Call for Proposals: Facilities Grant (Australia)

The Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley Facilities Grant Program provides funding of $1,000 to $20,000 for eligible not-for-profit community groups undertaking facility and infrastructure projects. The grant supports improvements across sport, recreation, environment, arts and culture by funding projects that increase community access, safety, sustainability, functionality, and local participation.

Overview of the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley Facilities Grant Program

The Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley Facilities Grant Program supports not-for-profit community organisations to develop, upgrade, and improve community facilities and infrastructure.

The programme is designed to create a more liveable community by supporting projects that strengthen local services, improve community spaces, and provide long-term benefits for residents.

Supported projects may relate to:

Sport and recreation facilities.
Environmental initiatives.
Arts and cultural projects.
Community infrastructure.
Digital and technology improvements.
Accessibility upgrades.

Purpose of the Facilities Grant Program

The main purpose of the grant is to help community organisations deliver projects that improve:

Community accessibility.
Safety and usability of facilities.
Sustainability outcomes.
Community participation.
Service delivery.
Cultural and creative opportunities.

The programme prioritises projects that create lasting community benefits rather than short-term improvements.

Funding Details

Eligible projects can receive funding between:

Minimum grant amount: $1,000
Maximum grant amount: $20,000

Grant funding may support:

Facility planning and design.
Community infrastructure upgrades.
Accessibility improvements.
Sustainability projects.
Digital infrastructure.
Public art and cultural projects.
Equipment purchases that improve community services.

Applicants must ensure that requested funding does not exceed 50% of the total project cost.

Applicants must also demonstrate:

Other funding sources.
Financial contributions.
In-kind support where applicable.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to:

Not-for-profit community organisations.
Community groups delivering projects that benefit the Wyndham-East Kimberley community.

Applicants must meet the Shire’s general eligibility and funding requirements.

Eligible organisations must demonstrate:

A clear community benefit.
Capacity to deliver the project.
Appropriate planning and budgeting.
Compliance with relevant approvals.

Each organisation may receive one Facilities Grant per financial year.

Types of Projects Supported

The Facilities Grant supports a wide range of community improvement projects.

Community Facility Development and Upgrades

Funding may support:

Planning for new facilities.
Facility extensions.
Building improvements.
Infrastructure upgrades.
Improvements to existing community spaces.

Projects should improve long-term community use and accessibility.

Accessibility and Safety Improvements

Eligible activities may include:

Accessibility upgrades.
Safety improvements.
Improvements that allow greater community participation.
Facility modifications for inclusive access.

Sustainability and Environmental Projects

The programme supports projects that improve environmental outcomes, including:

Solar panel installation.
Water tanks.
Sustainability improvements.
Resource efficiency initiatives.

Technology and Digital Infrastructure

Funding may support:

Digital upgrades.
Technology improvements.
Communication infrastructure.
Equipment that improves community service delivery.

Arts, Culture and Heritage Projects

The grant may support:

Public art projects.
Cultural initiatives.
Projects that celebrate local creativity.
Activities supporting cultural heritage.

Equipment Purchases

Funding may be available for equipment that:

Improves community services.
Creates new opportunities.
Enhances facility use.

Why This Grant Matters

Community facilities play an important role in creating connected and resilient communities.

The Facilities Grant helps organisations:

Improve community spaces.
Expand access to services.
Strengthen local participation.
Support environmental sustainability.
Preserve local culture and creativity.

By supporting infrastructure improvements, the programme contributes to a stronger and more inclusive Wyndham-East Kimberley community.

Eligible Project Requirements

Applicants must ensure projects:

Provide long-term community benefit.
Are financially realistic.
Have appropriate approvals.
Include evidence of project costs.
Demonstrate community value.

For infrastructure projects involving buildings or permanent structures:

Projects must be located on Shire-owned or managed land, or
Applicants must meet relevant lease approval requirements.

Required Application Information

Applicants may need to provide:

Project description.
Detailed budget.
Project timeline.
Cost estimates.
Two quotes where possible for building and infrastructure works.
Evidence of funding sources.
Stakeholder consultation details.
Strategic plan alignment for projects valued above $50,000.
Project plan for larger projects.

How to Apply for the Facilities Grant

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the Community Need

Applicants should explain:

What issue the project addresses.
Who will benefit.
Why the project is needed.

Step 2: Develop a Project Plan

The application should include:

Project objectives.
Activities involved.
Expected outcomes.
Implementation timeline.

Step 3: Prepare a Budget

Applicants should provide:

Total project cost.
Grant amount requested.
Other funding contributions.
Quotes and supporting financial information.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applications must include all required documents and demonstrate compliance with Shire funding criteria.

Assessment Process

Applications are assessed against several criteria, including:

Project Suitability

Assessors consider:

Alignment with the grant objectives.
Need for the project.
Quality of the proposed activity.

Community Benefit

Projects are assessed on:

Number of people benefiting.
Improvements to community services.
Long-term value.

Project Viability

Applicants must demonstrate:

Realistic budgets.
Appropriate planning.
Ability to complete the project.

Sustainability and Compliance

Assessors consider:

Environmental benefits.
Long-term sustainability.
Required approvals and documentation.

Activities Not Eligible for Funding

The grant does not support:

Staff wages.
Operational costs.
Utilities.
Insurance expenses.
Administration costs.
Projects mainly benefiting one business or individual.
Projects without long-term community impact.
Retrospective projects already completed.
Alcohol-related costs.
Gambling-related activities.
Projects without required approvals.
Minor equipment repairs.
Replacement of consumable items.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their applications by:

Clearly explaining community benefits.
Providing realistic project budgets.
Including strong evidence of need.
Demonstrating community consultation.
Showing additional financial or in-kind support.
Explaining long-term sustainability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Requesting funding for ineligible expenses.
Submitting incomplete documentation.
Failing to provide quotes.
Not demonstrating community impact.
Requesting more than 50% of total project costs.
Starting projects before approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley Facilities Grant Program?

The Facilities Grant Program provides funding to not-for-profit community groups for infrastructure and facility projects that improve community services and spaces.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Eligible applicants can receive between $1,000 and $20,000 for approved facility and infrastructure projects.

Who can apply for the Facilities Grant?

Not-for-profit community organisations that meet the Shire’s eligibility requirements can apply.

What types of projects are supported?

The grant supports facility upgrades, accessibility improvements, sustainability initiatives, technology projects, arts and cultural activities, and equipment purchases that benefit the community.

Can funding cover the full project cost?

No. Grant funding cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost. Applicants must provide evidence of other funding sources.

Are operational costs eligible for funding?

No. Staffing, wages, utilities, insurance, administration expenses, and ongoing operational costs are not eligible.

Do infrastructure projects require special approvals?

Yes. Projects involving permanent buildings or infrastructure must meet land ownership, lease, and approval requirements.

Conclusion

The Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley Facilities Grant Program provides valuable support for community organisations seeking to improve local facilities, infrastructure, and services. Through funding of up to $20,000, the programme helps deliver safer, more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive community spaces that create long-term benefits for residents.