Submit Applications for Connected Communities Fund (Australia)

Deadline: 08-Mar-2026

The Connected Communities Fund is a competitive community grant program supporting new, innovative, and higher-risk initiatives in the Gladstone Region. With a total funding pool of $140,000, the program is open to incorporated not-for-profit organisations and sporting clubs that strengthen community capacity, wellbeing, connection, place activation, and strategic planning. Only new projects aligned with the fund’s five priority themes are eligible.

What Is the Connected Communities Fund?

The Connected Communities Fund is a targeted grant stream designed to support high-impact, community-led initiatives that require detailed planning and strong organisational capability.

Unlike small grants for ongoing activities, this fund prioritises:

• New and innovative ideas

• Higher-risk, higher-cost proposals

• Strong planning and governance

• Measurable community outcomes

The goal is to build stronger, more resilient communities across the Gladstone Region.

Total Funding Available

• Total allocation for this round: $140,000

• Competitive assessment process

• Funding awarded to eligible projects that best align with program priorities

Core Funding Themes

All applications must align with at least one of the five endorsed themes.

1. Capacity

Focus: Building organisational and community capability.

Supports:

• Community-led collaboration and partnerships

• Skills development initiatives

• Governance and leadership training

• Programs that help organisations develop sustainable solutions

Purpose: Strengthen internal capacity and long-term viability.

2. Place

Focus: Activating and enhancing community spaces.

Supports:

• Activation of Council-controlled facilities

• Projects in community-owned facilities

• Improvements to parks and open spaces

• Community-driven placemaking initiatives

Purpose: Create accessible, engaging, and inclusive public spaces.

3. Connect

Focus: Strengthening relationships and civic participation.

Supports:

• Community-led networking initiatives

• Projects that increase social inclusion

• Programs that improve cross-community understanding

• Civic engagement activities

Purpose: Improve social cohesion and community participation.

4. Wellbeing

Focus: Health, safety, and positive lifestyles.

Supports:

• Health promotion initiatives

• Community safety programs

• Wellbeing-focused activities

• Partnerships delivering preventive or supportive services

Purpose: Foster safe, healthy, and supported communities.

5. Planning

Focus: Strategic and sustainable development.

Supports:

• Development of organisational strategies

• Community planning frameworks

• Feasibility studies

• Long-term infrastructure or service planning

Purpose: Improve strategic governance and sustainability across the region.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a not-for-profit community organisation or sporting club

• Be based in or service the Gladstone Region

• Be incorporated

• Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) or complete a Statement by a Supplier

• Be financially solvent

• Maintain a current operational bank account

Australian Registered Charities may apply if they meet the above requirements.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Applications will not be considered from:

• Organisations funded under the Connected Communities Funding Stream in the current or previous financial year

• Proposals continuing existing programs

• Projects already funded by government

• Initiatives duplicating existing services

• Political organisations

• Religious or worship groups

• Educational institutions

• Organisations with access to gaming machine funds

• Government agencies

• Organisations that failed to acquit Council funding in the past two years

• Organisations with overdue debts to Council

• Organisations without an operational bank account

Strict compliance is required.

What Type of Projects Are Supported?

The fund prioritises:

• New initiatives (not expansions of existing programs)

• Collaborative partnerships

• High-competency delivery teams

• Projects with measurable outcomes

• Long-term community benefit

Projects must demonstrate:

• Strong governance

• Financial accountability

• Community need

• Sustainability beyond the grant period

Why This Fund Matters

The Connected Communities Fund addresses complex and emerging community needs by enabling organisations to:

• Pilot innovative solutions

• Build organisational resilience

• Activate underutilised spaces

• Strengthen regional collaboration

• Improve long-term community wellbeing

It supports structural improvement rather than short-term activity funding.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Step 1: Align with a Theme

Clearly identify which of the five themes your proposal addresses.

Step 2: Demonstrate Innovation

Explain how the initiative is new and not a continuation of existing work.

Step 3: Show Community Impact

Provide evidence of need and outline measurable outcomes.

Step 4: Present Strong Governance

Detail your organisation’s structure, leadership capability, and financial systems.

Step 5: Provide a Realistic Budget

Ensure the budget aligns with activities and demonstrates value for money.

Step 6: Confirm Eligibility Compliance

Verify incorporation, ABN, solvency, and acquittal history before submission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting continuation of an existing program

• Failing to clearly align with a theme

• Weak or vague outcome measurement

• Poorly justified budgets

• Outstanding Council debts

• Incomplete financial documentation

Careful preparation improves competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can we apply if we received funding last year?

No, if you received funding under the Connected Communities Funding Stream in the current or previous financial year.

2. Can we expand an existing program?

No. The fund supports new and innovative initiatives only.

3. Are sporting clubs eligible?

Yes, if they are incorporated and meet all eligibility criteria.

4. Do we need an ABN?

Yes, or you must complete a Statement by a Supplier.

5. Can schools or religious organisations apply?

No. Educational institutions and religious/worship groups are not eligible.

6. What makes a proposal competitive?

Strong theme alignment, innovation, measurable outcomes, sound governance, and community benefit.

7. Is collaboration encouraged?

Yes. Community-led partnerships are strongly supported under multiple themes.

Key Takeaway

The Connected Communities Fund is a strategic grant program supporting high-impact, innovative community initiatives in the Gladstone Region. With $140,000 available, eligible organisations that demonstrate strong planning, collaboration, and measurable community outcomes have the opportunity to secure meaningful funding and drive long-term regional impact.

Organisations should carefully review eligibility requirements, align proposals with the five priority themes, and submit well-developed applications that demonstrate sustainability and tangible community benefit.

For more information, visit Gladstone Regional Council.