects aligned with Council priorities, including community strengthening, sustainability, good governance, youth engagement, recreation, heritage, and cultural development.

Overview of the South Gippsland Small Grants Program

The Small Grants Program is designed to provide accessible funding for small-scale community projects and activities.

The program helps organisations:

• Deliver community-focused initiatives.
• Improve quality of life for local residents.
• Support volunteer-led activities.
• Strengthen community participation.
• Encourage local innovation and self-reliance.
• Reduce financial pressure on community groups.
• Support projects aligned with Council strategies.

The program provides flexible funding for initiatives that deliver clear benefits to the South Gippsland community.

Program Objectives

The Small Grants Program supports the objectives of the South Gippsland Council Plan.

The program focuses on:

• Leading with integrity.
• Developing a sustainable future.
• Empowering communities.
• Supporting local heritage and culture.
• Increasing recreation opportunities.
• Strengthening community connections.
• Encouraging effective governance.
• Supporting volunteer organisations.

Projects should demonstrate how they contribute to community development and regional priorities.

Funding Available

The program provides grants between:

• Minimum grant amount: $100.
• Maximum grant amount: $1,000.

Important funding conditions include:

• Applications outside the $100–$1,000 range are not eligible.
• Applicants may request up to 100% of project costs.
• A financial contribution from the organisation is encouraged.
• Community organisations may receive up to two Small Grants per calendar year.

There is no limit on the number of applications submitted, but only two grants can be approved for each organisation annually.

Application Timeline

The Small Grants Program operates on a monthly cycle.

Key dates include:

• Applications open: First day of every month.
• Applications close: Last day of every month.
• Assessment period: Following month.
• Funding decisions announced: By the end of the assessment month.

Successful applicants receive payment:

• Within two weeks after returning the signed funding agreement and invoice.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to volunteer-managed community groups and not-for-profit organisations that benefit the South Gippsland region.

Eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated associations.
• Community Asset Committees.
• Companies Limited by Guarantee.
• Eligible social enterprises managed by volunteer boards.
• Organisations applying through an incorporated auspice organisation.
• Community-managed kindergartens.
• Preschools.
• Community houses demonstrating broad community benefit.

Applicants must:

• Operate within South Gippsland Shire, or
• Demonstrate significant services and benefits for South Gippsland residents.

Projects must be delivered within the South Gippsland region.

Auspice Requirements

Unincorporated groups may apply through an eligible incorporated organisation.

The auspice organisation:

• Submits the application on behalf of the group.
• Takes legal responsibility for the grant.
• Manages funding requirements.
• Ensures compliance with Council conditions.

This allows smaller community groups without formal incorporation to access funding.

Types of Projects Supported

The Small Grants Program supports community-focused activities that create local benefits.

Eligible projects may include:

• Community events.
• Cultural activities.
• Recreation initiatives.
• Heritage projects.
• Youth programs.
• Community workshops.
• Volunteer development activities.
• Local improvement projects.
• Community engagement activities.
• Small equipment purchases.
• Community participation initiatives.

Projects should demonstrate clear community value and positive outcomes.

Alignment With Council Strategies

Projects that align with South Gippsland Council strategies are encouraged.

Relevant strategies may include:

• Youth Strategy.
• Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Strategy.
• Community Strengthening Strategy.
• Other relevant Council plans and priorities.

Applicants should explain how their project supports local strategic goals.

Eligible Expenses

Funding may support costs directly connected to approved projects.

Eligible expenses may include:

• Project materials.
• Equipment purchases.
• Venue costs.
• Activity expenses.
• Community participation costs.
• Event-related expenses.
• Resources required for project delivery.

Applicants should provide quotations where relevant.

Ineligible Activities and Expenses

The program does not support activities that do not meet community benefit requirements.

Examples of ineligible funding include:

• Projects outside South Gippsland.
• Applications outside the $100–$1,000 funding range.
• Activities without required approvals.
• Projects that have already been completed.
• Organisations that have not completed previous acquittal requirements.
• Activities that do not provide broad community benefit.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must provide supporting documentation with their application.

Required documents include:

• Full financial disclosure.
• Latest annual financial report.
• Current bank statement.
• Relevant project quotations.

Applications submitted without required financial documents will be considered ineligible.

Additional Grant Requirements

Successful applicants must meet additional funding conditions.

Requirements include:

• Providing an Australian Business Number (ABN), or
• Providing evidence of tax-exempt status.

If applicants do not meet these requirements:

• Council may withhold the required amount.
• The withheld amount will be provided to the Australian Taxation Office.

Applicants must also:

• Obtain all required statutory approvals.
• Agree to Council funding conditions.
• Complete the project within the approved timeframe.

Project Completion and Acquittal Requirements

Funded projects must generally be:

• Completed within 12 months.
• Properly acquitted after completion.

Applicants must submit an acquittal report explaining:

• How funding was used.
• Project outcomes.
• Community benefits achieved.

Organisations that fail to provide an acquittal report:

• Will not be eligible for future Small Grants funding.
• Will remain ineligible until outstanding requirements are completed.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow a clear process when preparing their application.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before applying, organisations should confirm:

• They are an eligible community or not-for-profit organisation.
• Their project benefits South Gippsland residents.
• The requested funding amount is between $100 and $1,000.
• Required financial documents are available.

Step 2: Develop a Project Plan

Applicants should explain:

• What the project will achieve.
• Who will benefit.
• How activities will be delivered.
• How the project supports community priorities.
• The expected outcomes.

Step 3: Prepare a Budget

Applicants should include:

• Total project cost.
• Amount requested.
• Other contributions.
• Quotes for relevant expenses.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

Applicants should attach:

• Annual financial report.
• Current bank statement.
• Quotations where required.
• Other supporting information.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Applications must be submitted during the monthly application period.

Incomplete applications may not be assessed.

Step 6: Deliver and Report on the Project

Successful applicants must:

• Sign the funding agreement.
• Submit an invoice.
• Complete the project.
• Provide an acquittal report.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their applications by:

• Clearly explaining community benefits.
• Showing alignment with Council priorities.
• Providing a realistic budget.
• Including supporting quotations.
• Explaining volunteer involvement.
• Demonstrating long-term community value.
• Completing previous grant reporting requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Requesting less than $100 or more than $1,000.
• Submitting applications without financial documents.
• Failing to explain community outcomes.
• Applying for projects outside South Gippsland.
• Forgetting to include quotations.
• Not completing previous acquittal reports.
• Starting projects before required approvals are obtained.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the South Gippsland Small Grants Program?

The South Gippsland Small Grants Program provides funding to community groups and not-for-profit organisations for small projects that benefit local residents and strengthen community participation.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Organisations can apply for grants between $100 and $1,000. Up to two grants can be awarded to the same organisation each calendar year.

When can organisations apply?

Applications open on the first day of each month and close on the last day of the same month.

Who can apply for the Small Grants Program?

Eligible applicants include incorporated community groups, volunteer organisations, community facilities, eligible social enterprises, and groups applying through an approved auspice organisation.

Can organisations receive full project funding?

Yes. Applicants may request up to 100% of project costs, although Council encourages organisations to provide their own financial contribution.

What documents are required with the application?

Applicants must provide financial disclosure documents, including their latest annual financial report and current bank statement. Relevant quotations should also be available.

How long do funded projects have to be completed?

Projects should generally be completed and acquitted within 12 months.

What happens if an organisation does not submit an acquittal report?

Organisations that fail to complete acquittal requirements will not be eligible for future funding until outstanding reports are submitted.

Conclusion

The South Gippsland Shire Council Small Grants Program provides valuable support for local organisations delivering community-led projects and initiatives. Through accessible grants of up to $1,000, the program helps strengthen community participation, support volunteers, and improve cultural, recreational, and social opportunities throughout the region.

Eligible community groups and not-for-profit organisations are encouraged to apply with projects that demonstrate clear community benefits, strong planning, and alignment with South Gippsland’s strategic priorities.

For more information, visit South Gippsland Shire Council.