Request for Applications: Thriving Communities Grant (Australia)

Deadline: 31-Jul-2026

The Thriving Communities Grant provides funding of up to AUD 5,000 to eligible not-for-profit organisations and community groups delivering projects that promote health, inclusion, safety, and community connection across the Penrith Local Government Area (LGA). The program supports community-led initiatives, capacity-building activities, and collaborative partnerships that respond to local needs while promoting access, equity, and inclusion.

Thriving Communities Grant

The Thriving Communities Grant supports community-led initiatives that help create healthier, safer, and more connected communities across the Penrith Local Government Area (LGA). Administered by Penrith City Council, the program provides financial assistance to eligible not-for-profit organisations and community groups to deliver projects that address local community priorities, encourage participation, and strengthen community capacity.

The grant is offered twice each year and supports projects that can be completed within 12 months of signing the funding agreement.

Focus Areas

The program supports projects that:

• Create healthy, connected, and safe communities
• Respond to emerging community needs and local challenges
• Encourage community participation and engagement
• Strengthen community organisations and local groups
• Promote collaboration between organisations
• Support people experiencing intersectional inequality
• Advance access, inclusion, and equity
• Celebrate diversity and community participation
• Support and celebrate First Nations communities and culture
• Build stronger local partnerships
• Improve community wellbeing

Grant Amount

Funding is available under two grant tiers:

• Tier One: Up to AUD 2,500 for sole applicants.
• Tier Two: Up to AUD 5,000 for applicants delivering projects through genuine partnerships with one or more eligible organisations or community groups.

Program Objectives

The Thriving Communities Grant aims to:

• Strengthen community wellbeing.
• Support community-led solutions.
• Build organisational capacity.
• Foster collaboration across community organisations.
• Improve inclusion and accessibility.
• Address diverse and emerging community needs.
• Increase opportunities for local participation.
• Promote equitable outcomes for all residents.

Eligible Activities

Funding may be used for:

• One-off community activities and events
• Community workshops and training programs
• Capacity-building initiatives
• Community education activities
• Skills development programs
• One-off equipment purchases directly supporting the funded activity
• Communications and promotional activities for new initiatives
• Community engagement projects
• Partnership-based community initiatives

All funded activities must be delivered within the approved grant period.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated not-for-profit organisations
• Community groups operating within the Penrith Local Government Area
• Unincorporated community groups with an eligible incorporated auspice organisation that holds an Australian Business Number (ABN)

Applicants must:

• Be located in or provide services within the Penrith Local Government Area.
• Deliver activities that directly benefit Penrith residents.
• Submit a complete application before the closing date.
• Obtain all required licences, approvals, permits, and insurance.
• Enter into a funding agreement with Penrith City Council if successful.
• Complete the funded project within 12 months.
• Submit a final acquittal report after project completion.

For Tier Two funding, applicants must demonstrate a genuine partnership that:

• Includes one or more eligible organisations or community groups.
• Clearly explains the roles of each partner.
• Demonstrates how collaboration strengthens project outcomes.

An auspice arrangement alone does not qualify as a partnership.

Who is Not Eligible?

Funding cannot be used for:

• Activities already completed before funding approval
• Ongoing salaries or staffing costs
• Routine organisational operating expenses
• Office equipment for general organisational use
• Fundraising-only activities
• Projects that duplicate existing Penrith City Council activities
• Projects already funded through another Council Community Funding Program
• Ongoing annual programs
• Activities that cannot be completed within 12 months

Why This Grant Matters

Strong communities are built through local participation, collaboration, and inclusive opportunities.

This grant helps organisations:

• Respond to changing community needs.
• Build stronger neighbourhood connections.
• Increase social inclusion.
• Support vulnerable and underrepresented communities.
• Strengthen community organisations.
• Encourage local leadership.
• Improve community wellbeing.
• Promote First Nations participation and cultural recognition.

How to Apply

Follow these steps when preparing your application:

1. Confirm your organisation meets the eligibility requirements.
2. Identify a project that addresses community needs and aligns with the program objectives.
3. Decide whether to apply as an individual organisation or through a genuine partnership.
4. Develop a detailed project plan, timeline, and budget.
5. Gather supporting documents, including partnership evidence if applicable.
6. Ensure all required licences, permits, insurance, and approvals can be obtained.
7. Complete the official application before the advertised closing date.
8. If approved, sign the funding agreement with Penrith City Council.
9. Deliver the project within 12 months.
10. Submit the required acquittal report upon project completion.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly demonstrate community need.
• Show how the project benefits Penrith residents.
• Explain expected outcomes and measurable impact.
• Include meaningful community participation.
• Demonstrate strong partnerships where applicable.
• Provide a realistic budget.
• Ensure the project is achievable within 12 months.
• Highlight how the project promotes inclusion, equity, and accessibility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying after the closing date.
• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Treating an auspice arrangement as a partnership.
• Requesting funding for ongoing operational expenses.
• Applying for projects already completed.
• Proposing activities outside the Penrith LGA.
• Failing to demonstrate community benefit.
• Not obtaining required approvals or insurance.
• Omitting a clear implementation timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Thriving Communities Grant?

Incorporated not-for-profit organisations and eligible community groups delivering projects that benefit residents of the Penrith Local Government Area.

How much funding is available?

Applicants can request up to AUD 2,500 under Tier One or up to AUD 5,000 under Tier Two for eligible partnership projects.

What projects are eligible?

Eligible projects include community events, workshops, training, community engagement activities, capacity-building initiatives, one-off equipment purchases, and promotional activities supporting new community initiatives.

Are partnerships required?

No. Partnerships are only required for Tier Two funding. Applicants seeking Tier One funding may apply independently.

Can funding be used for staff salaries or operating costs?

No. The grant does not support ongoing operational expenses, salaries, office equipment, or recurring organisational costs.

How long do funded projects have to be completed?

All approved projects must be completed within 12 months of signing the funding agreement.

What happens after the project is completed?

Successful recipients must submit a final acquittal report outlining how the grant funding was used and the outcomes achieved. Failure to submit the report may affect eligibility for future Penrith City Council funding.

Conclusion

The Thriving Communities Grant provides valuable support for community organisations and groups delivering projects that improve health, inclusion, participation, and community wellbeing across the Penrith Local Government Area. With funding of up to AUD 5,000, the program encourages innovative, community-led initiatives and collaborative partnerships that strengthen local communities while promoting equity, accessibility, and long-term social impact.

For more information, visit Penrith City Council.