Submit Applications for Community Development Fund (Australia)

The Community Development Grants (CDF) Program provides funding to support community projects, local events, volunteer initiatives, facility improvements, and minor capital works in the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu, Western Australia. The program helps not-for-profit organizations and community groups deliver projects that strengthen local communities, improve public participation, and contribute to the region’s social, cultural, environmental, and economic development.

Community Development Grants (CDF) Program 2026

The Community Development Grants (CDF) Program is an annual funding initiative offered by the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu to support projects that create positive outcomes for the local community.

The program provides financial assistance for community-led initiatives that improve local facilities, strengthen volunteer organizations, encourage community participation, and deliver events or programs that benefit residents.

Projects funded through the program must align with the priorities outlined in the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan and deliver measurable benefits to the people of the Shire.

Program Objectives

The Community Development Grants Program aims to:

Strengthen local communities.
Support community participation and civic engagement.
Encourage volunteering and leadership.
Improve community facilities and shared infrastructure.
Promote social inclusion and community wellbeing.
Support cultural, environmental, social, and economic development.
Deliver projects that reflect local community priorities.

Funding Categories

Funding is available across four categories.

1. Community Events and Programs

Maximum funding:
Up to $5,000

Examples include:

Community festivals
Educational workshops
Health and wellbeing activities
Cultural celebrations
Youth engagement programs
Community awareness campaigns

2. Capacity Building and Volunteer Support Initiatives

Maximum funding:
Up to $5,000

Examples include:

Volunteer training
Leadership development
Governance training
Skills development
Community organization support
Volunteer recognition initiatives

3. Equipment and Facility Upgrades

Maximum funding:
Up to $10,000

Examples include:

Community equipment purchases
Facility improvements
Safety upgrades
Accessibility improvements
Shared community resources

4. Minor Capital Works on Council Land

Maximum funding:
Up to $10,000

Projects may include:

Minor infrastructure improvements
Park or recreation upgrades
Community asset improvements
Construction of approved facilities

Important: Prior approval from the Council is required before applying under this category.

Funding Amount

Applicants may request funding according to the relevant category.

Community Events and Programs: Up to $5,000
Capacity Building and Volunteer Support Initiatives: Up to $5,000
Equipment and Facility Upgrades: Up to $10,000
Minor Capital Works on Council Land: Up to $10,000

The requested amount should be appropriate for the project’s scope and expected community benefit.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Not-for-profit organizations
Community groups
Local clubs
Volunteer organizations based within the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu

Applicants must also:

Be based in the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu.
Be incorporated or apply through an auspice organization that is incorporated.
Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
Maintain appropriate insurance, including public liability insurance.
Demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver the proposed project.
Have complied with all previous Shire grant reporting and acquittal requirements.

Eligible Projects

Projects must:

Deliver a clear benefit to the local community.
Align with the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan.
Support the objectives of the Community Development Grants Program.
Fit within one of the four funding categories.
Be completed within 12 months of funding approval.
Not have started before the grant application is submitted.
Not be completed before receiving approval.

Ineligible Projects

Projects may not be eligible if they:

Have already commenced before the application is lodged.
Have already been completed.
Do not align with the program objectives.
Fall outside the approved funding categories.
Do not provide clear community benefit.
Fail to meet applicant eligibility requirements.

Why This Grant Matters

The Community Development Grants Program helps local organizations turn community ideas into practical projects that improve life across the Shire.

The funding supports:

Stronger local communities
Better public facilities
Increased volunteer participation
More inclusive community activities
Improved recreational opportunities
Sustainable community development
Long-term local capacity building

By investing in grassroots initiatives, the program encourages residents to actively participate in shaping their community.

How to Apply

Follow these steps when applying:

Review the program guidelines carefully.
Confirm your organization meets all eligibility requirements.
Select the appropriate funding category.
Prepare a detailed project description.
Explain how the project benefits the local community.
Develop a realistic project budget.
Gather required supporting documents, including:
- ABN details
- Insurance documentation
- Evidence of incorporation (or auspice arrangement)
Submit your application through the Shire’s online portal or provide a written application to the Manager of Community and Customer Services.
Submit before the closing date.

Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications submitted directly to Councillors are also not accepted.

Assessment Process

Applications are assessed by the Shire Council based on:

Community benefit
Alignment with the Strategic Community Plan
Project feasibility
Organizational capacity
Value for money
Compliance with program guidelines

Council considers applications at the next Ordinary Council Meeting.

Applicants are normally notified of the outcome within four weeks after the Council decision.

Application Timeline

The Community Development Grants Program:

Opens annually in July
Remains open for four weeks
Projects must be completed within 12 months after funding approval

Applicants should begin preparing well before the application period opens.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

Clearly explain the community need.
Demonstrate measurable community outcomes.
Show strong alignment with the Strategic Community Plan.
Provide an accurate and realistic budget.
Include all required supporting documents.
Demonstrate organizational experience and capacity.
Submit your application before the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

Applying after the deadline.
Starting the project before submitting the application.
Selecting the wrong funding category.
Providing incomplete budgets.
Missing insurance or ABN documentation.
Failing to demonstrate community benefit.
Ignoring previous grant acquittal obligations.
Submitting applications directly to Councillors instead of using the approved application process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Community Development Grants Program?

Eligible applicants include incorporated not-for-profit organizations, community groups, clubs, and volunteer organizations based in the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu. Organizations may also apply under the auspice of an incorporated body if applicable.

How much funding is available?

Funding ranges from up to $5,000 for Community Events and Volunteer Capacity Building projects and up to $10,000 for Equipment and Facility Upgrades or Minor Capital Works on Council Land.

Can projects start before applying?

No. Projects must not commence or be completed before the application is submitted.

How long do funded projects have to be completed?

Approved projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving funding approval.

When does the grant open?

The Community Development Grants Program opens annually in July and accepts applications for approximately four weeks.

How are applications submitted?

Applications must be submitted through the Shire’s online application portal or as a written application to the Manager of Community and Customer Services.

When are applicants notified?

Applicants are generally informed of the funding decision within four weeks after the Council makes its decision at the next Ordinary Meeting.

Conclusion

The Community Development Grants (CDF) Program provides valuable financial support for community organizations working to improve life in the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu. By funding local events, volunteer initiatives, facility upgrades, equipment purchases, and community infrastructure, the program helps build stronger, more connected, and more resilient communities. Eligible organizations should prepare early, ensure their projects align with the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan, and submit complete applications during the annual July funding round to maximize their chances of success.