Deadline: 16-Sep-2026
The Community Grants Program provides funding of up to $10,000 (excluding GST) to support projects and activities that address local community needs and deliver measurable benefits to the City of Clarence. The programme supports eligible community organisations delivering initiatives that promote participation, inclusion, wellbeing, resilience, and stronger community connections.
About the Community Grants Program
The Community Grants Program provides financial assistance to community organisations delivering projects that strengthen local communities and respond to identified community needs.
The programme supports initiatives that improve quality of life, encourage active community participation, foster social inclusion, and build stronger, more resilient communities throughout the Clarence municipality.
Projects should demonstrate clear community benefits and align with the programme’s objectives.
Funding Information
The programme offers funding through two grant levels:
Level 1 Grant
- Funding Amount: Up to $5,000
Level 2 Grant
- Funding Amount: $5,000 to $10,000 (excluding GST)
Applicants should request funding appropriate to the size and scope of their proposed project.
Programme Objectives
The Community Grants Program aims to:
- Address identified community needs.
- Deliver direct benefits to the Clarence community.
- Encourage community participation.
- Promote social inclusion.
- Improve community wellbeing.
- Strengthen community connections.
- Build resilience and local capacity.
- Support sustainable community development.
Priority Focus Areas
Projects should contribute to one or more of the following outcomes:
- Community participation
- Social inclusion
- Community wellbeing
- Community connection
- Community resilience
- Capacity building
- Local engagement
- Community-led initiatives
- Activities responding to identified local needs
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Community groups
- Resident groups
- Incorporated associations
- Not-for-profit associations
Applicants must satisfy all programme eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
Who is Not Eligible?
Applications may not be considered if:
- The proposed activity has already started before the grant round.
- The project has already been completed.
- Required supporting documents are missing.
- The application is incomplete.
- The applicant has outstanding reports or repayments relating to previous Council funding.
- More than one application is submitted across available Council grant rounds.
- The applicant is not eligible for the relevant grant stream.
Eligible Projects
Funding supports projects and activities that:
- Address community needs.
- Improve community wellbeing.
- Encourage participation.
- Build stronger local connections.
- Promote inclusion.
- Increase community resilience.
- Develop community capacity.
- Deliver measurable benefits to Clarence residents.
Projects should have a clear positive impact on the local community.
Project Location Requirements
Projects must:
- Take place within the Clarence municipality, or
- Clearly demonstrate significant benefits to the City of Clarence community.
Applicants should explain how local residents will benefit from the proposed activity.
Child and Youth Safety Requirements
Projects involving children or young people under 18 years of age will be assessed against the ten principles of the Child and Youth Safe Framework established under the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Act 2023.
Applicants should ensure appropriate child safety practices are in place before submitting their application.
Insurance and Risk Management Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Appropriate insurance coverage.
- Workplace health and safety policies.
- Risk management procedures relevant to the proposed activity.
These requirements help ensure projects are delivered safely and responsibly.
Application Requirements
To be eligible for funding, applicants must:
- Submit a complete application.
- Include all required supporting documents.
- Apply during the official application period.
- Ensure the application is submitted by an authorised representative.
- Provide evidence of authorisation where required.
- Meet all programme eligibility requirements.
Incomplete applications may not be assessed.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organisation qualifies under the programme and meets all eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Develop Your Community Project
Prepare a project that:
- Responds to a demonstrated community need.
- Benefits the Clarence community.
- Promotes participation and inclusion.
- Supports community wellbeing and resilience.
Step 3: Select the Appropriate Grant Level
Choose the funding category that best matches your project:
- Level 1: Up to $5,000
- Level 2: $5,000–$10,000 (excluding GST)
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents
Gather all required documentation, including:
- Project description
- Budget
- Timeline
- Evidence of organisational authorisation
- Insurance details (where required)
- Any additional documents requested by the Council
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Submit the completed application during the official grant period before commencing any project activities.
Why This Grant Matters
Strong communities are built through local participation, collaboration, and inclusive initiatives that respond to community needs.
The Community Grants Program supports:
- Stronger community relationships
- Improved community wellbeing
- Greater social inclusion
- Increased community participation
- More resilient neighbourhoods
- Local capacity building
- Sustainable community development
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can strengthen their proposal by:
- Clearly identifying the community need being addressed.
- Demonstrating measurable community benefits.
- Explaining how residents will participate.
- Providing a realistic budget and timeline.
- Showing strong organisational capacity.
- Including all required supporting documents.
- Demonstrating compliance with child safety and risk management requirements where applicable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common application errors:
- Starting the project before funding approval.
- Submitting incomplete applications.
- Omitting required supporting documents.
- Failing to provide evidence of organisational authorisation.
- Applying with outstanding Council reports or repayments.
- Submitting multiple applications across Council grant rounds.
- Not demonstrating benefits to the Clarence community.
- Failing to address child safety requirements for projects involving young people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Community Grants Program?
The Community Grants Program provides funding for projects and activities that address community needs and strengthen the City of Clarence through participation, inclusion, wellbeing, and community development.
2. How much funding is available?
There are two funding levels:
- Level 1: Up to $5,000
- Level 2: $5,000 to $10,000 (excluding GST)
3. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include community groups, resident groups, incorporated associations, and not-for-profit associations.
4. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects that respond to local community needs, promote participation, improve wellbeing, strengthen resilience, build community connections, and benefit the Clarence community are eligible.
5. Can projects already underway receive funding?
No. Projects that have already started or been completed before the grant round are not eligible.
6. What additional requirements apply to projects involving children?
Projects involving participants under 18 years of age must comply with the Child and Youth Safe Framework under the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Act 2023 and demonstrate appropriate child safety practices.
7. What documents are required with the application?
Applicants must submit a complete application, all required supporting documents, evidence of organisational authorisation, and any additional information requested by the Council. Organisations must also have appropriate insurance and workplace health and safety policies where applicable.
Conclusion
The Community Grants Program offers valuable funding of up to $10,000 for community organisations delivering projects that create meaningful benefits for the City of Clarence. By supporting initiatives that strengthen participation, inclusion, resilience, wellbeing, and community connections, the programme helps build stronger and more vibrant local communities. Organisations with well-planned projects, clear community outcomes, and complete applications will be well positioned to secure funding.
For more information, visit City of Clarence.