Deadline: 17-Jun-2026
The Hinchinbrook Shire Council Community Grant Program supports community-led projects and events that enhance cultural, sporting, educational, and economic capacity within the Shire. Funding is available across five streams, ranging from $250 for individual youth achievements up to $12,000 for community and economic development projects, encouraging social inclusion, collaboration, and sustainable outcomes.
Overview
The Community Grant Program is designed to support initiatives that strengthen the Shire’s community and local economy. The program encourages projects that:
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Promote social inclusion, accessibility, and resilience
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Support physical and mental wellbeing
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Preserve and prioritise the natural environment
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Foster collaboration and partnerships across the community
Grant Streams & Funding
1. Local Community Support Grant
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Purpose: Supports community organisations based in the Shire or demonstrating significant benefit to its residents
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Funding: Determined per application; requires entry into a funding agreement
2. Youth Achievement Grant
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Purpose: Supports individuals or groups aged 24 or younger representing the Shire at a national level in academic, cultural, or sporting pursuits
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Funding:
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Individuals: up to $250
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Groups (3 or more): up to $700
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3. Community Activity Grant
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Purpose: Supports community groups undertaking activities aligned with Council’s lifestyle strategies
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Funding: Up to $2,000, assessed by a committee
4. Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF)
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Purpose: Enables professional and emerging artists and arts practitioners in the Shire to undertake arts and cultural projects
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Funding: Up to $10,000, assessed by the RADF Committee
5. Community and Economic Development Grant
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Purpose: Supports projects, activities, and events that grow business, investment, and employment in the Shire
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Funding: Between $2,000 and $12,000
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Focus: Encourages proposals that attract investment, improve education and employment opportunities, support economic diversification, and increase local and visitor spending
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Goal: Promote self-sufficiency and reduce long-term dependence on Council funding
Eligibility
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Who can apply:
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Individuals residing in the Shire
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Local incorporated or auspiced non-profits and organisations
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Businesses or organisations outside the region if activities benefit the Shire
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Who cannot apply:
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Applicants with outstanding acquittals or debts
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Government agencies or schools offering compulsory education
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Projects already funded by Council
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Ventures benefiting only a single business or narrow collective
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Project Focus
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Encourage diverse community support approaches
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Promote cultural, sporting, educational, and economic development
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Support safe, healthy, and sustainable environments
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Foster partnerships and collaboration within the community
Conclusion
The Hinchinbrook Shire Council Community Grant Program provides financial and strategic support for projects that enhance community life, promote youth achievement, strengthen arts and culture, and drive local economic growth. Funding ranges from $250 to $12,000 depending on the grant stream, empowering residents and organisations to make a lasting impact in the Shire.
For more information, visit Hinchinbrook Shire Council.