Emergency Grants Program for Community Groups (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Jun-2027

The South Gippsland Emergency Grants Program provides financial assistance to eligible community, volunteer, and not-for-profit organisations in South Gippsland that experience unexpected situations requiring urgent support. The program offers grants between $1,000 and $5,000 to help eligible groups respond quickly to community needs, maintain essential activities, and deliver projects that benefit the wider community.

The program operates throughout the year and supports initiatives that align with the South Gippsland Council Plan priorities, including community empowerment, sustainable development, good governance, cultural opportunities, and improved quality of life.

Overview of the South Gippsland Emergency Grants Program

The Emergency Grants Program is designed to provide flexible funding when community organisations face urgent or unforeseen challenges.

The program helps organisations:

• Respond to unexpected community needs.
• Deliver essential community projects.
• Maintain valuable volunteer-led activities.
• Improve access to recreation, heritage, and cultural opportunities.
• Strengthen community resilience.
• Support organisations with limited access to other funding sources.

Applications are accepted throughout the year, allowing eligible organisations to apply whenever an emergency or unexpected situation occurs.

Program Objectives

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

The program focuses on:

• Leading with integrity.
• Developing a sustainable future.
• Empowering local communities.
• Supporting community wellbeing and participation.
• Encouraging responsible asset management.
• Reducing pressure on volunteers.
• Improving opportunities for community groups to become more self-reliant.

Funded projects should demonstrate clear community benefit and contribute to local priorities.

Funding Available

The South Gippsland Emergency Grants Program provides:

• Minimum funding amount: $1,000.
• Maximum funding amount: $5,000.

Council funding conditions include:

• Council can contribute up to 50% of the total project cost.
• Applicants must provide the remaining 50% contribution through cash or eligible contributions.

Funding decisions are generally provided:

• Approximately two weeks after a complete application is submitted.
• Grant payments are made within two weeks after the funding agreement and invoice are received.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to eligible community, volunteer, and not-for-profit organisations operating within or significantly benefiting the South Gippsland Shire.

Eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated community organisations.
• Community Asset Committees of Council.
• Companies Limited by Guarantee.
• Social enterprises managed by volunteer committees.
• Organisations applying through an eligible incorporated auspice organisation.
• Community-managed kindergartens.
• Preschools and community houses that demonstrate broad community benefit.

Applicants must demonstrate that their project provides value to the wider South Gippsland community.

Auspice Requirements for Unincorporated Groups

Unincorporated community groups may still apply if they partner with an eligible incorporated organisation.

The auspice organisation:

• Submits the application on behalf of the group.
• Becomes legally responsible for the grant.
• Manages grant requirements if funding is approved.
• Ensures funds are used according to program conditions.

Why This Program Matters

Community organisations often rely heavily on volunteers and may experience unexpected financial challenges. The Emergency Grants Program provides rapid assistance to help these organisations continue delivering important local services and activities.

The program supports:

• Community resilience during unexpected situations.
• Volunteer-led initiatives.
• Local cultural and recreational opportunities.
• Community participation.
• Improved access to essential resources.
• Stronger local partnerships.

By supporting smaller organisations and community groups, the program helps create a more connected and sustainable South Gippsland community.

Types of Projects That Can Receive Funding

Eligible funding activities may include projects that address urgent community needs or improve community facilities and participation opportunities.

Examples of eligible activities include:

• Purchasing essential project materials.
• Buying small equipment required for community activities.
• Printing and promotional materials.
• Venue hire costs.
• Community participation expenses.
• Community training that benefits the wider community.
• Defibrillator purchases with evidence of ongoing maintenance arrangements.
• Joint community initiatives.
• Catering costs excluding alcohol.

Projects should demonstrate clear outcomes and community benefit.

Ineligible Activities and Expenses

The program does not fund activities that do not meet the emergency or community benefit requirements.

Funding is generally unavailable for:

• Routine operating expenses.
• Insurance costs.
• Utility bills.
• Retrospective projects that have already been completed.
• Late or incomplete applications.
• Projects without the required applicant contribution.
• Commercial activities that primarily benefit businesses.
• Activities that duplicate existing government services.
• Religious promotion activities.
• Political advocacy or campaigns.
• Projects that fail to meet required approvals or regulations.

How to Apply

Organisations should follow a clear application process before requesting funding.

Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, organisations should confirm:

• They meet applicant eligibility rules.
• The project provides community benefit.
• The project addresses an unexpected need.
• The organisation can provide the required contribution.

Step 2: Contact the Grants Team

Applicants are encouraged to discuss their project with the Grants Team before submitting an application.

This discussion can help confirm:

• Whether the project fits the program objectives.
• Whether the organisation is eligible.
• What supporting documents are required.

Step 3: Prepare the Application

Applicants should provide:

• Details about the organisation.
• A clear description of the emergency or unexpected situation.
• Project goals and expected outcomes.
• A detailed budget.
• Evidence of the applicant contribution.
• Supporting documents where required.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applications can be submitted throughout the year when unexpected circumstances arise.

Applicants should ensure:

• All required information is included.
• Supporting documents are attached.
• The application clearly explains community benefits.

Step 5: Assessment and Decision

Applications are assessed based on:

• Information provided in the application.
• Alignment with Council priorities.
• Previous Council funding received.
• Applicant financial contribution.
• Overall project merit.
• Community impact.

Funding recommendations are approved by Council or an authorised delegate.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are reviewed against several factors, including:

• How strongly the project responds to an urgent community need.
• Benefits provided to local residents.
• Alignment with the Council Plan.
• Financial responsibility and value for money.
• Ability of the organisation to deliver the project.
• Availability of other funding sources.

Successful applications generally demonstrate strong community outcomes and a high assessment ranking.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their application by:

• Clearly explaining why funding is urgently needed.
• Showing how the project benefits the broader community.
• Providing a realistic budget.
• Demonstrating volunteer and community involvement.
• Explaining how the project aligns with Council priorities.
• Including all required supporting documents.
• Discussing the proposal with the Grants Team before applying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying for projects that have already been completed.
• Requesting funding for normal operating costs.
• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Failing to provide the required 50% contribution.
• Not explaining the community benefit.
• Applying for activities outside the program guidelines.
• Missing required approvals or documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the South Gippsland Emergency Grants Program?

The South Gippsland Emergency Grants Program provides financial support to eligible community, volunteer, and not-for-profit organisations that experience unexpected situations requiring urgent assistance.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Eligible organisations can receive between $1,000 and $5,000. Council generally funds up to 50% of the total project cost, with applicants required to provide the remaining contribution.

When can organisations apply?

Applications are open throughout the year. Organisations can apply whenever an unexpected situation arises that requires immediate financial assistance.

Who can apply for Emergency Grants?

Eligible applicants include incorporated community groups, volunteer organisations, not-for-profits, Community Asset Committees, eligible social enterprises, community-managed facilities, and organisations using an approved auspice body.

Can unincorporated community groups apply?

Yes. Unincorporated groups can apply through an eligible incorporated organisation that agrees to act as their auspice body and accept legal responsibility for the grant.

What expenses are eligible?

Funding may support essential equipment, materials, venue hire, promotional activities, community training, participation costs, joint community projects, and other eligible community-focused expenses.

What expenses are not funded?

The program does not support routine operational costs, completed projects, commercial activities, political or religious promotion, duplicate government services, or projects without the required applicant contribution.

Conclusion

The South Gippsland Emergency Grants Program provides flexible and timely financial support for community organisations responding to unexpected challenges. By offering grants of up to $5,000, the program helps volunteer groups, not-for-profits, and community organisations continue delivering valuable activities that strengthen local communities.

Eligible organisations are encouraged to discuss their project with the Grants Team, prepare a clear application, and demonstrate how their initiative will create meaningful benefits for the South Gippsland community.

For more information, visit South Gippsland Shire Council.