Call for Proposals: Community Services Program (Australia)

Deadline: 26-Jun-2026

The Community Services Program is a funding initiative by Bundaberg Regional Council that supports local not-for-profit organisations delivering community benefit.

• Key purpose:
  • Improve community wellbeing and quality of life
  • Support local events and community-driven initiatives
  • Encourage sustainable, long-term outcomes
  • Reduce dependency on ongoing Council funding
• Focus areas:
  • Community development projects
  • Local events and festivals
  • Sustainability and environmental initiatives
  • Health, wellbeing, and social inclusion programs

Funding Details

The program provides structured financial support for eligible community organisations.

• Grant amount:
  • Up to $5,000 per approved application
• Funding frequency rules:
  • One application allowed every two financial years per organisation
  • Organisations funded in the previous financial year are generally ineligible
  • Exception:
    • Special Events Grant category may allow exceptions
• Funding conditions:
  • Funding is released only after compliance requirements are met
  • Successful applicants must:
    • Sign funding agreements
    • Acknowledge Council support in all publicity materials
    • Complete post-project acquittal reporting

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility is restricted to local not-for-profit organisations operating within the Bundaberg Regional Council area.

• Eligible organisations must:
  • Be registered not-for-profit groups
  • Be based in the Bundaberg Regional Council region
  • Provide proof of not-for-profit status
  • Hold current Public Liability Insurance
  • Have majority membership residing in the Bundaberg Region
  • Have no outstanding acquittals from previous Council funding
• Auspicing rules:
  • Eligible organisations may auspice one additional application per funding round
  • Some external peak bodies may be exempt if they support Bundaberg-based branches

Ineligible Applicants

The program excludes certain types of organisations and circumstances.

• Not eligible:
  • For-profit organisations
  • Schools and universities
  • Political organisations
  • Discriminatory groups
  • Organisations with unresolved acquittals
• Funding restriction:
  • Organisations funded in the previous financial year are generally not eligible
  • Exception applies only under Special Events Grant provisions

Eligible Project Types

The program supports community-focused and impact-driven initiatives.

• Eligible projects include:
  • Community events and festivals
  • Volunteer and engagement programs
  • Environmental sustainability projects
  • Health and wellbeing initiatives
  • Social inclusion and cultural programs
• Priority outcomes:
  • Long-term community benefit
  • Sustainable project delivery
  • Reduced reliance on ongoing Council funding

How to Apply

The application process follows a structured step-by-step system.

• Step 1: Check eligibility
  • Confirm not-for-profit status
  • Ensure insurance is valid
  • Check funding history compliance
• Step 2: Prepare application
  • Include:
    • Project description
    • Objectives and outcomes
    • Budget breakdown
    • Community benefit explanation
• Step 3: Submit application
  • Apply during official Council funding rounds
  • Ensure submission meets deadline requirements
• Step 4: Assessment process
  • Applications are evaluated based on:
    • Community impact
    • Feasibility of delivery
    • Alignment with program goals
    • Sustainability of outcomes
• Step 5: Approval and agreement
  • Successful applicants must:
    • Sign funding agreements
    • Meet all compliance requirements before funds are released
• Step 6: Delivery and reporting
  • Deliver approved project as planned
  • Submit final acquittal report
  • Acknowledge Council support publicly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Eligibility errors:
  • Applying within restricted funding cycle
  • Applying after recent Council funding
• Documentation issues:
  • Missing Public Liability Insurance
  • Incomplete proof of not-for-profit status
  • Unresolved past acquittals
• Application quality issues:
  • Vague or unclear project outcomes
  • Weak or unrealistic budgets
  • Lack of community benefit evidence
• Project design issues:
  • Proposals requiring ongoing Council funding
  • Poor alignment with program priorities

Tips for a Strong Application

• Strengthen community impact:
  • Clearly define who benefits and how
  • Provide measurable outcomes
• Improve funding success:
  • Align project with Council priorities
  • Focus on sustainability and long-term value
• Ensure compliance:
  • Submit complete documentation
  • Keep insurance and records up to date
• Improve clarity:
  • Use realistic budgets
  • Provide strong evidence of local need

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the maximum funding available?
  • Up to $5,000 per eligible application
• How often can organisations apply?
  • Once every two financial years, subject to eligibility rules
• Who is not eligible to apply?
  • For-profit organisations, schools, universities, political groups, and organisations with unresolved acquittals
• Can previously funded organisations apply again?
  • Generally no, if they received funding in the previous financial year
  • Exception: Special Events Grant category
• Is insurance required?
  • Yes, valid Public Liability Insurance is mandatory
• Can an organisation submit multiple applications?
  • Yes, but only one additional application can be auspiced per funding round
• What happens after funding is approved?
  • Organisations must deliver the project, acknowledge Council support, and submit an acquittal report

Conclusion

The Community Services Program by Bundaberg Regional Council is a structured grant initiative designed to support sustainable, community-driven projects across the Bundaberg Region.

• It ensures funding is:
  • Targeted toward real community benefit
  • Focused on long-term impact
  • Delivered through accountable not-for-profit organisations
  • Managed through clear eligibility and reporting rules.

For more information, visit Bundaberg Regional Council.