Deadline: 15-Sep-2025
Maitland City Council is inviting applications for the Community Celebrations Grants Program to support groups and community organisations in delivering events and activities that strengthen identity, foster belonging, and provide platforms for the community to come together.
The focus areas include community participation and involvement, promoting leadership and developing a strong sense of belonging, commemorative days that acknowledge and commemorate the service and sacrifice of the men and women who served Australia and its allies in wars, conflicts and peace operations, and recognised days and weeks that celebrate significant cultural and community initiatives on national and international calendars of diversity, inclusion, solidarity and awareness.
The Community Celebrations Grants Program provides up to $4,000 for eligible activities, with funds split equally between the Commemorative Days stream and the Recognised Days and Weeks stream. Grants are not automatically recurrent and must be applied for each funding round. Applicants may receive full or partial funding depending on assessment.
Under the Commemorative Days category, support is available for the coordination of events such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, as well as other anniversaries of wars, conflicts and peace operations listed on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs or Australian War Memorial calendars. The Recognised Days and Weeks category supports initiatives that mark important diversity and inclusion days listed by the United Nations or Diversity Council Australia, as well as other significant dates supported with appropriate documentation.
Eligible applicants are incorporated community organisations, voluntary groups, or unincorporated groups applying through an incorporated body willing to auspice the project. Multiple applications are permitted with prioritisation indicated. Applicants must also demonstrate matching contributions equal to the requested funding, with at least 40% in cash and the remaining 60% in either cash or in-kind contributions.
Funding will not cover recurrent operational costs, ongoing salaries, donations, religious or political activities, Australia Day events, refundable bonds, or projects without appropriate approvals such as street trading, road closures, or development consent.
The Community Celebrations Grants Program represents 12% of the overall Community Grant Program, reinforcing its importance in commemorating shared history and promoting inclusion within the Maitland LGA.
For more information, visit Maitland City Council.
