Request for Proposals: Community Equipment Grants (Australia)

Deadline: 27-Jul-2026

The Community Equipment Grants program provides funding to help community groups and not-for-profit organizations purchase essential equipment that supports community activities, services, and programs. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $2,000 to buy equipment that promotes inclusion, improves health and wellbeing, strengthens community participation, and enhances the natural environment.

What Are Community Equipment Grants?

The Community Equipment Grants program provides financial assistance for the purchase of small-scale equipment that enables community organizations to deliver services, programs, and activities more effectively.

The program helps eligible organizations improve their capacity to serve local communities by funding equipment that supports community engagement, recreation, education, environmental initiatives, and wellbeing.

Grant Objectives

The Community Equipment Grants program aims to:

• Promote inclusion within local communities.
• Improve community health and wellbeing.
• Strengthen community participation and social connections.
• Enhance and protect the natural environment.
• Support community organizations in delivering quality services and programs.
• Increase the capacity of not-for-profit organizations through essential equipment purchases.

Funding Information

The total funding available under the Community Equipment Grants program is $60,000.

Applicants may request:

• Up to $2,000 per application

The funding is intended for purchasing eligible small-scale equipment that directly supports community programs and activities.

Eligible Costs

Funding can be used to purchase a variety of equipment, including:

Sporting Equipment

Examples include:

• Sports balls
• Training equipment
• Fitness equipment
• Recreational equipment

Office Equipment

Examples include:

• Laptops
• Office furniture
• Office accessories

Kitchen Equipment

Examples include:

• Kettles
• Crockery
• Microwaves
• Refrigerators
• Freezers
• Air fryers

General Equipment

Examples include:

• Tables
• Chairs
• Barbecues

Gardening Equipment

Examples include:

• Shovels
• Wheelbarrows
• Gardening gloves
• Rakes

Electric Gardening Equipment

Examples include:

• Lawn mowers
• Whipper snippers

Environmental Equipment

Examples include:

• Tree guards

Small-Scale Agricultural Equipment

Examples include:

• Olive presses
• Bee hives

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
• Unincorporated groups with an auspice organization
• Registered charitable organizations

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants are not eligible:

• Businesses
• Sole traders operating with an active ABN
• Individuals without an ABN
• Schools or learning institutions
• Previous applicants with outstanding grant acquittals from the City
• Applicants who have not complied with previous funding agreements
• Organizations currently involved in legal proceedings with the City
• Organizations experiencing bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar legal circumstances
• Organizations with outstanding debt to the City

Why This Grant Matters

Community organizations often rely on appropriate equipment to deliver valuable programs and services. This grant helps organizations purchase essential items that improve operational capacity and increase community impact.

The program supports:

• Better delivery of community services.
• Increased community participation.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Inclusive community activities.
• Environmental improvement projects.
• Stronger local community organizations.

How to Apply

Follow these steps when preparing your application:

1. Confirm that your organization meets the eligibility requirements.
2. Identify the equipment needed to support your community programs or services.
3. Prepare a detailed list of equipment and estimated costs.
4. Explain how the equipment will benefit the community and support the program objectives.
5. Gather any required supporting documentation.
6. Complete and submit the application before the closing date.
7. If approved, purchase the equipment and comply with all funding agreement and reporting requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Applying as an ineligible organization.
• Requesting equipment that does not support community programs.
• Exceeding the maximum funding limit of $2,000.
• Submitting incomplete equipment lists or budgets.
• Failing to explain the community benefits of the equipment.
• Applying with outstanding grant acquittals or debts to the City.
• Not complying with previous funding agreements.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

• Clearly explain why the equipment is needed.
• Demonstrate how the equipment will benefit the community.
• Show how the purchase supports the grant objectives.
• Provide realistic equipment costs and quotations where available.
• Highlight long-term community impact.
• Ensure all eligibility requirements are met before applying.
• Submit a complete application with all required documents.

Key Definitions

Community Equipment

Small-scale items and tools used by community organizations to deliver programs, services, activities, and events.

Not-for-Profit Organization

An organization that operates for community benefit rather than generating profits for owners or shareholders.

Auspice Organization

An incorporated organization that accepts legal and financial responsibility for a grant application submitted on behalf of an unincorporated community group.

Community Participation

The active involvement of community members in programs, services, activities, and local initiatives that strengthen social connections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of the Community Equipment Grants program?

The program provides funding for eligible community organizations to purchase equipment that supports community services, activities, and programs.

How much funding is available?

The total funding pool is $60,000.

Eligible applicants may request up to $2,000.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
• Registered charitable organizations
• Unincorporated groups with an auspice organization

What types of equipment are eligible?

Eligible equipment includes:

• Sporting equipment
• Office equipment
• Kitchen equipment
• Tables and chairs
• Gardening tools
• Electric gardening equipment
• Tree guards
• Small-scale agricultural equipment

Who is not eligible?

Businesses, sole traders, individuals, schools, organizations with outstanding grant acquittals, organizations with outstanding debts to the City, and entities involved in legal proceedings or bankruptcy are not eligible.

Can schools apply for this grant?

No. Schools and learning institutions are not eligible for the Community Equipment Grants program.

Why is this grant important?

The grant enables community organizations to purchase essential equipment that improves service delivery, strengthens community participation, supports wellbeing, promotes inclusion, and enhances environmental initiatives.

Conclusion

The Community Equipment Grants program helps eligible not-for-profit organizations strengthen their services through the purchase of essential equipment. With funding of up to $2,000, the program supports projects that improve community participation, promote health and wellbeing, encourage inclusion, and enhance the natural environment. Organizations that clearly demonstrate community need, provide a well-planned equipment proposal, and meet all eligibility requirements will have a stronger chance of receiving funding.

For more information, visit City of Greater Geelong.