Deadline: 28-Feb-2026
The James Frizelle Charitable Foundation provides Small Grants to support grassroots not-for-profit organizations delivering community-led initiatives. Grants range from $500 to $10,000 for projects under $50,000, focusing on areas like community health, homelessness, domestic violence, mental health, and housing. Eligible projects must benefit local communities in Queensland and Northern New South Wales and be completed within 12 months.
Overview
The James Frizelle Charitable Foundation Small Grants are designed to empower local not-for-profit organizations to implement projects that address urgent community needs. This program prioritizes community health, disadvantaged groups, domestic violence, homelessness, housing, and mental health initiatives. Key features of the program include grant amounts of $500 – $10,000 per project, total project costs under $50,000, project duration up to 12 months, and focus on Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, and Lismore. Projects must directly benefit local communities, improving social wellbeing and providing tangible support to those in need.
Priority Areas for Funding
The Foundation focuses on funding initiatives in the following sectors:
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Community Health – Programs improving physical or mental wellbeing.
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Disadvantaged Groups – Projects supporting marginalized or vulnerable populations.
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Domestic Violence – Services and support networks for survivors.
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Homelessness – Initiatives providing shelter, housing solutions, or support.
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Housing and Accommodation – Projects that enhance living conditions for those in need.
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Mental Health – Programs addressing mental health challenges and promoting resilience.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible organizations include not-for-profit organizations with Deductible Gift Recipient Item 1 (DGR1) status, Australian charities providing benefits to citizens permanently residing in Australia, and groups using auspice arrangements. Auspice arrangements allow non-DGR1 organizations (auspicee) to deliver the project with a DGR1 organization (auspicor) holding the grant funds. Projects primarily target Gold Coast and Northern NSW, but emergency or natural disaster initiatives outside these areas may be considered.
What Can Be Funded?
The Small Grants program supports a variety of initiatives, including community activities, events, and services, community infrastructure projects, skill-building and confidence development programs, equipment or materials purchase or hire, volunteer training and capacity building, enhancing community gathering spaces, and other charitable activities aligned with the Foundation’s mission. Grants must result in a clear, measurable benefit for local communities.
How to Apply / How the Program Works
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Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your organization has DGR1 status or secure an auspice arrangement.
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Define the Project: Prepare a proposal that clearly addresses community needs within the Foundation’s priority areas.
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Budget and Duration: Ensure total project costs are under $50,000 and the project can be completed in 12 months.
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Submit Application: Provide detailed project plans, objectives, budget, and expected outcomes to the Foundation.
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Review Process: All applications are assessed and approved by the Foundation’s directors.
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Funding Agreement: If successful, the grant is disbursed to the approved organization or auspicor.
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Project Completion: Deliverables must be completed within the approved timeframe.
Common Mistakes and Tips
To improve your chances of success, avoid submitting incomplete applications or missing DGR1 documentation, clearly demonstrate direct community impact, align projects closely with the Foundation’s priority areas, ensure realistic budgets and achievable timelines, and include measurable outcomes and reporting plans.
FAQs
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Can organizations outside Gold Coast and Northern NSW apply? Yes, but only for emergency or natural disaster relief projects aligned with the Foundation’s mission.
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What is an auspice arrangement? It’s a partnership where a non-DGR1 organization (auspicee) delivers the project with a DGR1 organization (auspicor) holding the grant.
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What is the maximum grant amount? $10,000 per project, with total project costs under $50,000.
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How long does the project have to be completed? Projects must be completed within 12 months of funding approval.
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Who decides which projects are funded? All funding decisions are made by the Foundation’s directors.
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Can grants fund staff salaries? Yes, if salaries are directly tied to project delivery and community impact.
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Are volunteer initiatives eligible? Yes, initiatives that build volunteer capacity or enhance community participation are supported.
Conclusion
The Small Grants program empowers grassroots organizations to create meaningful change in local communities. By supporting projects in health, housing, and social wellbeing, the Foundation ensures that funding reaches those who need it most. Grants also enhance organizational capacity, foster community engagement, and strengthen local resilience.
For more information, visit James Frizelle Charitable Foundation.