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Open Call for Community Investment Program (Australia)

Deadline: 06-Mar-2026

The Southern Ports Community Investment Program provides grants of up to $5,000 to support local projects that enhance community growth, sustainability, education, and maritime activities across the Great Southern, South West, and Goldfields-Esperance regions. The program prioritizes initiatives that create lasting impact, support Traditional Custodians, and strengthen local infrastructure and cultural opportunities. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, incorporated community groups, educational institutions, and local government authorities.

Overview

The Southern Ports Community Investment Program is designed to foster local development, engagement, and innovation by funding projects that address community needs. It supports initiatives that have a measurable, positive impact on residents, infrastructure, and cultural life.

The program targets projects that:

  • Promote maritime activities and regional engagement

  • Enhance sustainability and environmental stewardship

  • Support educational initiatives

  • Enable community events and infrastructure development

  • Create opportunities for Traditional Custodians and cultural preservation

Funding Details

  • Maximum grant per project: $5,000

  • Number of projects funded annually: Over 100

  • Regions supported: Great Southern, South West, Goldfields-Esperance

  • Funding rounds: Three per year; dates announced annually in May on Southern Ports’ website

  • Focus: Projects that deliver long-term, meaningful community benefits

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Not-for-profit organizations

  • Incorporated community organizations

  • Not-for-profit educational institutions

  • Local government authorities with a valid ABN

Ineligible applicants:

  • Commercial businesses or sole traders

  • Individuals

  • Sporting clubs competing with other groups in the same region unless applying through an overarching association

  • Projects conflicting with Southern Ports’ organizational values

Priority Areas

The program encourages projects that:

  • Are innovative and respond to community needs

  • Support community infrastructure or cultural initiatives

  • Create opportunities for Traditional Custodians

  • Promote sustainability and environmental awareness

  • Enhance education, skills, and learning opportunities

  • Foster community engagement through events and activities

How to Apply

  1. Review eligibility and program focus areas on the Southern Ports website.

  2. Prepare a detailed project proposal that outlines:

    • Objectives and expected outcomes

    • Community impact and engagement plan

    • Budget and how the $5,000 funding will be utilized

  3. Submit the application within the announced funding round dates.

  4. Ensure the organization holds a valid ABN and meets all compliance requirements.

Tips for a Successful Application

  • Clearly demonstrate community benefit and long-term impact

  • Highlight innovation or uniqueness of the project

  • Show collaboration with local partners or Traditional Custodians if relevant

  • Provide a clear, realistic budget and timeline

  • Avoid submitting projects that duplicate existing programs in the region

FAQs

1. What is the maximum funding available per project?

Up to $5,000.

2. Who can apply for funding?

Eligible applicants are not-for-profit organizations, incorporated community groups, educational institutions, and local government authorities.

3. Are individuals eligible to apply?

No, individuals and sole traders cannot apply.

4. How often are funding rounds held?

Three times per year, with dates announced on Southern Ports’ website in May.

5. Can sporting clubs apply?

Only if applying through an overarching association and not competing with similar groups in the same region.

6. What types of projects are prioritized?

Projects that are innovative, community-driven, sustainable, and culturally inclusive, including opportunities for Traditional Custodians.

7. What regions are supported?

Projects must be based in the Great Southern, South West, or Goldfields-Esperance regions.

Conclusion

The Southern Ports Community Investment Program provides meaningful support to community-focused projects that strengthen regional development, engagement, and sustainability. By funding innovative initiatives that benefit residents and preserve cultural and environmental values, the program contributes to long-term growth, wellbeing, and community resilience across southern Western Australia.

For more information, visit Southern Ports.