Deadline: 15-Sep-2025
The Community-minded not-for-profit organisations across the Lockyer Valley are encouraged to explore the Major Community Grants Program, a meaningful funding opportunity designed to support projects, activities, or events that enrich the wider community.
The program focuses on supporting organisations rooted within the Lockyer Valley area, whether fully incorporated or part of an auspicing arrangement, provided they meet criteria such as viable budgeting, safety and insurance standards, and healthy relations with council obligations. Groups may only submit one application per round, underscoring the importance of careful preparation and alignment with regional priorities.
Grants ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 are available to help bring impactful ideas to life, be it through cultural, recreational, environmental or social initiatives tailored to enhance regional wellbeing.
Applicants are evaluated based on the community need they address, their capacity to deliver, local partnerships, and readiness to act—because funding is reserved for “shovel-ready” ideas that can be quickly put into motion. Importantly, the program steers clear of covering ongoing operating costs, funding projects that have already started, or initiatives run solely for commercial profit. Instead, it prioritises initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the Lockyer Valley region beyond internal or isolated goals.
The impact of the program is already felt across the region, with 14 community organisations in Round 1 2024–2025 receiving support—from sporting clubs and historical societies to cultural associations and community halls—each embracing a unique project that strengthens local capacity and connection. For community groups eager to turn ideas into action, this grant offers not just financial support, but a chance to make a meaningful difference at home.
Eligible organisations must either operate within the Lockyer Valley local government area or clearly demonstrate that their project will benefit its residents. They must also be able to show financial viability, maintain appropriate insurance, comply with workplace health and safety practices, and have no outstanding debts to the Council unless they are meeting scheduled payment arrangements. Additionally, applicants must have successfully met the acquittal conditions for any previous Council funding they’ve received.
The program is designed to ensure funds go to genuinely community-focused organisations. Therefore, applications from government agencies, departments at any level, businesses, or medical, educational, or religious institutions applying for core business needs are not accepted. However, community-based kindergartens and daycares are eligible. P&C Associations are also ineligible if their proposed projects are considered part of a school’s typical responsibilities. Furthermore, organisations that were funded in the previous Major Community Grant round cannot reapply in the current round.
For more information, visit Lockyer Valley Regional Council.