Submit Applications for Community Funding Program (Australia)

The City of Joondalup Community Funding Program provides financial support to incorporated community groups in Western Australia to deliver projects, programmes, events, and activities that benefit local communities. Grants are available through small grants of up to $10,000 and large grants above $10,000.

Overview of the City of Joondalup Community Funding Program

The City of Joondalup Community Funding Program supports incorporated community organisations delivering initiatives that improve community participation, wellbeing, connection, and sustainability.

The programme provides funding assistance for projects, programmes, events, and activities that create positive outcomes for residents across the City of Joondalup community.

Supported initiatives should contribute to:

• Stronger community participation.
• Connected and inclusive communities.
• Healthy and active lifestyles.
• Resilient and sustainable communities.

Purpose of the Community Funding Program

The main purpose of the programme is to help community organisations deliver initiatives that respond to local needs and strengthen community wellbeing.

The programme aims to:

• Encourage community involvement.
• Support local partnerships.
• Improve social connections.
• Promote healthy living.
• Build community resilience.
• Encourage sustainable community development.

Funding Categories

The Community Funding Program provides two levels of financial support:

Small Grants

Small grants provide funding of:

Up to $10,000

These grants are designed for smaller community initiatives that align with the programme priorities.

Large Grants

Large grants provide funding of:

More than $10,000

These grants support larger-scale projects, programmes, events, or activities that provide significant community benefits.

Community Funding Priorities

Applicants must ensure their proposed initiative addresses one or more of the programme priorities.

Supported projects should contribute to:

Community Participation

Initiatives should encourage residents to become involved in community activities and create opportunities for engagement.

Connected Communities

Projects should help strengthen relationships, inclusion, and connections among community members.

Healthy and Active Lifestyles

Activities that encourage physical activity, wellbeing, and healthy living are encouraged.

Resilient and Sustainable Communities

Projects should support long-term community strength, environmental awareness, and sustainable practices.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants must be incorporated community groups.

Applicants must be:

• Incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015, or
• Incorporated under another Australian State Government Incorporations Act.

Community organisations should demonstrate their ability to deliver activities that benefit residents of the City of Joondalup.

Eligible Projects and Activities

Proposed initiatives must:

• Provide benefits to the City of Joondalup community.
• Align with one or more Community Funding Program priorities.
• Be new initiatives.
• Preferably be delivered within the City of Joondalup local government area.

Examples of eligible initiatives may include:

• Community events.
• Local programmes.
• Participation activities.
• Wellbeing initiatives.
• Community development projects.

Ineligible Applications

Applications may not be eligible if:

• The same initiative has already received funding through another City of Joondalup funding programme during the same financial year.
• The project does not benefit the local community.
• The initiative does not align with programme priorities.
• The applicant does not meet incorporation requirements.

Application Process

Applicants must:

1. Review the Community Funding Program guidelines.
2. Contact the programme administrator to discuss the proposal before applying.
3. Prepare project details and supporting information.
4. Submit the application through the online SmartyGrants system when funding rounds are open.

Applicants should ensure applications are complete and submitted before the closing date.

Assessment Process

Applications are assessed based on:

• Eligibility requirements.
• Alignment with Community Funding Program priorities.
• Community benefit of the proposed initiative.

Applicants should clearly explain:

• The purpose of the project.
• How the community will benefit.
• How the initiative supports programme priorities.
• How the activity will be delivered.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

• Clearly describing the community need.
• Explaining expected outcomes.
• Demonstrating local community benefits.
• Showing how the project aligns with funding priorities.
• Providing realistic project information.
• Discussing the proposal with the programme administrator before submission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects that do not align with priorities.
• Applying for previously funded initiatives in the same financial year.
• Providing incomplete application information.
• Failing to demonstrate community benefit.
• Applying without confirming eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the City of Joondalup Community Funding Program?

The Community Funding Program provides financial support to incorporated community groups to deliver projects, programmes, events, and activities that benefit the City of Joondalup community.

Who can apply for the Community Funding Program?

Incorporated community groups registered under an Australian State Government incorporation framework can apply.

How much funding is available?

The programme provides small grants of up to $10,000 and large grants above $10,000.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports community projects, programmes, events, and activities that improve participation, connection, wellbeing, and sustainability.

Do projects need to take place in the City of Joondalup?

Projects must benefit the City of Joondalup community and are preferred to be delivered within the City of Joondalup local government area.

Can organisations receive funding for the same project from multiple City programmes?

No. Projects that have already received financial support through another City of Joondalup funding programme in the same financial year are not eligible.

How do organisations apply?

Applications must be submitted online through SmartyGrants during an open funding round after discussing the proposal with the programme administrator.

What makes an application competitive?

Strong applications clearly demonstrate community need, local benefits, alignment with programme priorities, and the organisation’s ability to deliver the proposed activity.

Conclusion

The City of Joondalup Community Funding Program provides valuable support for incorporated community groups delivering initiatives that improve participation, wellbeing, connection, and sustainability. By supporting locally driven projects and events, the programme helps build stronger and more resilient communities across Joondalup.