Apply Now: Grass Roots Community Grants (Australia)

The CBH Group Grass Roots Community Grants Program supports community-led projects that strengthen grain-growing communities across Western Australia. Eligible community organisations and groups can receive up to $10,000 for community events and up to $20,000 for small-scale infrastructure projects that align with CBH’s community investment priorities.

Overview of the CBH Group Grass Roots Community Grants Program

The CBH Group Grass Roots Community Grants Program provides financial support to community organisations and groups delivering projects that improve social connections, community wellbeing, and local infrastructure in grain-growing regions across Western Australia.

The program focuses on locally driven initiatives that reflect CBH’s purpose, values, and commitment to investing in regional communities. Supported projects must contribute to at least one pillar of the CBH Community Investment Fund Framework and deliver meaningful benefits for local residents.

Funded projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving the grant.

Purpose of the Grass Roots Community Grants Program

The program aims to:

Support community-led development.
Strengthen regional and rural communities.
Improve local facilities and infrastructure.
Encourage community participation and connection.
Support events and activities that create positive community outcomes.
Invest in projects that benefit grain-growing regions.

Funding Available

The program provides funding under two categories.

Community Event Grants

Community organisations can apply for funding of up to:

$10,000

These grants support events and activities that bring communities together, encourage participation, and strengthen local connections.

Examples may include:

Community celebrations.
Local engagement activities.
Community-building events.
Initiatives that promote regional identity.

Small-Scale Infrastructure Grants

Eligible infrastructure projects can receive funding of up to:

$20,000

These grants support improvements that provide ongoing benefits to community facilities.

Examples may include:

Community facility upgrades.
Small infrastructure improvements.
Projects that improve accessibility or usability of local spaces.

Funding Conditions

Applicants should note:

CBH funding cannot cover 100% of project costs.
Applicants must contribute additional funding or resources toward the project.
Successful applicants may need to provide an invoice before receiving payment.
Projects must be completed within 12 months of funding approval.

Eligible Projects

Projects must:

Be located within a grain-growing community in Western Australia.
Provide benefits to the local community.
Align with CBH’s values and community investment priorities.
Support at least one CBH Community Investment Fund Framework pillar.
Demonstrate clear community outcomes.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants may include:

Community organisations.
Community groups.
Schools without a Parents and Citizens (P&C) association.
Shires applying for eligible infrastructure projects.

Applicants must demonstrate that their project supports community development within a grain-growing region of Western Australia.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Applications will not be accepted from:

Private companies.
Public companies.
Individuals.
Political organisations.
Religious organisations.
Organisations currently involved in existing partnerships with CBH.
Organisations that have received CBH funding within the previous two years, except in exceptional circumstances.
Projects that discriminate based on race, gender, beliefs, class, or cultural considerations.

Ineligible Funding Activities

CBH grants cannot be used for:

Ongoing operational expenses.
Travel and accommodation costs.
Vehicles.
Meals or alcohol.
Prize money.
Covering the entire project cost.
Fundraising activities.
Government responsibilities.
Gambling-related activities.
Unsafe projects.
Projects that have already started.
Projects occurring during the judging period.

Why This Grant Matters

Regional communities play an important role in supporting Western Australia’s agricultural sector and local economies.

The CBH Grass Roots Community Grants Program helps communities by:

Supporting local ideas and leadership.
Improving community spaces.
Encouraging participation.
Strengthening social connections.
Supporting regional resilience.
Creating long-term community benefits.

By investing in grassroots initiatives, CBH helps communities develop projects that respond directly to local needs.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps when preparing their application.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before applying, organisations should ensure that:

They operate within an eligible grain-growing community.
Their project meets CBH requirements.
They are not excluded under the program guidelines.

Step 2: Develop a Project Plan

Applicants should clearly explain:

The purpose of the project.
The community need being addressed.
The expected outcomes.
The project timeline.
How the project benefits local residents.

Step 3: Prepare a Budget

Applications should include:

Total project costs.
Amount requested from CBH.
Applicant contribution.
Other funding sources if available.

The budget should demonstrate value for money and realistic project planning.

Step 4: Demonstrate Community Impact

Applicants should explain:

Who will benefit from the project.
How many community members may be reached.
How the project strengthens the local community.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Applications must:

Be complete.
Include all required information.
Be submitted during the official application period.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Assessment Process

Applications are assessed based on:

Eligibility requirements.
Alignment with CBH community investment priorities.
Strength of the proposed project.
Community benefit.
Project feasibility.
Ability to complete the project within the required timeframe.

Successful applicants must deliver projects according to approved plans and comply with CBH funding requirements.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances by:

Clearly explaining the community need.
Demonstrating strong local support.
Providing a realistic budget.
Showing long-term community benefits.
Explaining how the project aligns with CBH priorities.
Providing measurable outcomes.
Submitting a complete application before the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Requesting funding for ineligible expenses.
Applying for projects that have already started.
Failing to explain community benefits.
Submitting incomplete applications.
Requesting full project funding from CBH.
Proposing projects outside eligible grain-growing regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CBH Group Grass Roots Community Grants Program?

The CBH Group Grass Roots Community Grants Program provides funding to support community-led events and small-scale infrastructure projects that strengthen grain-growing communities across Western Australia.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Community event projects can receive up to $10,000, while small-scale infrastructure projects can receive up to $20,000.

Who can apply for the CBH Community Grants?

Eligible applicants include community organisations, community groups, schools without a P&C association, and shires applying for eligible infrastructure projects in Western Australian grain-growing communities.

Can CBH funding cover the entire project cost?

No. CBH funding cannot cover 100% of project costs. Applicants must contribute additional funding or resources toward the project.

What types of projects are supported?

The program supports community events and small-scale infrastructure projects that strengthen local communities and align with CBH’s Community Investment Fund Framework.

What expenses are not covered by the grant?

Funding does not cover operational costs, travel, accommodation, vehicles, meals, alcohol, prize money, fundraising activities, gambling-related activities, government responsibilities, or projects that have already commenced.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are assessed based on eligibility, alignment with CBH priorities, project quality, community impact, and the applicant’s ability to successfully deliver the project.

Conclusion

The CBH Group Grass Roots Community Grants Program provides valuable funding opportunities for community organisations working to improve grain-growing regions across Western Australia. By supporting local events and small-scale infrastructure projects, the program helps strengthen community connections, improve local facilities, and create lasting positive outcomes for regional communities. Eligible organisations with strong community-focused projects are encouraged to apply during the official funding periods.